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PREFACE. 


O the  Citizens  of  Macon  county  who  have  so 
generously  aided  us,  in  various  ways . to  collect 
reliable  data  for  the  compilation  of  this 
history , we  desire  to  express  our  grateful  thanks  ; especi- 
ally are  we  indebted  to  Capt.  f.  S.  Post , whose  vast 
store  of  historical  recollections  has  been  called  upon  and 
cheerfully  given. 

We  woidd  also  tender  thanks  for  the  valuable  assist- 
ance rendered  by  Edmiston  McClellan , Circuit  Clerk; 
Jasper  J.  Pcddicord,  Hon.  Richard  J.  Oglesby , Rev. 
Wm.  S.  Crissey,  H.  W.  Waggoner,  County  Clerk ; 
Samuel  F.  Greer , County  Judge ; Franklin  Priest, 
Samuel  Poivers,  Willis  Johnson,  D.  L.  Allen,  W.  F 
Howell Judge  *. 'Anthony  Thornton,  Robert  Johnson , H. 
W.  Davis,  J.  A.  Draper,  Z.  R.  Prather,  James  Querry 
and  John  Y.  Brader. 

Particularly  are  we  indebted  to  Mr.  John  Trainer , 
for  his  scholarly  article  on  the  common  schools  of  the 
county.  We  are  also  tinder  many  obligations  to  the 
members  of  the  different  professions  for  the  favors  con- 
ferred by  them.  From  the  press  we  have  received  that 
aid  which  members  of  the  profession  so  cheerfully 
render  to  one  another.  To  the  clergymen  of  the  vari- 
ous denominations , we  express  our  thanks  for  informa- 
tion cheerfully  given,  relative  to  the  history  of  their 
churches. 

Gentlemen  of  experience,  as  writers,  have  assisted  in 
the  production  of  this  book.  Among  whom  are  Prof. 


James  H.  Brownlee,  of  the  Southern  Illinois  Normal 
University , and  Prof.  J.  Pike,  of  Jerseyville. 

The  several  subjects  have  been  treated  with  care 
and  thoroughness. 

The  Publishers  are  also  indebted  for  many  valuable 
facts  to  John  W.  Smith,  the  author  of  a history  of  this 
county , published  a few  years  since.  We  have  confined 
ourselves , as  nearly  as  possible,  to  the  original  materials 
furnished.  The  public  may  not  be  aware  of  the  dif- 
ficulty  attending  the  compilation  of  a work  of  this 
character, — a difficulty  arising  not  so  much  from  a 
lack  of  material,  as  from  the  great  quantity  of  it, 
— and  the  care  necessary  in  making  a proper  selection. 
The  material  has  been  classified  as  carefully  as  possible, 
and  will,  we  are  assured,  be  a great  help  to  the  pub- 
lic, as  a book  of  reference,  concerning  the  past  of  the 
county , — its  geography,  geology  ; its  resources,  and  all 
sicbjects  connected  with  it.  We  expect  criticism.  All 
we  ask  is,  that  it  be  made  in  the  spirit  of  charity. 
If  our  patrons  will  take  into  account  all  the  difficulties 
to  be  overcome,  the  impossibility  of  harmonizing  various 
memories , of  reconciling  diverse  dates,  and  accurately  lo- 
calizing events  that  are  attributed  to  different  dis- 
tricts, we  feel  assured  the  verdict  will  be  a favorable 
one. 

We  present  the  work  to  the  public , trusting  that 
they  will  approve  our  labors  and  give  the  volume  a 
generous  reception. 


The  Publishers. 


CONTENTS 


TABLE  OF 


COUNTY  HISTORY. 

CHAPTER  PAGE. 

I. — Brief  Sketch  of  the  North- 

West  Territory 9 

II. — Brief  Historical  Sketch  of 

Illinois 20 

III.  — Pioneers  and  Early  Settlers  30 

IV.  — Customs  of  Early  Days 36 

V.— Geography,  Agricultural 

Resources  and  Railroad 

Facilities 40 

VI. — Geology 43 

VII. — Fauna 46 

VIII.— Flora 48 

IX. — Civil  History 49 

X. — Bench  and  Bar 59 

XI. — The  Press 64 

XII.  — The  Common  Schools 71 

XIII.  — Patriotism 79 

XIV.  — Ecclesiastical  History 100 


BIOGRAPHIES. 


PAGE. 

Adams,  D.  M 198 

Albert,  Martin 216 

Allison,  G.  S.,  M.  D 232 

Arbuckle,  A.  R / ....  149 

Bailey,  Frederick 195 

Baker,  N.  M 183 

Barnes,  Dr.  Wm.  A 143 

Barnes,  Ira  N 141 

Barrick,  J 209 

Bartlett,  G.  A 235 

Batchelder,  M.  E 218 

Batchelder,  Nathan  S 205 

Bates,  A.  H 167 

Black,  James  R 205 

Blume,  George  P 161 

Boardman,  Capt.  Isaac  S 190 

Bramble,  W.  H 143 


PAGE 

Brown,  Francis  A 194 

Brown,  Dr.  Josiah 148 

Brownlee,  R 231 

Burley,  James 223 

Butman,  J.  W 133 

Carr,  Dr.  R.  F 201 

Carr,  N.  A 211 

Casner,  L.  B 181 

Clark,  Horace  N.,  M.  D 176 

Clough,  J.  T 216 

Chambers,  Thos 223 

Chenoweth,  Dr.  Wm.  J 132 

Chenoweth,  Dr.  Cassidy 133 

Compton,  W.  J 173 

Cottle,  G.  F 193 

Coulter,  W.  F 222 

Crossman,  Rufus 207 

Crocker,  John 171 

Curtis,  Ira  B.  134 

Davis,  Thomas 214 

Dickey,  Wm.  (dec’d) 202 

Demsey,  C.  F.,  M.  D 217 

Dinneen,  John 156 

Dunlap,  D.  N 218 

Durfee,  B.  Iv 147 

Durfee,  George  S 149 

Durfee,  Henry  B.  (dec’d) 161 

Edgar,  A.  C 160 

Eichinger,  Michael 182 

Eldridge,  Edward  R 162 

Emery,  C.  F, 169 

Emery,  J.  W 228 

Evey,  M 199 

Faris,  John  P 177 

Fawkes,  Joseph  W 172 

Ferre,  A.  S 211 

Foster,  D.  L 231 

Foulke,  Edward 170 

Freeland,  D.  J 235 

Funk,  Milton  P 173 


PAGE 


Gallagher,  A.  J 130 

Gleason,  J.  B 234 

Grason,  Capt.  Wm 221 

Greenfield,  Alexander 200 

Greer,  Hon.  Samuel  F 150 

Gring,  I.  B 159 

Hamilton,  Wm.  D 189 

Hanks  John 204 

Harpstrite,  Edward 161 

Harwood,  Ivilburn 160 

Hawkyard,  A 226 

Haworth,  M 145 

Haworth,  George  D..., 137 

Hays,  F.  L 157 

Hiser,  John 220 

Holcomb,  T.  O 223 

Hopson,  James 213 

Hostetler,  Jacob,  (dec’d) 186 

Hoyt,  J.  N 187 

House,  E 210 

Huston,  Ulysses 206 

Jack,  S.  S 140 

Jones,  Edward  A 153 

Keller,  D.  P 214 

King,  Dr.  J.  S 156 

Laux,  Charles 155 

Leavitt,  A.  W 219 

Linn  & Scruggs 153 

Longstreet,  John 174 

Lytle,  Robert  P 150 

McBride,  Dr.  Samuel 139 

McClellan,  E 136 

McNabb,  E 149 

McReynolds,  J.  C 234 

Magee,  Wm.  J 206 

McGuire,  J.  D 185 

McKinney,  Wm.  A 201 

Martin,  David 159 

Millikin,  James 155 

Miller,  Frederick  W 172 


6 


CONTENTS. 


Moffett,  Hon.  Wm.  T 

PAGE 
192 

Moffett,  John 

194 

Moore,  Enoch  W 

142 

Myers,  Wm.  J 

202 

Nickey,  Simon  P 

221 

Oglesby,  Richard  J 

Park,  Richard  H 

Parker,  J.  S 

....  225 

Parker,  John  S 

170 

Patterson,  D 

227 

Perry,  R.  L 

158 

Powers,  Samuel 

Pritchett,  Thomas  A 

Querrey,  James 

197 

Robv,  Kilburn  H 

139 

Rosengrants,  Capt  H 

195 

Seitz,  Jacob 

....  999 

Seiberling,  J,  D 

210 

Shellabarger,  D.  S 

158 

Short,  G.  B 

Sleeter,  J.  H 

193 

Smith,  G.  A 

151 

Smith,  E.  O 

146 

Stuart,  Oliver  L 

164 

Swinehart,  Samuel 

200 

Thornton,  Anthony 

138 

Toland,  Aquilla,  (dec’d) 

227 

Thrift,  A.  J 

Trainer,  John 

154 

VanLeer,  Wm 

Wallace,  W.  H 

232 

Warren,  John  Iv 

133 

Wayne,  J.  B.  & W.  J 

158 

Weigel,  Daniel  S 

Whitley,  W.  L 

186 

Willard,  J.  G 

. ...  185 

Young,  George  S 

TOWNSHIP  HISTORIES. 


Decatur 115 

Whitman 163 

Maroa 165 

Niantic 174 

Long  Creek 178 

Harristown 183 

South  Wheatland ..  187 

Blue  Mound  190 

Friend’s  Creek 196 


TAGE 


Hickory  Point 203 

Pleasant  View 207 

South  Macon 212 

Illini 215 

Oakley 219 

Austin 224 

Mount  Zion.  229 

Milam 233 


ILLUSTRATIONS- 


Albert,  M 

..  Facing  216 

Bailey,  F 

..  “ 214 

Batchelder,  N.  S 

..  “ 204 

Barnes,  Dr.  Ira  N 

“ 142 

Barrick,  J 

..  “ 216 

Brenneman,  D.  W.  & E. ... 

..  “ 212 

Brown,  H.  T 

• • “ 194 

Buckels,  D 

. “ 176 

Business  Block,  (Niantic).. 

..  “ 176 

Church  Buildings . 

• “ 100 

Cottle,  G.  F 

..  “ 192 

Coulter,  W.  F 

- “ 182 

Crossman,  W.  R 

..  “ 206 

Decatur  High  School 

..  “ 77 

Deck,  M.  L 

“ 222 

Eckert,  M 

. “ 152 

Eichinger,  Michael 

• “ .182 

Hamilton,  Mrs.  Octavina.. 

• “ 186 

Hiser,  J 

..  “ 220 

House,  E 

. “ 210 

Hunsley,  C.  E 

. “ 184 

Kraft,  Mr.  & Mrs.  J 

• “ 186 

Leonard,  S 

. “ 182 

Martin,  Henry 

. '■  202 

Micliaux,  A 

. " 210 

Moore,  Dr.  E.  W 

. “ 142 

Moser,  Frank 

. “ 146 

Old  Log  School  House 

. “ 73 

Parker,  Wm.  Ii between  226  & 227 

Priest’s  Hotel 

. Facing  162 

Public  Buildings 

. “ 54 

Race,  J.  W 

. “ 158 

Rosengrantz,  Capt.  H 

. “ 194 

Scroggin,  T.  J 

“ 184' 

Seitz,  Jacob 

“ 220 

Taylor,  Wm 

. " 200 

Toland,  Mrs.  L.  A 

, “ 228 

Waggoner,  H.  W 

“ 146 

PAGE 

Walker,  J.  W Facing  212 

Whitley,  W.  L “ 186 

Young,  G.  S “ 202 


PORTRAITS. 


Andrews,  Thomas Facing  162 

Bates,  A.  H 167 

Barnes,  Ira  N 141 

Barrick,  Josiah 209 

Brown,  M.D.,  Josiah 148 

Casner,  L.  B 181 

Casner,  Mary  E 181 

Chenoweth,  Dr.  Win.  J Facing  132 

Crocker,  John 171 

Curtis,  Ira  B 134 

Demsey,  Dr.  C.  F 217 

Eichinger,  Michael 182 

Eichinger,  Lucy  E 182 

Emery,  C.  F 169 

Evey,  M 199 

Evey,  Sarah  P 199 

Gallagher,  A.  J 130 

Hamilton,  Wm.  D 189 

Hamilton,  Octavina 189 

Haworth,  George  D Facing  137 

Haworth,  M 145 

Hays,  F.  L 157 

Jack,  S.  S 140 

McClellan,  E. 136 

Moffett,  J.  B Facing  192 

Moore,  Enoch  W 142 

Oglesby,  R.  J 156 

Parker,  James  F 225 

Short,  George  B Facing  172 

Short,  Sarah  E.  (dec’d) “ 172 

Smith,  G.  A 151 

Thornton,  Anthony 138 

Trainer,  John 154 


Partial  List  of  Patrons 237 

Constitution  of  Illinois 243 

Declaration  of  Independence 250 

Constitution  of  the  United  States...  251 

Amendments  to  the  Constitution  of 
the  United  States 253 


i 


INTRODUCTION. 


EW  studies  are  more  interesting  and  profitable  to 
mankind  than  that  of  the  past  experiences,  deeds, 
thoughts  and  trials  of  the  human  race. 

The  civilized  man  and  the  untutored  savage  alike 
desire  to  know  the  deeds  and  lives  of  their  ancestors,  and  strive 
to  perpetuate  their  story.  National  patriotism  and  literary 
pride  have  prompted  many,  in  all  times,  to  write  and  preserve 
the  aunals  of  particular  peoples,  but  narrow  prejudice  and 
selfish  interests  too  often  have  availed  to  suppress  the  truth  or  to 
distort  facts. 

It  is  the  aim  of  this  work  to  collect  and  preserve  in  enduring 
and  popular  form  some  of  the  facts  of  the  early  settlement  and 
subsequent  growth  of  a great  county  of  a grand  State.  The 
families  whose  ancestors  were  early  on  the  ground,  and  whose 
members  have  made  the  county  what  it  is,  are  worthy  of  remem- 
brance ; and  their  difficulties  and  sorrows,  customs,  labors  and 
patriotism,  should  not  be  allowed  to  fall  into  oblivion.  By  a 
knowledge  of  these  the  present  generation  will  be  instructed,  and 
the  future  will  be  guided. 

All  history,  if  properly  written,  is  interesting  ; and  there  is  not 
a country,  or  a city,  or  a hamlet, — nay,  we  might  say,  not  a 
family  or  an  individual  on  the  globe, — whose  history  might  not 
be  more  or  less  valuable  to  posterity. 

From  the  ancient  days,  away  back  in  the  dim  and  shadowy 
past,  when  the  human  race  first  arrived  at  a state  of  intelligence 
sufficient  to  enable  them  to  transmit  a traditionary  or  written 
account  of  themselves,  all  along  down  the  teeming  ages,  our  pro- 
genitors have  left  in  various  ways,  and  by  different  means,  infor- 
mation, more  or  less  mythical,  of  the  age  and'generation  in  which 
they  played  their  ephemeral  part  on  the  world’s  ever-changing 
theatre  of  action.  It  is  graven  in  bronze  on  the  wonderful  works 
of  the  central  nations  of  Africa,  around  those  “ dim  fountains 
of  the  Nile;”  the  gray  old  pyramids  in  the  valley  of  “ twenty 
thousand  cities  ” are  covered  with  the  hieroglyphical  language  of 
the  “ shadowy  past.”  The  vast  and  mighty  “ palaces  and  piles 
stupendous,”  hoary  with  the  dust  of  unknown  centuries,  that 


bewilder  the  traveler  ’ mid  Egypt’s  drifting  sands,  upon  the 
plains  of  the  Euphrates,  and  hidden  away  in  the  tiger-hunted 
jungles  of  the  “ farthest  Ind  the  gigantic  ruins  of  Southern  and 
Central  America,  under  the  snow-capped  Cordilleras  and  among 
the  wondrous  forests  of  Yucatan;  the  seamed  and  wrinkled 
pyramids  of  the  Aztecs,  in  Mexico  and  California,  and  the  ten 
thousand  crumbling  evidences  of  a powerful  civilization  scattered 
throughout  the  great  valley  of  the  Mississippi,  all  bear  testimony 
of  countless  attempts  to  transmit  knowledge  to  posterity. 

The  written  history  of  the  American  Continent  dates  back 
scarcely  four  centuries,  yet  within  that  comparatively  short 
period  its  pages  have  garnered  from  her  hills  and  mountains, 
from  her  grand  rivers  and  mighty  inland  seas,  valuable  additions 
to  the  world’s  stock  of  knowledge. 

Like  the  Eastern  Continent,  our  own  has- its  historic  points, — 
its  nuclei  around  which  cluster  the  memories  of  heroic  deeds,  the 
story  of  martyrs,  and  the  legends  of  a barbarous  past.  St.  Au- 
gustine, Jamestown,  Plymouth  Rock,  Quebec,  Montreal,  Boston, 
New  York,  Philadelphia  and  Detroit,  are  localities  about  which 
gather  volumes  of  history. 

The  advance  of  civilization  on  the  North  American  Continent 
has  been  more  rapid  than  in  any  other  portion  of  the  globe  ; and, 
within  the  memory  of  living  men,  the  fairest  and  richest  portions 
have  been  wrested  from  the  dominion  of  the  wilderness  and  the 
savage,  and  changed  into  a highly-cultivated  regiou,  filled  with 
a race  of  industrious  and  thriving  people.  Prominent  among 
the  localities  rich  in  historic  lore  is  the  region  around  the  Mis- 
sissippi river.  It  early  claimed  the  attention  of  two  of  the  most 
powerful  nations  of  Europe,  whose  pioneers  and  avant  couriers 
were  boldly  pushing  into  the  then  unknown  countries  lying 
towards  the  “ Great  South  Sea,”  eagerly  looking  for  gold  and 
precious  stones,  for  fabled  Eldorados,  and  fertile  lands. 

Dim  traditions,  fragmentary  legends,  stories  of  bloody  warfare, 
of  disaster  and  defeat ; essays,  letters,  and  public  documents,  all 
bearing’more  or  less  upon  the  history  of  the  county,  have  been 
carefully  examined. 


8 


INTRODUCTION. 


To  collect  and  arrange  in  one  volume  these  various  fragments, 
this  abundant  material,  and  to  give  the  cream  of  all  the  best 
authors  who  have  treated  the  subject,  together  with  all  additional 
information  it  was  possible  to  obtain,  and  present  it  in  readable 
form,  has  been  the  object  of  the  publishers  of  the  present  ( 
work. 

We  know,  full  well,  the  task  is  not  a light  one  ; the  contem- 
plated work  is  by  no  means  a holiday  frolic.  Hard,  steady, 
close  application  and  untiring  energy  are  necessary  to  accom- 
plish it,  and  we  have  approached  the  subject  with  the  greatest 
diffidence,  not  unmindful  of  our  shortcomings,  yet,  at  the  same 
time,  fully  determined  to  do  our  best,  and  trust  a generous  and 
discriminating  public  to  do  us  justice,  hoping  and  believing  that 
our  labors  shall  not  have  been  wholly  in  vain. 

The  utmost  pains  have  been  taken  to  read  thoroughly  and  com- 
pare carefully  the  various  writers,  and  to  sift  out  and  reconcile 
discrepancies,  for  historians  not  unfrequently  disagree  upon  minor 
points.  The  work  of  reading  and  comparing  has  been  no  ordinary 
one,  and  the  difficulty  has  not  been  so  much  in  collecting  as  in 
making  a judicious  and  truthful  use  of  the  abundant  material  at 
hand. 

The  traditions  of  the  Indians,  as  given  by  Heckewelder  and 
others,  have  been  quoted  quite  extensively,  and  as  an  important 
factor  in  the  sum  total  of  knowledge  concerning  this  region  ; and 
the  early  discoveries  of  Marquette,  La  Salle,  Hennepin  and  other 
French  adventurers  in  the  valley  of  the  Mississippi  and  the  basin 
of  the  great  lakes  of  the  Northwest,  have  also  demanded  a large 
share  of  attention,  as  preliminary  to  the  troubles  which  grew  out 
of  the  conflicting  claims  of  the  French  and  English  crowns, 
resulting  in  a contest  for  supremacy,  and  in  which  not  only  all 
the  contiguous  region,  but  the  entire  French  and  English  posses- 
sions in  America,  a large  share  of  Europe,  and  immense  regions 
in  Asia  and  the  islands  of  the  sea,  were  interested  and  in- 
volved. 

Another  object  to  be  gained  by  this  work,  is  to  bring  to  the 
notice  of  the  people  the  immense  resources  which  a bountiful 
Providence  has  bestowed  upon  them,  and  which  it  becomes,  not 
merely  a privilege  to  use,  but  a duty  to  improve.  How  little 
is  now  known  of  these  treasures,  and  how  greatly  profitable  such 
information  may  be,  needs  only  a thought  to  comprehend.  Our 
fertile  soils,  our  noble  timber  trees,  our  genial  climate,  our  inex- 
haustible mineral  treasures,  and  our  easy  facilities  for  commerce 
are,  in  a great  degree,  unknown  even  to  our  own  population. 


This  volume  seeks  to  develop  an  appreciation  of  them,  and  to 
stimulate  a desire  to  improve  and  extend  them. 

Then,  local  customs,  old  family  traits  and  anecdotes  are  so  rich 
in  interest  and  so  full  of  instruction  to  the  young,  that  they  ought 
never  to  be  forgotten.  These,  so  many  as  time  and  diligence 
could  gather,  are  here  recorded,  and  will  be  found  to  form  no  un- 
important or  uninstructive  portion  of  this  volume. 

Among  the  most  influential  agencies  in  building  a nation,  and 
in  establishing  a character  for  its  people,  are  the  efforts  of  its 
citizens  to  educate  their  children  and  to  provide  for  social  relig- 
ious worship.  These  two  interests  will,  therefore,  show  most  ac- 
curately the  tastes,  the  habits  and  aspirations  of  a community. 
Hence  they  have  been  made  prominent  in  the  ensuing  narra- 
tive, and  it  is  confidently  hoped  that  they  will  not  only  interest 
readers,  but  will  be  studied  and  appreciated. 

The  work  will  be  found  embellished  with  views  of  public  and 
private  property,  in  various  parts  of  the  county,  and  with  por- 
traits and  biographies  of  many  of  the  prominent  men  of  the  past 
and  present. 

The  chapter  on  the  early  history  of  the  State  will  be  found 
interesting  and  instructive. 

The  Constitution  of  the  United  States  and  of  this  State,  and  a 
roster  of  the  soldiers  of  the  late  war,  have  been  inserted  with  a 
view  to  make  the  work  more  creditable,  alike  to  the  publishers 
and  people  of  the  county. 

The  work  may  be  incomplete  in  some  particulars.  Nor  indeed 
is  it  possible  for  it  to  be  otherwise  ; but  we  hope  so  far  as  it 
goes  it  is  truthful  and  accurate. 

We  trust,  however,  that  it  will  be  the  means  of  preserving 
from  the  empire  of  decay  a host  of  incidents,  of  recollections,  and 
of  anecdotes,  relating  to  the  hardy  pioneers  and  first  settlers  of 
the  county,  which,  in  the  estimation  of  the  historian  and  student 
of  history,  are  of  priceless  value,  but  which  otherwise  would  soon 
fade  from  the  memories  of  the  living. 

Whether  this  has  been  well  done  is  not  for  us  to  say.  A gen- 
erous and  intelligent  public  must  decide.  It  is  not  permitted 
any  man  to  attain  perfection.  Its  region  lies  beyond  our  reach. 
We  feel,  however,  in  submitting  this  work  to  the  inspection  of 
the  patrons,  whose  public  spirit  made  possible  its  preparation, 
that  satisfaction  which  results  from  a consciousness  of  faithful 
endeavor  and  an  earnest  desire  to  fulfil  the  expectations  of  all. 

Our  work  is  accomplished,  and  its  result  is  submitted  to 
your  favorable  inspection. 


V* 


HISTORY 

k 

OF 

MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS.. 


CHAPTER  I. 

A BRIEF  SKETCH  OF  THE  NORTH-WEST  TERRITORY. 

GEOGRAPHICAL  POSITION. 

LYUTYI  N 1784  the  North-western  Territory  was  ceded  to  the 
13k?  United  States  by  Virginia.  It  embraced  only  the 
p9\  territory  lying  between  the  Ohio  and  Mississipi  rivers, 
and  north,  to  the  northern  limits  of  the  United  States. 
It  coincided  with  the  area  now  embraced  in  the  states  of  Wiscon- 
sin, Illinois,  Michigan,  Indiana,  Ohio,  and  that  portion  of  Min- 
nesota lying  on  the  east  side  of  the  Mississippi  river.  On  the 
first  day  of  March,  1784,  Thomas  Jefferson,  Samuel  Hardy, 
Arthur  Lee,  and  James  Monroe,  delegates  in  Congress  on  the 
part  of  Virginia,  executed  a deed  of  cession,  by  which  they 
transferred  to  the  United  States,  "on  certain  conditions,  all  right, 
title  and  claim  of  Virginia  to  the  country  known  as  the  North- 
western Territory.  But  by  the  purchase  of  Louisiana  in  1803, 
the  western  boundary  of  the  United  States  was  extended  to  the 
Rocky  Mountains  and  the  Northern  Pacific  Ocean.  It  includes 
an  area  of  1,887,850  square  miles,  being  greater  than  the  united 
areas  of  the  Middle  and  Southern  states,  including  Texas.  Out 
of  this  magnificent  territory  have  been  erected  eleven  sovereign 
states  and  eight  territories,  with  an  aggregate  population  at  the 
present  time  of  13,000,000  inhabitants,  or  nearly  one-third  of  the 
entire  population  of  the  United  States. 

Its  rivers  are  the  largest  on  the  continent,  flowing  thousands 
of  miles  through  its  rich  alluvial  valleys  and  broad,  fertile 
prairies. 

Its  lakes  are  fresh-water  seas,  upon  whose  bosom  floats  the 
commerce  of  many  states.  Its  far-stretching  prairies  have  more 
acres  that  are  arable  and  productive  than  any  other  area  of  like 
extent  on  the  globe. 

For  the  last  quarter  of  a century  the  increase  of  population 
and  wealth  in  the  north-west  has  been  about  as  three  to  one  in 
any  other  portion  of  the  United  States. 

EARLY  EXPLORATIONS. 

In  the  year  1512,  on  Easter  Sunday,  the  Spanish  name  for 


I which  is  Pascua  Florida,*  Juan  Ponce  de  Leon,  an  old  comrade 
of  Columbus,  discovered  the  coast  of  the  American  continent, 
near  St.  Augustine,  and  in  honor  of  the  day  and  of  the  blossoms 
which  covered  the  trees  along  the  shore,  named  the  new-found 
country  Florida.  Juan  had  been  led  to  undertake  the  discovery 
of  strange  lands  partly  by  the  hope  of  finding  endless  stores  of 
gold,  and  partly  by  the  wish  to  reach  a fountain  that  was  said 
to  exist  deep  within  the  forests  of  North  America,  which  pos- 
sessed the  power  of  renovating  the  life  of  those  who  drank  of 
or  bathed  in  its  waters.  He  was  made  governor  of  the  region 
he  had  visitqd,  but  circumstances  prevented  his  return  thither 
until  1521 and  then  he  went  only  to  meet  death  at  the  hands 
of  the  Indians. 

In  the  meantime,  in  1516,  a Spanish  sea-captain,  Diego  Mi- 
ruelo,  had  visited  the  coast  first  reached  by  Ponce  de  Leon,  and 
in  his  barters  with  the  natives  had  received  considerable  quan- 
tities of  gold,  with  which  he  returned  home  and  spread  abroad 
new  stories  of  the  wealth  hidden  in  the  interior. 

Ten  years,  however,  passed  before  Pamphilo  de  Narvaez  un- 
dertook to  prosecute  the  examination  of  the  lands  north  of  the 
Gulf  of  Mexico.  Narvaez  was  excited  to  action  by  the  late 
astonishing  success  of  the  conqueror  of  Montezuma,  but  he 
found  the  gold  for  which  he  sought  constantly  flying  before  him; 
each  tribe  of  Indians  referred  him  to  those  living  farther  in  the 
interior.  And  from  tribe  to  tribe  he  and  his  companions  wan- 
dered. They  suffered  untold  privations  in  the  swamps  and 
forests;  and  out  of  three  hundred  followers  only  four  or  five  at 
length  reached  Mexico.  And  still  these  disappointed  wanderers 
persisted  in  their  original  fancy,  that  Florida  was  as  wealthy  as 
Mexico  or  Peru. 

Among  those  who  had  faith  in  that  report  was  Ferdinand  de 
Soto,  who  had  been  with  Pizarro  in  the  conquests  of  Peru.  He 
asked  and  obtained  leave  of  the  King  of  Spain  to  conquer 
Florida  at  his  own  cost.  It  was  given  in  the  year  1538.  With 
a brilliant  and  noble  band  of  followers  he  left  Europe,  and  in 
May,  1538,  after  a stay  in  Cuba,  anchored  his  vessels  near  the 

* Pascua,  (he  old  English  “ Pash  ” or  Passover;  “ Pascua  Florida  ” is  the  " Holy- 
I day  of  Flowers.” 


10 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


coast  of  the  Peninsula  of  Florida,  in  the  bay  of  Spiritu  Santa, 
or  Tampa  bay. 

De  Soto  entered  upon  his  march  into  the  interior  with  a deter- 
mination to  succeed.  From  June  till  November  of  1539,  the 
Spaniards  toiled  along  until  they  reached  the  neighborhood  of 
Appalachee  bay.  During  the  next  season,  1540,  they  followed 
the  course  suggested  by  the  Florida  Indians,  who  wished  them 
out  of  their  country,  and  going  to  the  north-east,  crossed  the 
rivers  and  climbed  the  mountains  of  Georgia.  De  Soto  was  a 
stern,  severe  man,  and  none  dared  to  murmur.  De  Soto  passed 
the  winter  with  his  little  band  near  the  Yazoo.  In  April,  1541, 
the  resolute  Spaniard  set  forward,  and  upon  the  first  of  May 
reached  the  banks  of  the  great  river  of  the  West,  not  far  from 
the  35th  parallel  of  latitude.* 

A month  was  spent  in  preparing  barges  to  convey  the  horses, 
many  of  which  still  lived,  across  the  rapid  stream.  Having 
successfully  passed  it,  the  explorers  pursued  their  way  north- 
ward, into  the  neighborhood  of  New  Madrid ; then  turning 
westward  again,  marched  more  than  two  hundred  miles  from  the 
Mississippi  to  the  highlands  of  White  river  ; and  still  no  gold, 
no  gems,  no  cities — only  bare  prairies,  and  tangled  forests,  and 
deep  morasses.  To  the  south  again  they  toiled-  on,  and  passed 
their  third  winter  of  wandering  upon  the  Washita.  In  the  fol- 
lowing spring  (1542),  De  Soto,  weary  with  hope  long  deferred, 
descended  the  Washita  to  its  junction  with  the  Mississippi.  He 
heard,  when  he  reached  the  mighty  stream  of  the  west,  that  its 
lower  portion  flowed  through  endless  and  uninhabitable  swamps. 

The  news  sank  deep  into  the  stout  heart  of  the  disappointed 
warrior.  His  health  yielded  to  the  contests  of  his  mind  and  the 
influence  of  the  climate.  He  appointed  a successor,  and  on  the 
21st  of  May  died.  His  body  was  sunk  in  the  stream  of  the  Mis- 
sissippi. Deprived  of  their  energetic  leader,  the  Spaniards 
determined  to  try  to  reach  Mexico  by  land.  After  some  time 
spent  in  wandering  through  the  forests,  despairing  of  success  in 
the  attempt  to  rescue  themselves  by  land,  they  proceeded  to  pre- 
pare such  vessels  as  they  could  to  take  them  to  sea.  From 
January  to  July,  1543,  the  weak,  sickly  band  of  gold-seekers 
labored  at  the  doleful  task,  and  in  July  reached,  in  the  vessels 
thus  built,  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  and  by  September  entered  the 
river  Paunco.  One-half  of  the  six  hundred  f who  had  disem- 
barked with  De  Soto,  so  gay  in  steel  and  silk,  left  their  bones 
among  the  mountains  and  in  the  morasses  of  the  South,  from 
Georgia  to  Arkansas. 

De  Soto  founded  no  settlements,  produced  no  results,  and  left 
no  traces,  unless  it  were  that  he  awakened  the  hostility  of  the 
red  man  against  the  white  man,  and  disheartened  such  as  might 
desire  to  follow  up  the  career  of  discovery  for  better  purposes. 
The  French  nation  were  eager  and  ready  to  seize  upon  any  news 
from  this  extensive  domain,  and  were  the  first  to  profit  by  De 
Soto’s  defeat.  As  it  was,  for  more  than  a century  after  the 
expedition,  the  west  remained  utterly  unknown  to  the  whites. 

The  French  were  the  first  Europeans  to  make  settlements  on 
the  St-  Lawrence  river  and  along  the  great  lakes.  Quebec  was 
founded  by  Sir  Samuel  Champlain  in  1608,  and  in  1609,  when 
Sir  Henry  Hudson  was  exploring  the  noble  river  which  bears 

* De  Soto  probably  was  at  the  lower  Chickasaw  bluffs.  The  Spaniards  called  the 
Mississippi  Rio  Grande,  Great  River,  which  is.  the  literal  meaning  of  tho  aboriginal 
name. 

t De  Biedna  says  there  landed  620  men. 


his  name,  Champlain  ascended  the  Sorelle  river,  and  discovered, 
embosomed  between  the  Green  mountains,  or  “ Verdmont,”  as 
the  chivalrous  and  poetic  Frenchman  called  them,  and  the  Adi- 
rondacks,  the  beautiful  sheet  of  water  to  which  his  name  is 
indissolubly  attached.  In  1613  he  founded  Montreal. 

During  the  period  elapsing  between  the  years  1607  and  1664, 
the  English,  Dutch,  and  Swedes  alternately  held  possession  of 
portions  of  the  Atlantic  coast,  jealously  watching  one  another, 
and  often  involved  in  bitter  controversy,  and  not  seldom  in  open 
battle,  until,  in  the  latter  year,  the  English  became  the  Sole 
rulers,  and  maintained  their  rights  until  the  era  of  the  Revolu- 
tion, when  they  in  turn  were  compelled  to  yield  to  the  growing 
power  of  their  colonies,  and  retire  from  the  field. 

The  French  movements,  from  the  first  settlement  at  Quebec, 
and  thence  westward,  were  led  by  the  Catholic  missionaries.  Le 
Caron,  a Franciscan  Iriar,  who  had  been  the  companion  and 
friend  of  Champlain,  was  the  first  to  penetrate  the  western  wilds, 
which  he  did  in  1616*  in  a birch  canoe,  exploring  Lake  Huron 
and  its  tributaries.  This  was  four  years  before  the  Pilgrims 

“Moored  their  bark  on  tho  wild  New-England  shore.” 

Under  the  patronage  of  Louis  XIII.,  the  Jesuits  took  the  ad- 
vance, and  began  vigorously  the  work  of  Christianizing  the 
savages  in  1632. 

In  1634,  three  Jesuit  missionaries,  Brebeuf,  Daniel,  and  Lal- 
lemand,  planted  a mission  on  the  shores  of  the  lake  of  the 
Iroquois  (probably  the  modern  Lake  Simcoe),  and  also  esta- 
blished others  along  the  eastern  border  of  Lake  Huron. 

From  a map  published  in  1660,  it  would  appear  that  the 
French  had,  at  that  date,  become  quite  familiar  with  the  region 
from  Niagara  to  the  head  of  Lake  Superior,  including  consider- 
able portions  of  Lake  Michigan. 

In  1641,  Fathers  Jogues  and  Raymbault  embarked  on  the  Pene- 
tanguishiue  Bay  for  the  Sault  St.  Marie,  where  they  arrived 
after  a passage  of  seventeen  days.  A crowd  of  two  thousand 
natives  met  them,  and  a great  council  vTas  held.  At  this  meet- 
ing the  French  first  heard  of  many  nations  dwelling  beyond  the 
great  lakes. 

Father  Raymbault  died  in  the  wilderness  in  1642,  while 
enthusiastically  pursuing  his  discoveries.  The  same  year,  Jogues 
and  Bressani  were  captured  by  the  Indians  and  tortured,  and  in 
1648  the  mission  which  had  been  founded  at  St.  Joseph  was 
taken  and  destroyed,  and  Father  Daniel  slain.  In  1649,  the 
missions  St.  Louis  and  St.  Ignatius  were  also  destroyed,  and 
Fathers  Brebeuf  and  Lallemaiul  barbarously  tortured  by  the 
same  terrible  and  unrelenting  enemy.  Literally  did  those 
zealous  missionaries  of  the  Romish  Church  “ take  their  lives  in 
their  hands,”  and  lay  them  a willing  sacrifice  on  the  altar  of 
their  faith. 

It  is  stated  by  some  writer  that,  in  1654,  two  fur-traders  ac- 
companied a band  of  Ottawas  on  a journey  of  five  hundred 
leagues  to  the  west.  They  wTere  absent  two  years,  and  on  their 
return  brought  with  them  fifty  canoes  and  two  hundred  and  fifty 
Indians  to  the  French  trading  posts. 

They  related  wonderful  tales  of  the  countries  they  had  seen, 
and  the  various  red  nations  they  had  visited,  and  described  the 
lofty  mountains  and  mighty  rivers  in  glowung  terms.  A new 

* Western  Annals. 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


11 


impulse  was  given  to  the  spirit  of  adventure,  and  scouts  and 
traders  swarmed  the  frontiers  and  explored  the  great  lakes  and 
adjacent  country,  and  a party  wintered  in  1659-60  on  the  south 
shore  of  Lake  Superior. 

In  1660  Father  Mesnard  was  sent  out  by  the  Bishop  of 
Quebec,  and  visited  Lake  Superior  in  October  of  that  year. 
While  crossing  the  Keeweeuaw  Point  he  was  lost  in  the  wilder- 
ness and  never  afte  rwards  heard  from,  though  his  cassock  and 
breviary  were  found  long  afterwards  among  the  Sioux. 

A change  was  made  in  the  government  of  New  France  in 
1665.  The  Company  of  the  Hundred  Associates,  who  had  ruled 
it  since  1632,  resigned  its  charter.  Tracy  was  made  Viceroy, 
Courcelles  Governor,  and  Talon  Intendent.  * This  was  called 
the  Government  of  the  West  Indies. 

The  Jesuit  missions  were  taken  under  the  care  of  the  new  gov- 
ernment, and  thenceforward  became  the  leaders  in  the  movement 
to  Christianize  the  savages. 

In  the  same  year  (1665)  Pierre  Claude  Alloiiez  was  sent  out 
by  way  of  the  Ottawa  river  to  the  far  west,  via  the  Sault  St. 
Marie  and  the  south  shore  of  Lake  Superior,  where  he  landed  at 
the  bay  of  Chegoimegon.  Here  he  found  the  chief  village  of 
the  Chippewas,  aud  established  a mission.  He  also  made  an 
alliance  with  them  and  the  Sacs,  Foxes  and  Illinois,  f against 
the  formidable  Iroquois.  Alloiiez,  the  next  year  (1666)  visited 
the  western  end  of  the  great  lake,  where  he  met  the  Sioux,  and 
from  them  first  learned  of  the  Mississippi  river,  which  they 
called  “Messipi.”  From  thence  he  returned  to  Quebec. 

In  1668  Claude  Dablon  and  Jacques  Marquette  established 
the  mission  at  the  Sault  called  St.  Marie,  and  during  the  next 
five  years  Alloiiez,  Dablon  and  Marquette  explored  the  region 
of  Lake  Superior  on  the  south  shore,  and  extending  to  Lake 
Michigan.  They  also  established  the  missions  of  Chegoimegon, 
St.  Marie,  Mackinaw  and  Green  Bay. 

The  plan  of  exploring  the  Mississippi  probably  originated  with 
Marquette.  It  was  at  once  sanctioned  by  the  Intendent,  Talon, 
who  was  ambitious  to  extend  the  dominion  of  France  over  the 
whole  West. 

In  1670  Nicholas  Perot  was  sent  to  the  West  to  propose  a 
congress  of  all  the  nations  and  tribes  living  in  the  vicinity  of  the 
lakes;  and,  in  1671,  a great  council  was  held  at  Sault  St.  Marie, 
at  which  the  Cross  was  set  up,  and  the  nations  of  the  great 
North-west  were  taken  into  an  alliance,  with  much  pomp  and 
ceremony. 

On  the  13th  of  May,  1673,  Marquette,  Joliet,  and  five  voyageurs, 
embarked  in  two  birch  canoes  at  Mackinaw  aud  entered  Lake 
Michigan.  The  first  nation  they  visited  was  the  “ Folles-Avoines,” 
or  nation  of  Wild  Oats,  since  known  as  the  Menomonies,  living 
around  the  “ Baie  des  Puans,”  or  Green  Bay.  These  people, 
with  whom  Marquette  was  somewhat  acquainted,  endeavored  to 
persuade  the  adventurers  from  visiting  the  Mississippi.  They 
represented  the  Indians  on  the  great  river  as  being  blood-thirsty 
and  savage  in  the  extreme,  and  the  river  itself  as  being  in- 
habited by  monsters  which  would  devour  them  and  their  canoes 
together.  J 

* The  duties  of  Intendent  included  a supervision  of  the  policy,  justice,  and  finance 
of  the  province. 

fThe  meaning  of  this  word  is  said  to  be  “Men.” 

JSee  legend  of  the  great  bird,  the  terrible  “ Piasa  ” that  devoured  men,  and  was 
only  overcome  by  the  sacrifice  of  a brave  young  chief.  The  rocks  above  Alton,  Illin- 
ois, have  some  rude  representations  of  this  monster. 


Marquette  thanked  them  for  their  advice,  but  declined  to  be 
guided  by  it.  Passing  through  Green  Bay,  they  ascended  the 
Fox  Kiver,  dragging  their  canoes  over  the  strong  rapids,  and 
visited  the  village,  where  they  found  living  in  harmony  together 
tribes  of  the  Miamis,  Mascoutens  * and  Kikabeax,  or  Kiclcapoos. 
Leaving  this  point  on  the  10th  of  June,  they  made  the  portage 
to  the  “ Ouisconsin,”  and  descended  that  stream  to  the  Missis- 
sippi, which  they  entered  on  the  17th  with  a joy,  as  Marquette 
says,  which,  he  could  not  express.”  f 

Sailing  down  the  Mississippi,  the  party  reached  the  Des 
Moines  River,  and,  according  to  some,  visited  an  Indian  village 
some  two  leagues  up  the  stream.  Here  the  people  again  tried  to 
persuade  them  from  prosecuting  their  voyage  down  the  river. 
After  a great  feast  and  a dance,  and  a night  passed  with  this 
hospitable  people,  they  proceeded  on  their  way,  escorted  by  six 
hundred  persons  to  their  canoes.  These  people  called  themselves 
Illinois,  or  Mini.  The  name  of  their  tribe  was  Peruaca,  and 
their  language  a dialect  of  the  Algonquin. 

Leaving  these  savages,  they  proceeded  down  the  river.  Pass- 
ing the  wonderful  rocks,  which  still  excite  the  admiration  of  the 
traveler,  they  arrived  at  the  mouth  of  another  great  river,  the 
Pelcitanoni,  or  Missouri  of  the  present  day.  They  noticed  the 
condition  of  its  waters,  which  they  described  as  “ muddy,  rush- 
ing and  noisy.” 

Passing  a great  rock,J  they  came  to  the  Ouabouslcigon,  or 
Ohio.  Marquette  shows  this  river  very  small,  even  as  compared 
with  the  Illinois.  From  the  Ohio  they  passed  as  far  down  as  the 
AJcamsca,  or  Arkansas,  where  they  came  very  near  being  de- 
stroyed by  the  natives  ; but  they  finally  pacified  them,  and,  on 
the  17th  of  July,  they  commenced  their  return  voyage. 

The  party  reached  Green  Bay  in  September  without  loss  or 
injury,  and  reported  their  discoveries,  which  were  among  the 
most  important  of  that  age.  Marquette  afterwards  returned  to 
Illinois,  and  preached  to  the  natives  until  1675. 

On  the  18th  of  May  of  that  year,  while  cruising  up  the  eastern 
coast  of  Lake  Michigan  with  a party  of  boatmen,  he  landed  at 
the  mouth  of  a stream  putting  into  the  lake  from  the  east,  since 
known  as  the  river  Marquette.  He  performed  mass,  and  went  a 
little  apart  to  pray,  and  being  gone  longer  than  his  companions 
deemed  necessary,  they  went  in  search  of  him,  and  found  him 
dead  where  he  had  knelt.  They  buried  him  in  the  sand. 

While  this  distinguished  adventurer  was  pursuing  his  labors, 
two  other  men  were  preparing  to  follow  in  his  footsteps,  and 
make  still  further  explorations,  and,  if  possible,  more  important 
discoveries.  These  were  the  Chevalier  Robert  de  la  Salle  and 
Louis  Hennepin. 

La  Salle  was  a native  of  Rouen,  in  Normandy.  He  was  edu- 
cated at  a seminary  of  the  Jesuits,  and  designed  for  the  ministry, 
but,  for  reasons  unknown,  he  left  the  seminary  and  came  to 
Canada,  in  1667,  where  he  engaged  in  the  fur  trade. 

Like  nearly  every  intelligent  man,  he  became  intensely  inte- 
rested in  the  new  discoveries  of  the  West,  and  conceived  the  idea 
of  exploring  the  passage  to  the  great  South  Sea,  which  by  many 
was  believed  to  exist.  He  made  known  his  ideas  to  the  Govern- 
or-General, Count  Frontenac,  and  desired  his  co-operation.  The 
Governor  at  once  fell  in  with  his  views,  which  were  strength- 
ened by  the  reports  brought  back  by  Marquette  and  Joliet,  and 

* Prairie  Indians.  t Marquette'3  journal.  J The  grand  tower. 


12 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


advised  La  Salle  to  apply  to  the  King  of  France  in  person,  and 
gave  him.  letters  of  introduction  to  the  great  Colbert,  then  Min- 
ister of  Finance  and  Marine.  Accordingly,  in  1675,  he  returned 
to  France,  where  he  was  warmly  received  by  the  King  and 
nobility,  and  his  ideas  were  at  once  listened  to,  and  every  possi- 
ble favor  shown  to  him. 

He  was  made  a Chevalier,  and  invested  with  the  seigniory  of 
Fort  Catarocouy,  or  Frontenac  (now  known  as  Kingston),  upon 
condition  that  he  would  rebuild  it,  as  he  proposed,  of  stone. 

Returning  to  Canada,  he  wrought  diligently  upon  the  fort 
until  1677,  when  he  again  visited  France  to  report  progress. 
He  was  received,  as  before,  with  favor,  and,  at  the  instance  of  j 
Colbert  and  his  son,  the  King  granted  him  new  letters  patent 
and  new  privileges.  On  the  14th  of  July,  167 he  sailed  from 
Rochelle,  accompanied  by  thirty  men,  and  with  Tonti,  an  Italian, 
for  his  lieutenant.  They  arrived  at  Quebec  oil  the  13th  of  Sep- 
tember, and  after  a few  days’  delay,  proceeded  to  Frontenac. 
Father  Lewis  Hennepin,  a Franciscan  friar,  of  the  Recollet  sect, 
was  quietly  working  in  Canada  on  La  Salle’s  arrival.  He  was  a 
man  of  great  ambition,  and  much  interested  in  the  discoveries  of 
the  day.  He  was  appointed  by  his  religious  superiors  to  accom- 
pany the  expedition  fitting  out  for  La  Salle. 

Sending  agents  forward  to  prepare  the  Indians  for  his  coming, 
and  to  open  trade  with  them,  La  Salle  himself  embarked,  on  the 
18th  of  November,  in  a little  brigantine  of  ten  tons,  to  cross 
Lake  Ontario.  This  was  the  first  ship  of  European  build  that 
ever  sailed  upon  this  fresh-water  sea.  Contrary  winds  made  the 
voyage  long  and  troublesome,  and  a month  was  consumed  in 
beating  up  the  lake  to  the  Niagara  River.  Near  the  mouth  of 
this  river  the  Iroquois  had  a village,  and  here  La  Salle  con- 
structed the  first  fortification,  which  afterwards  grew  into  the 
famous  Fort  Niagara.  On  the  26th  of  January,  1679,  the  keel 
of  the  first  vessel  built  on  Lake  Erie  was  laid  at  the  mouth  of 
the  Cayuga  Creek,  on  the  American  side,  about  six  miles  above 
the  falls. 

In  the  meantime  La  Salle  had  returned  to  Fort  Frontenac  to 
forward  supplies  for  his  forthcoming  vessel.  The  little  barque 
on  Lake  Ontario  was  wrecked  by  carelessness,  and  a large 
amount  of  the  supplies  she  carried  was  lost.  On  the  7th  of  Au- 
gust, the  new  vessel  was  launched,  and  made  ready  to  sail.  She 
was  about  seventy  tons’  burden. 

La  Salle  christened  his  vessel  the  “ Griffin,”  in  honor  of  the 
arms  of  Count  Frontenac.  Passing  across  Lake  Erie,  and  into 
the  small  lake,  which  they  named  St.  Clair,  they  entered  the 
broad  waters  of  Lake  Huron.  Here  they  encountered  heavy 
storms,  as  dreadful  as  those  upon  the  ocean,  and  after  a most 
tempestuous  passage  they  took  refuge  in  the  roadstead  of  Michilli- 
mackinac  (Mackinaw),  on  the  27th  of  August.  La  Salle  remained 
at  this  point  until  the  middle  of  September,  busy  in  founding  a 
fort  and  constructing  a trading-house,  when  he  went  forward 
upon  the  deep  waters  of  Lake  Michigan,  and  soon  after  cast 
anchor  in  Green  Bay.  Finding  here  a large  quantity  of  furs  and 
peltries,  he  determined  to  load  his  vessel  and  send  her  back  to 
Niagara.  On  the  18th  of  September,  she  was  sent  under  charge 
of  a pilot,  while  La  Salle  himself,  with  fourteen  men,*  proceeded 
up  Lake  Michigan,  leisurely  examining  its  shores  and  noting 
everything  of  interest.  Tonti,  who  had  been  sent  to  look  after 


stragglers,  was  to  join  him  at  the  head  of  the  lake.  From  the 
19  th  of  September  to  the  1st  of  November,  the  time  was  occupied 
in  the  voyage  up  this  inland  sea.  On  the  last-named  day,  La 
Salle  arrived  at  the  mouth  of  the  river  Miamis,  now  St.  Joseph. 
Here  he  constructed  a fort,  and  remained  nearly  a month  wait, 
iug  for  tidings  of  his  vessel ; but,  hearing  nothing,  he  determined 
to  push  on  before  the  winter  should  prevent  him.  On  the  3d 
of  December,  leaving  ten  men  to  garrison  the  fort,  he  started 
overland  towards  the  head-waters  of  the  Illinois,  accompanied 
by  three  monks  and  twenty  men.  Ascending  the  St.  Joseph 
River,  he  crossed  a short  portage  and  reached  the  The-a-ki-ki, 
since  corrupted  into  Kankakee.  Embarking  on  this  sluggish 
stream,  they  came  shortly  to  the  Illinois,  and  soon  after  found  a 
village  of  the  Illinois  Indians,  probably  in  the  vicinity  of  the 
rocky  bluffs,  a few  miles  above  the  present  city  of  La  Salle,  Illi- 
nois. They  found  it  deserted,  but  the  Indians  had  quite  a 
quantity  of  maize  stored  here,  and  La  Salle,  being  short  of 
provisions,  helped  himself  to  what  he  required.  Passing 
down  the  stream,  the  party,  on  the  4th  of  January,  came  to  a 
lake,  probably  the  Lake  Peoria,  as  there  is  no  other  upon  this 
stream.  Here  they  found  a great  number  of  natives,  who  were 
gentle  and  kind,  and  La  Salle  determined  to  construct  a fort. 
It  stood  on  a rise  of  ground  near  the  river,  and  was  named 
Creve-  Occur  * (broken-heart),  most  probably  on  account  of  the 
low  spirits  of  the  commander,  from  anxiety  for  his  vessel  and 
the  uncertainty  of  the  future.  Possibly  lie  had  heard  of  the  loss 
of  the  “Griffin,”  which  occurred  on  her  downward  trip  from 
Green  Bay  ; most  probably  on  Lake  Huron.  He  remained  at 
the  Lake  Peoria  through  the  winter,  but  no  good  tidings  came, 
and  no  supplies.  His  men  were  discontented,  but  the  brave 
adventurer  never  gave  up  hope.  He  resolved  to  send  a party  on 
a voyage  of  exploration  up  the  Mississippi,  under  the  lead  of 
Father  Hennepin,  and  he  himself  would  proceed  on  foot  to  Niag- 
ara and  Frontenac,  to  raise  more  means  and  enlist  new  men  ; 
while  Tonti,  his  lieutenant,  should  stay  at  the  fort,  which  they 
were  to  strengthen  in  the  meantime,  and  extend  their  intercourse 
with  the  Indians. 

Hennepin  started  on  his  voyage  on  the  last  day  of  February, 
1680,  and  La  Salle  soon  after,  with  a few  attendants,  started  on 
his  perilous  journey  of  twelve  hundred  miles  by  the  way  of  the 
Illinois  River,  the  Miami,  and  Lakes  Erie  and  Ontario,  to 
Frontenac,  which  he  finally  reached  in  safety.  He  found  his 
worst  fears  realized.  The  “ Griffin  ” was  lost,  his  agents  had 
taken  advantage  of  his  absence,  and  his  creditors  had  seized  his 
goods.  But  he  knew  no  such  word  as  fail,  and  by  the  middle  of 
summer  he  was  again  on  his  way  with  men  and  supplies  for  his 
band  in  Illinois.  A sad  disappointment  awaited  him.  He  found 
his  fort  deserted,  and  no  tidings  of  Tonti  and  his  men.  During 
La  Salle’s  absence  the  Indians  had  become  jealous  of  the  French, 
and  they  had  been  attacked  and  harassed  even  by  the  Iroquois, 
who  came  the  long  distance  between  the  shores  of  Lake  Ontario 
and  the  Illinois  River  to  make  war  upon  the  more  peaceable 
tribes  dwelling  on  the  prairies.  Uncertain  of  any  assistance 
from  La  Salle,  and  apprehensive  of  a general  war  with  the  sav- 
ages, Tonti,  in  September,  1680,  abandoned  his  position  and  re- 
turned to  the  shores  of  the  lakes.  La  Salle  reached  the  post  on 
the  Illinois  in  December,  1680,  or  January,  1681.  Again 


* Annals  of  the  West. 


* The  site  of  the  work  is  at  present  unknown. 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


13 


bitterly  disappointed,  La  Salle  did  not  succumb,  but  resolved  to 
return  to  Canada  and  start  anew.  Tb’5"  he  did,  and  in  June  met 
his  lieutenant,  Tonti,  at  Mackinaw. 

Hennepin  in  the  meanwhile  had  mei  with  strange  adventures. 
After  leaving  Creve-Coeur,  he  reached  the  Mississippi  in  seven 
days;  but  his  way  was  so  obstructed  by  ice  that  he  was  until  the 
11th  of  April  reaching  the  Wisconsin  line.  Here  he  was  taken 
prisoner  by  some  northern  Indians,  who,  however,  treated  him 
kindly  and  took  him  and  his  companions  to  the  falls  of  St.  An- 
thony, which  they  reached  on  the  1st  of  May.  These  falls  Hen- 
nepin named  in  honor  of  his  patron  saint.  Hennepin  and  his 
companions  remained  here  for  three  months,  treated  very  kindly 
by  their  captors.  At  the  end  of  this  time  they  met  with  a band 
of  French,  led  by  one  Sieur  de  Luth,  * who,  in  pursuit  of  game 
and  trade,  had  penetrated  to  this  country  by  way  of  Lake  Su- 
perior. With  his  band  Hennepin  and  his  companions  returned 
to  the  borders  of  civilized  life  in  November,  1680,  just 
after  La  Salle  had  gone  back  to  the  wilderness.  Hennepin  re- 
turned to  France,  where,  in  1684,  he  published  a narrative  of 
his  wonderful  adventures. 

Robert  De  La  Salle,  whose  name  is  more  closely  connected 
with  the  explorations  of  the  Mississippi  than  that  of  any  other,  was 
the  next  to  descend  the  river  in  the  year  1682.  Formal  posses- 
sion was  taken  of  the  great  river  and  all  the  countries  bordering 
upon  it  or  its  tributaries  in  the  name  of  the  King. 

La  Salle  and  his  party  now  retraced  their  steps  towards  the 
north.  They  met  with  no  serious  trouble  until  they  reached  the 
Chickasaw  Bluffs,  where  they  had  erected  a fort  on  their  down- 
ward voyage,  and  named  it  Prudhomme.  Here  La  Salle  was 
taken  violently  sick.  Unable  to  proceed,  he  sent  forward  Tonti 
to  communicate  with  Count  Frontenac.  La  Salle  himself  reached 
the  mouth  of  the  St.  Joseph  the  latter  part  of  September.  From 
that  point  he  sent  Father  Zenobe  with  his  dispatches  to  represent 
him  at  court,  while  he  turned  his  attention  to  the  fur  trade  and 
to  the  project  of  completing  a fort,  which  he  named  St.  Louis, 
upon  the  Illinois  River.  The  precise  location  of  this  work  is  not 
known.  It  was  said  to  be  upon  a rocky  bluff  two  hundred  and 
fifty  feet  high,  and  only  accessible  upon  one  side.  There  are  no 
bluffs  of  such  a height  on  the  Illinois  River  answering  the  de- 
scription. It  may  have  been  on  the  rocky  bluff  above  La  Salle, 
where  the  rocks  are  perhaps  one  hundred  feet  in  height. 

Upon  the  completion  of  this  work  La  Salle  again  sailed  for 
France,  which  he  reached  on  the  13th  of  December,  1683.  A 
new  man,  La  Barre,  had  now  succeeded  Frontenac  as  Governor 
of  Canada.  This  man  was  unfriendly  towards  La  Salle,  and 
this,  with  other  untoward  circumstances,  no  doubt  led  him  to  at- 
tempt the  colonization  of  the  Mississippi  country  by  way  of  the 
mouth  of  the  river.  Notwithstanding  many  obstacles  were  in  his 
path,  he  succeeded  in  obtaining  the  grant  of  a fleet  from  the 
King,  and  on  the  24th  of  July,  1684,  a fleet  of  twenty-four  ves- 
sels sailed  from  Rochelle  to  America,  four  of  which  were  destined 
for  Louisiana,  and  carried  a body  of  two  hundred  and  eighty 
people,  including  the  crews.  There  were  soldiers,  artificers,  and 
volunteers,  and  also  “ some  young  women.”  Discord  soon  broke 
out  between  M.  de  Beaujeu  and  La  Salle,  and  grew  from  bad  to 
worse.  On  the  20th  of  December  they  reached  the  island  of  St. 
Domingo. 

*From  this  man  undoubtedly  comes  the  name  cf  Duluth. 


Joutcl  * was  sent  out  with  this  party,  which  left  on  the  4th  of 
February,  and  traveled  eastward  three  days,  when  they  came  to 
a great  stream  which  they  could  not  cross.  Here  they  made  sig- 
nals by  building  great  fires,  and  on  the  13th  two  of  the  vessels 
came  in  sight.  The  stream  was  sounded  and  the  vessels 
were  anchored  under  shelter.  But  again  misfortune  overtook 
Lx  Salle,  and  the  vessel  was  wrecked,  and  the  bulk  of  the  sup- 
plies was  lost-  At  this  juncture  M.  de  Beaujeu,  his  second  in 
command,  set  sail  and  returned  to  France.  La  Salle  now  con- 
structed a rude  shelter  from  the  timbers  of  his  wrecked  vessel, 
placed  his  people  inside  of  it,  and  set  out  to  explore  the  sur- 
rounding country  in  hope  of  finding  the  Mississippi.  He  was,  of 
course,  disappointed  ; but  found  on  a stream,  which  is  named  the 
Vaches,  a good  site  for  a fort-  He  at  once  removed  his  camp, 
and,  after  incredible  exertions,  constructed  a fortification  suffi- 
cient to  protect  them  from  the  Indians.  This  fort  was  situated 
on  Matagorda  Bay,  within  the  present  limits  of  Texas,  and  was 
called  by  La  Salle  Fort  St.  Louis. 

Leaving  Joutel  to  complete  the  work  with  one  hundred  men, 
La  Salle  took  the  remainder  of  the  company  and  embarked 
on  the  river,  with  the  intention  of  proceeding  as  far  up  as  he 
could.  The  savages  soon  became  troublesome,  and  on  the  14th 
of  July  La  Salle  ordered  Joutel  to  join  him  with  his  whole  force. 
They  had  already  lost  several  of  their  best  men,  and  dangers 
threatened  them  on  every  side.  It  would  seem  from  the  histo- 
rian’s account  of  the  expedition  that  La  Salle  began  to  erect 
another  fort,  and  also  that  he  became  morose  and  severe  in  his 
discipline,  so  much  so  as  to  get  the  ill  will  of  many  of  his  people. 
He  finally  resolved  to  advance  into  the  country,  but  whether 
with  the  view  of  returning  to  Canada  by  way  of  Illinois,  or  only 
for  the  purpose  of  making  further  discoveries,  Joutel  leaves  in 
doubt.  Giving  his  last  instructions,  he  left  the  fort  on  the  12th 
day  of  January,  1687,  with  a company  of  about  a dozen  men, 
including  his  brother,  two  nephews,  Father  Anastasius,  a Francis- 
can friar,  Joutel,  and  others,  and  moved  north-eastward,  as  is 
supposed,  until  the  17th  of' March,  when  some  of  his  men,  who 
had  been  cherishing  revengeful  feelings  for  some  time,  waylaid 
the  Chevalier  and  shot  him  dead.  They  also  slew  one  of  his 
nephews  and  two  of  his  servants. 

This  deed  occurred  on  the  20th  of  March,  on  a stream  called 
Cenis. 

In  1687,  France  was  involved  in  a long  and  bloody  war.  The 
League  of  Augsburg  was  formed  by  the  Princes  of  the  Empire 
against  Louis  XIV.,  and  England,  Spain,  Holland,  Denmark, 
Sweden,  and  Savoy  took  up  arms,  and  Louis  found  himself  bat- 
tling with  neai’ly  the  whole  of  Europe,  and  only  Turkey  for  an 
ally.  This  war  ended  with  the  peace  of  Ryswick  in  1697. 

No  material  change  took  place  in  America,  but  the  colonists 
were  harassed  and  many  of  their  people  killed  or  carried  cap- 
tives to  the  Canadas.  In  1688,  the  French  possessions  in  North 
America  included  nearly.the  whole  of  the  continent  north  of  the 
St.  Lawrence,  and  the  entire  valley  of  the  Mississippi ; and  they 
had  begun  to  establish  a line  of  fortifications  extending  from 
Quebec  to  the  mouth  of  the  Mississippi,  between  which  points 
they  had  three  great  lines  of  communication,  to  wit:  by  way  of 
Mackinaw,  Green  Bay,  and  the  Wisconsin  River ; by  way  of 
Lake  Michigan,  the  Kankakee  and  Illinois  Rivers  ; and  by  way 

* Joutel,  historian  of  the  voyage,  accompanied  La  Salle,  and  subsequently  wrote 
his  “Journal  Historique,”  which  was  published  in  Pari?,  1713. 


14 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


of  Lake  Erie,  the  Maumee  and  W abash  Rivers,  and  were  pre- 
paring to  explore  the  Ohio  as  a fourth  route. 

In  1699,  D’Iberville,  under  the  authority  of  the  crown,  disco- 
vered, on  the  second  of  March,  by  way  of  the  sea,  the  mouth  of 
the  “ Hidden  River.”  This  majestic  stream  was  called  by  the 
natives  “ Malbouchia,”  and  by  the  Spaniards,  “ La  Palissade,” 
from  the  great  number  of  trees  about  its  mouth.  After  travers- 
ing the  several  outlets,  and  satisfying  himself  as  to  its  certainty, 
he  erected  a fort  near  its  western  outlet,  and  returned  to  France. 
An  avenue  of  trade  was  now  opened  out,  which  was  fully  im- 
proved. 

At  this  time  a census  of  New  France  showed  a total  popula- 
tion of  eleven  thousand  two  hundred  and  forty-nine  Europeans. 
War  again  broke  out  in  1701,  and  extended  over  a period  of 
twelve  years,  ending  with  the  treaty  of  Utrecht,  in  1713.  This 
also  extended  to  the  American  Colonies,  and  its  close  left  every- 
thing as  before,  with  the  exception  that  Nova  Scotia  was  cap- 
tured in  1710. 

In  1718,  New  Orleans  was  laid  out  and  settled  by  some 
European  colonists.  In  1762,  the  colony  was  made  over  to 
Spain,  to  be  regained  by  France,  under  the  consulate  of  Napo- 
leon. 

In  1803,  it  was  purchased  by  the  United  States,  for  the  sum 
of  fifteen  million  dollars,  and  the  territory  of  Louisiana  and  the 
commerce  of  the  Mississippi  river,  came  under  the  charge  of  the 
United  States.  Although  La  Salle’s  labors  ended  in  defeat  and 
death,  he  had  not  worked  and  suffered  in  vain.  He  had  thrown 
open  to  France  and  the  world  an  immense  and  most  valuable 
country.  Had  established  several  ports,  and  laid  the  foundation 
of  more  than  one  settlement  there.  “ Peoria,  Kaskaskia  and  Ca- 
hokia  are  to  this  day  monuments  of  La  Salle’s  labors  ; for, 
though  he  had  founded  neither  of  them  (unless  Peoria,  which 
was  built  nearly  upon  the  site  of  Fort  Crevecceurj,  it  was  by  those 
he  led  into  the  west  that  these  places  were  peopled  and  civilized. 
He  was,  if  not  the  discoverer,  the  first  settler  of  the  Mississippi 
Valley,  and  as  such  deserves  to  be  known  and  honored.”* 

The  French  early  improved  the  opening  made  for  them,  and 
before  1693,  the  Reverend  Father  Gravier  began  a mission 
among  the  Illinois,  and  became  the  founder  of  Kaskaskia.  For 
some  time  it  was  merely  a missionary  station,  and  the  inhabitants 
of  the  village  consisted  entirely  of  natives ; it  being  one  of  three 
such  villages,  the  other  two  being  Cahokia  and  Peoria.  This  we 
learn  from  a letter  written  by  Father  Gabriel  Marest,  dated 
“ Aux  Cascaskias,  Autrement  dit  de  l’linmaculee  concepcion  de 
la  Sainte  Vierge,  le  9 Novembre,  1712.”  In  this  letter,  the 
writer  tells  us  that  Gravier  must  be  regarded  as  the  founder  of 
the  Illinois  missions.  Soon  after  the  founding  of  Kaskaskia,  the 
missionary,  Pinet,  gathered  a flock  at  Cahokia, f while  Peoria 
arose  near  the  remains  of  Fort  Crevecceur.j; 

An  unsuccessful  attempt  was  also  made  to  found  a colony  on 
the  Ohio.  It  failed  in  consequence  of  sickness.§ 

In  the  north,  De  La  Motte  Cadillac,  in  June,  1701,  laid  the 

* The  authorities  in  relation  to  La  Salle  are  Hennepin:  a narrative  published  in 
the  name  of  Tonti,  in  1697,  but  disclaimed  by  him.  (Charlevoix  iii.  3G5.— Lettres 
Edifiantes). 

f Bancroft,  iii.  196. 

t There  was  an  old  Peoria  on  the  North-west  shore  of  the  lake  of  that  name,  a mile 
and  a half  above  the  outlet.  From  1778  to  1796  the  inhabitants  left  this  for  New  Peo- 
ria, (Fort  Clark)  at  the  outlet.  American  State  Papers,  xviii.  476. 

$ Western  Annals ■ 


foundation  of  Fort  Pontchartrain,  on  the  strait,  (le  Detroit),* 
while  in  the  southwest  efforts  were  making  to  realize  the  dreams 
of  La  Salle.  The  leader  in  the  last  named  enterprise  was  Le- 
moine  D'Iberville,  a Canadian  officer,  who  from  1694  to  1697 
distinguished  himself  not  a little  by  battles  and  conquests  among 
the  icebergs  of  the  “ Baye  D’Udson  or  Hudson's  Bay.” 

The  post  at  Vincennes,  on  the  Oubache  river,  (pronounced 
Wa-ba,  meaning  summer  cloud  moving  swiftly),  was  established 
in  1702.  It  is  quite  probable  that  on  La  Salle’s  last  trip  he 
established  the  stations  at  Kaskaskia  and  Cahokia.  Until  the 
year  1750,  but  little  is  known  of  the  settlements  in  the  north- 
west, as  it  was  not  until  this  time  that  the  attention  of  the 
English  was  called  to  the  occupation  of  this  portion  of  the  new 
world,  which  they  then  supposed  they  owned.  Vivier,  amission- 
ary among  the  Illinois,  writing  “ Aux  Illinois,”  six  leagues  from 
Fort  Chartres,  June  8th,  1750,  says:  “We  have  here  whites, 
negroes,  and  Indians,  to  say  nothing  of  the  cross-breeds.  There 
are  five  French  villages,  and  three  villages  of  the  natives  within 
a space  of  twenty-one  leagues,  situated  between  the  Mississippi 
and  another  river,  called  the  Karkadiad  (Kaskaskia).  In  the 
five  French  villages  are,  perhaps,  eleven  hundred  whites,  three 
hundred  blacks,  and  some  sixty  red  slaves  or  savages.  The 
three  Illinois  towns  do  not  contain  more  than  eight  hundred 
souls  all  told.f  Most  of  the  French  till  the  soil.  They  raise 
wheat,  cattle,  pigs  and  horses,  and  live  like  princes.  Three 
times  as  much  is  produced  as  can  be  consumed,  and  great  quan- 
tities of  grain  and  flour  are  sent  to  New  Orleans.” 

Again,  in  an  epistle  dated  November  17th,  1750,  Vivier  says: 
“ For  fifteen  leagues  above  the  mouth  of  the  Mississippi,  one  sees 
no  dwellings  * * * * New  Orleans  contains  black,  white  and 
red,  not  more,  I think,  than  twelve  hundred  persons.  To  this 
point  come  all  kinds  of  lumber,  bricks,  salt-beef,  tallow,  tar,  skins, 
and  bear’s  grease  ; and  above  all  pork  and  flour  from  the  Illinois. 
These  things  create  some  commerce,  as  forty  vessels  and  more 
have  come  hither  this  year.  Above  New  Orleans  plantations  are 
again  met  with  ; the  most  considerable  is  a colony  of  Germans, 
some  ten  leagues  up  the  river.  At  Point  Coupee,  thirty-five 
leagues  above  the  German  settlement,  is  a fort.  Along  here, 
within  five  or  six  leagues,  arc  not  less  than  sixty  habitations. 
Fifty  leagues  farther  up  is  the  Natchez  post,  where  we  have  a 
garrison.” 

Father  Marest,  writing  from  the  post  at  Vincennes,  makes  the 
same  observation.  Vivier  also  says,  “Some  individuals  dig  lead 
near  the  surface,  and  supply  the  Indians  and  Canada.  Two 
Spaniards,  now  here,  who  claim  to  be  adepts,  say  that  our  mines 
are  like  those  of  Mexico,  and  that  if  we  would  dig  deeper  we 
would  find  silver  under  the  lead  ; at  any  rate  the  lead  is  excellent. 
There  arc  also  in  this  country,  beyond  doubt,  copper  mines,  as 
from  time  to  time,  large  pieces  have  been  found  in  the  streams.”! 

At  the  close  of  the  year  1750,  the  French  occupied  in  addition 
to  the  lower  Mississippi  posts  and  those  in  Illinois,  one  at  Du 
Quesne,  one  at  the  Maumee,  in  the  country  of  the  Miamis,  and 
one  at  Sandusky,  in  what  may  be  termed  the  Ohio  Valley.  In 
the  northern  part  of  the  north-west,  they  had  stations  at  St. 
Joseph’s,  on  the  St.  Joseph’s  of  Lake  Michigan,  at  Fort  Pont- 

* Charlevoix,  ii.  284.  Le  Detroit  was  the  whole  strait  from  Erie  to  Huron.  The 
first  grants  of  land  at  Detroit,  i c.,  Fort  Pontchartrain,  were  made  in  1707 

f Lettres  Edifiantes  (Paris,  1781),  vii.  97-100. 

I Western  Annals. 


HISTORY  OF  MAO  ON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


15 


chartrain  (Detroit),  at  Michilliraackinac  or  Massillimacinac, 
Fox  River  of  Green  Bay,  and  at  Sault  Ste.  Marie.  The  fondest 
dreams  of  La  Salle  were  now  fully  realized.  The  French  alone 
were  possessors  of  this  vast  realm,  basing  their  claim  on  discovery 
and  settlement.  Another  nation,  however,  was  now  turning  its 
attention  to  this  extensive  country,  and  learning  of  its  wealth 
began  to  lay  plans  for  occupying  it  aud  for  securing  the  great 
profits  arising  therefrom. 

The  French,  however,  had  another  claim  to  this  country, 
namely,  the 

DISCOVERY  OF  TOE  OHIO. 

The  largest  branch  of  the  Mississippi  river  from  the  east, 
known  to  the  early  French  settlers  as  la  belle  riviere,  called 
“ beautiful  ” river,  was  discovered  by  Robert,  Cavalier  de  La 
Salle,  in  1669.  AVhile  La  Salle  was  at  his  trading  post  on  the 
St.  Lawrence,  he  found  leisure  to  study  nine  Indian  dialects,  the 
chief  of  which  was  the  Iroquois.  While  conversing  with  some 
Senecas,  he  learned  of  a river  called  the  Ohio,  which  rose  in  their 
country  and  flowed  to  the  sea. 

In  this  statement  the  Mississippi  and  its  tributaries  were  con- 
sidered as  one  stream.  La  Salle,  believing  as  most  of  the  French 
at  that  period  did,  that  the  great  rivers  flowing  west  emptied  into 
the  Sea  of  California,  was  anxious  to  embark  in  the  enterprise  of 
discovering  a route  across  the  continent.  He  repaired  at  once  to 
Quebec  to  obtain  the  approval  of  the  Governor  and  the  Intend- 
ent,  Talon.  They  issued  letters  patent,  authorizing  the  enter- 
prise, but  made  no  provisions  to  defray  the  expenses. 

At  this  juncture  the  seminary  St.  Sulpice  decided  to  send  out 
missionaries  in  connection  with  the  expedition,  and  La  Salle 
offering  to  sell  his  improvements  at  La  Chive  to  raise  the  money, 
the  offer  was  accepted  by  the  Superior,  and  two  thousand  eight 
hundred  dollars  were  raised,  with  which  LaSalle  purchased  four 
canoes  and  the  necessary  supplies  for  the  outfit. 

On  the  6th  of  July,  1669,  the  party,  numbering  twenty-four 
persons,  embarked  in  seven  canoes  on  the  St.  Lawrence.  Two 
additional  canoes  carried  the  Indian  guides. 

In  three  days  they  were  gliding  over  the  bosom  of  Lake  On- 
tario. Their  guides  conducted  them  directly  to  the  Seneca  vil- 
lage on  the  bank  of  the  Genesee,  in  the  vicinity  of  the  present 
city  of  Rochester,  New  York.  Here  they  expected  to  procure 
guides  to  conduct  them  to  the  Ohio,  but  in  this  they  were  disap- 
pointed. After  waiting  a month  in  the  hope  of  gaining  their 
object,  they  met  an  Indian  from  the  Iroquois  colony,  at  the  head 
of  Lake  Ontario,  who  assured  them  they  could  find  guides,  and 
offered  to  conduct  them  thence.  On  their  way  they  passed  the 
mouth  of  Niagara  river,  when  they  heard  for  the  first  time  the 
distant  thunder  of  the  cataract.  Arriving  among  the  Iroquois 
they  met  with  a friendly  reception,  and  learned  from  a Shawnee 
prisoner  that  they  could  reach  the  Ohio  in  six  weeks.  Delighted 
with  the  unexpected  good  fortune,  they  made  ready  to  resume 
their  journey,  and  as  they  were  about  to  start  they  heard  of  the 
arrival  of  two  Frenchmen  in  a neighboring  village.  One  of  them 
proved  to  be  Louis  Joliet,  afterwards  famous  as  an  explorer  in 
the  west.  He  had  been  sent  by  the  Canadian  government  to  ex- 
plore the  copper  mines  on  Lake  Superior,  but  had  failed  and  was 
on  his  way  back  to  Quebec. 

On  arriving  at  Lake  Superior,  they  found,  as  La  Salle  had 
predicted,  the  Jesuit  fathers,  Marquette  and  Dablon,  occupying 


the  field.  After  parting  with  the  priests,  La  Salle  went  to  the 
chief  Iroquois  village  at  Onondago,  where  he  obtained  guides 
and  passing  thence  to  a tributary  of  the  Ohio  south  of  Lake 
Erie,  he  descended  the  latter  as  far  as  the  falls  of  Louisville. 
Thus  was  the  Ohio  discovered  by  La  Salle,  the  persevering  and 
successful  French  explorer  of  the  west  in  1669. 

When  Washington  was  sent  out  by  the  colony  of  Virginia  in 
1753,  to  demand  of  Gordeur  de  St.  Pierre  why  the  French  had 
built  a fort  on  the  Monongahela,  the  haughty  commandant  at 
Quebec  replied:  “ We  claim  the  country  on  the  Ohio  by  virtue 
of  the  discoveries  of  La  Salle,  and  will  not  give  it  up  to  the 
English.  Our  orders  are  to  make  prisoners  of  every  Englishman 
found  trading  in  the  Ohio  valley.” 

ENGLISH  EXPLORATIONS  AND  SETTLEMENTS. 

We  have  sketched  the  progress  of  French  discovery  in  the 
valley  of  the  Mississippi.  The  first  travelers  reached  that  river 
in  1673,  and  when  the  year  1750  broke  in  upon  the  father  of 
waters  and  the  great  north-west,  all  was  still  except  those  little 
spots  upon  the  prairies  of  Illinois  and  among  the  marshes  of 
Louisiana. 

Voluey,  by  conjecture,  fixes  the  settlement  of  Vincennes  about 
1735.*  Bishop  Brute,  of  Indiana,  speaks  of  a missionary  station 
there  in  1700, and  adds:  “ The  friendly  tribes  and  traders  called 
to  Canada  for  protection,  and  then  M.  De  Vincennes  came  with 
a detachment,  I think,  of  Carignau,  and  was  killed  in  1735.”  j" 
Bancroft  says  a military  establishment  was  formed  there  in  1716, 
and  in  1742  a settlement  of  herdsmen  took  place.  J In  a petition 
of  the  old  inhabitants  at  Vincennes,  dated  in  November,  1793, 
we  find  the  settlement  spoken  of  as  having  been  made  before 
1742.  § And  such  is  the  general  voice  of  tradition.  On  the 
other  hand,  Charlevoix,  who  records  the  death  of  Vincennes, 
which  took  place  among  the  Chickasaws,  in  1736,  makes  no 
mention  of  any  post  on  the  Wabash,  or  any  missionary  station 
there.  Neither  does  he  mark  any  upon  his  map,  although  he 
gives  even  the  British  forts  upon  the  Tennessee  and  elsewhere. 
Such  is  the  character  of  the  proof  relative  to  the  settlement  of 
Vincennes. 

Hennepin,  in  1663-4,  had  heard  of  the  “ Hohio.”  The  route 
from  the  lakes  to  the  Mississippi,  by  the  Wabash,  was  explored 
1676,  ||  and  in  Hennepin’s  volume  of  1698,  is  a journal,  said  to 
he  that  sent  by  La  Salle  to  Count  Frontenac,  in  1682  or  ’83, 
which  mentions  the  route  by  the  Maumee  If  and  Wabash  as  the 
most  direct  to  the  great  western  river. 

In  1749,  when  the  English  first  began  to  think  seriously  of 
sending  men  into  the  west,  the  greater  portions  of  the  states  of 
Ohio,  Indiana,  Illinois,  Michigan,  Wisconsin,  and  Minnesota 
were  yet  under  the  dominion  of  the  red  meu.  The  English  knew 
however,  of  the  nature  of  the  vast  wealth  of  these  wilds. 

In  the  year  1710,  Governor  Spotswood,  of  Virginia,  had  ma- 
tured a plan  and  commenced  movements,  the  object  of  which  was 
to  secure  the  country  beyond  the  Alleghenies  to  the  English 
crown.  In  Pennsylvania,  also,  Governor  Keith  and  James  Lo- 
gan, Secretary  of  the  Province  from  1719  to  1 731,  represented 
to  the  powers  of  England  the  necessity  of  taking  steps  to  secure 
the  western  lands.  Nothing,  however,  was  done  by  the  mother 

* Volney’s  View,  p.  336.  f Butler’s  Kentucky.  J History  U.  S.,  iii  , 340. 

§ American  State  Papers,  xvi.,  32.  ||  Histoire  General  Des  Voyages  xiv.,  758. 

If  Now  called  Miami. 


16 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


country,  except  to  take  certain  diplomatic  steps  to  secure  the 
claim  of  Britain  to  this  unexplored  wilderness.  England  had 
from  the  outset  claimed  from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific,  on  the 
ground  that  the  discovery  and  possession  of  the  sea  coast  was  a 
discovery  and  possession  of  the  country;  and  as  is  well  known, 
her  grants  to  Virginia,  Connecticut,  and  other  colonies,  were 
through  from  “ sea  to  sea.”  This  was  not  all  her  claims  ; she  had 
purchased  from  the  Indian  tribes  large  tracts  of  land.  This  was 
also  a strong  argument. 

In  the  year  1684,  Lord  Howard,  Governor  of  Virginia,  held  a 
treaty  with  the  five  nations  at  Albany.  These  were  the  great 
Northern  Confederacy,  and  comprised  at  first  the  Mohawks, 
Oneidas,  Onondagas,  Cayugas,  and  Senecas.  Afterward  the 
Tuscaroras  were  taken  into  the  confederacy,  and  it  became  known 
as  the  six  nations.  They  came  under  the  protection  of  the 
mother  country,  and  again  in  1701  they  repeated  the  agreement. 
Another  formal  deed  was  drawn  up  and  signed  by  the  chiefs  of 
the  National  Confederacy  in  1726,  by  which  their  lands  were 
conveyed  in  trust  to  England,  “ to  be  protected  and  defended  by 
his  majesty,  to  and  for  the  use  of  the  grantors  and  their  heirs.” 
The  validity  of  this  claim  has  often  been  disputed,  but  never 
successfully.  In  1774,  a purchase  was  made  at  Lancaster  of 
certain  lands  within  the  “ colony  of  Virginia,”  for  which  the  In- 
dians received  £200  in  gold  and  a like  sum  in  goods,  with  a 
promise  that  as  settlements  increased,  more  should  be  paid.  The 
commissioners  from  Virginia  at  the  treaty  were  Col.  Thomas  Lee 
and  Col.  William  Beverly. 

As  settlements  extended,  and  the  Indians  began  to  complain, 
the  promise  of  further  pay  was  called  to  mind,  and  Mr.  Conrad 
Weiser  was  sent  across  the  Alleghenies  to  Logstown.  In  1784,* 
Col.  Lee  and  some  Virginians  accompanied  him,  with  the  inten- 
tion of  ascertaining  the  feelings  of  the  Indians  with  regard  to 
further  settlements  in  the  west,  which  Col.  Lee  and  others  were 
contemplating.  The  object  of  these  proposed  settlements  was  not 
the  cultivation  of  the  soil,  but  the  monopoly  of  the  Indian  trade. 
Accordingly,  after  Weiser’s  conference  with  the  Indians  at  Logs- 
town, which  was  favorable  to  their  views,  Thomas  Lee,  with 
twelve  other  Virginians,  among  whom  were  Lawrence  and  Augus- 
tine, brothers  of  George  Washington,  and  also  Mr.  Hanbury,  of 
London,  formed  an  association  which  they  called  the  “ Ohio 
Company,”  and  in  1748  petitioned  the  king  for  a grant  beyond 
the  mountains.  This  petition  was  approved  by  the  English 
government,  and  the  government  of  Virginia  was  ordered  to 
grant  to  the  petitioners  half  a million  of  acres  within  the  bounds 
of  that  colony  beyond  the  Alleghenies,  two  hundred  thousand  of 
which  were  to  be  located  at  once.  This  portion  was  to  be  held 
for  ten  years  free  of  quit-rent,  provided  the  company  would  put 
there  one  hundred  families  within  seven  years,  and  build  a fort 
sufficient  to  protect  the  settlement.  The  company  accepted  the 
proposition,  and  sent  to  London  for  a cargo  suited  to  the  Indian 
trade,  which  should  arrive  in  November,  1749.  Other  companies 
were  also  formed  about  this  time  in  Virginia  to  colonize  the  west. 
On  the  12th  of  June,  1749,  a grant  of  800,000  acres  from  the 
line  of  Canada,  on  the  north  and  west,  was  made  to  the  Loyal 
Company,  and  on  the  29th  of  October,  1751,  another  of  100,000 
acres  to  the  Greenbriar  Company.f 

The  French  were  not  blind  all  this  time.  They  saw  that  if  the 

* Plain  Facts,  pp.  40, 120.  f Revised  Statutes  of  Virginia. 


British  once  obtained  a stronghold  upon  the  Ohio,  they  might 
not  only  prevent  their  settlements  upon  it,  but  in  time  would 
come  to  the  lower  posts,  and  so  gain  possession  of  the  whole 
country.  Upon  the  10th  of  May,  1744,  Vaudreuil,  the  French 
governor,  well  knowing  the  consequences  that  must  arise  from 
allowing  the  English  to  build  trading  posts  in  the  north-west, 
seized  some  of  their  frontier  posts,  to  further  secure  the  claims  of 
the  French  to  the  west.  Having  these  fears,  and  seeing  the 
danger  of  the  late  movements  of  the  British,  Gallisoniere,  then 
Governor  of  Canada,  determined  to  place  along  the  Ohio  evi- 
dences of  the  French  claim  to,  and  possession  of,  the  country. 
For  that  purpose  he  sent,  in  the  summer  of  1749,  Louis  Celeron, 
with  a party  of  soldiers,  to  place  plates  of  lead,  on  which  were 
written  out  the  claims  of  the  French,  in  the  mounds  and  at  the 
mouths  of  the  rivers.  These  were  heard  of  by  William  Trent, 
an  Indian  commissioner,  sent  out  by  Virginia  in  1752,  to  treat 
with  and  conciliate  the  Indians,  while  upon  the  Ohio,  and  men- 
tioned in  his  journal.  One  of  these  plates  was  found  with  the 
inscription  partly  defaced.  It  bears  date  August  16th,  1749,  and 
a copy  of  the  inscription,  with  particular  account,  was  sent  by 
De  Witt  Clinton  to  the  American  Antiquarian  Society,  among 
whose  journals  it  may  now  be  found.  These  measures  did  not, 
however,  deter  the  English  from  going  on  with  their  explora- 
tions. 

In  February,  1751,  Christopher  Gist  was  sent  by  the  Ohio 
Company  to  examine  its  lands.  He  went  to  a village  of  the 
Twigtwees,  on  the  Miami,  about  150  miles  above  its  mouth. 
From  there  he  went  down  the  Ohio  River  nearly  to  the  falls,  at 
the  present  city  of  Louisville,  and  in  November  he  commenced 
a survey  of  the  company’s  lands.  In  F751,  General  Andrew 
Lewis  commenced  some  surveys  in  the  Greenbrier  country,  on 
behalf  of  the  company  already  mentioned.  Meanwhile  the 
French  were  busy  in  preparing  their  forts  for  defence,  and  in 
opening  roads.  In  1752  having  heard  of  the  trading  houses  on 
the  Miami  River,  they,  assisted  by  the  Ottawas  and  Chippewas, 
attacked  it,  and,  after  a severe  battle,  in  which  fourteen  of  the 
natives  were  killed  and  others  wounded,  captured  the  garrison. 
The  traders  were  carried  away  to  Canada,  and  one  account  says 
several  were  burned.  This  fort,  or  trading  house  was  called  by 
the  English  writers  Pickawillany.  A memorial  of  the  king’s 
ministers  refers  to  it  as  “ Pickawellanes,  in  the  center  of  the  terri- 
tory between  Ohio  and  the  Wabash.”  This  was  the  first  blood 
shed  between  the  French  and  English,  and  occurred  near  the 
present  city  of  Piqua,  Ohio.  The  English  were  determined  on 
their  jiart  to  purchase  a title  from  the  Indians  of  lands  which 
they  wished  to  occupy,  and  in  the  spring  of  1752,  Messrs.  Fry,* 
Lomax  and  Patton,  were  sent  from  Virginia  to  hold  a conference 
with  the  natives  at  Logstown,  to  learn  what  they  objected  to  in 
the  treaty  at  Lancaster,  and  to  settle  all  difficulties.  On  the  9th 
June  the  commissioners  met  the  red  men  at  Logstown.  This 
was  a village  seventeen  miles  below  Pittsburgh,  upon  the  north 
side  of  the  Ohio.  Plere  had  been  a trading  point  for  many  years, 
but  it  was  abandoned  by  the  Indians  in  1750.  At  first  the 
Indians  declined  to  recognize  the  treaty  of  Lancaster,  but  the 
commissioners  taking  aside  Montour,  the  interpreter,  who  was  a 
son  of  the  famous  Catherine  Montour,  and  a chief  among  the  six 
nations,  being  three-fourths  of  Indian  blood,  through  his  influence 

* Afterwards  Commander-in-Chief  over  Washington,  at  the  commencement  of  the 
French  War  of  1775. 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


17 


an  agreement  was  effected,  and  upon  the  13th  of  June  they  all 
united  in  signing  a deed,  confirming  the  Lancaster  treaty  in  its 
fullest  extent.  Meanwhile  the  powers  beyond  the  seas  were  try- 
ing to  out-manocuvcr  each  other,  and  were  professing  to  be  at 
peace.  The  English  generally  outwitted  the  Indians,  and  secured 
themselves,  as  they  thought,  by  their  politic  conduct.  But  the 
French,  in  this  as  in  all  cases,  proved  that  they  knew  best  how 
to  manage  the  natives.  While  these  measures  were  taken,  another 
treaty  with  the  wild  men  of  the  debatable  land  was  also  in  con- 
templation. And  in  September,  1753,  William  Fairfax  met  their 
deputies  at  Winchester,  Virginia,  where  he  concluded  a treaty. 
In  the  month  following,  however,  a more  satisfactory  interview 
took  place  at  Carlisle,  between  the  representatives  of  the  Iroquois, 
Delawares,  Shawnees,  Twigtwees,  and  Wyandots,  and  the  com- 
missioners of  Pennsylvania,  Richard  Peters,  Isaac  Norris,  and 
Benjamin  Franklin.  Soon  after  this,  no  satisfaction  being- 
obtained  from  the  Ohio,  either  as  to  the  force,  position,  or  pur- 
poses of  the  Frefich,  Robert  Dinwiddie,  then  Governor  of  Vir- 
ginia, determined io  send  to  them  another  messenger,  and  learn 
if  possible  their  intentions.  For  this  purpose  he  selected  a young 
surveyor,  who,  at  the  age  of  nineteen  had  attained  the  rank  of 
major,  and  whose  previous  life  had  inured  him  to  hardships  and 
■woodland  ways  ; while  his  courage,  cool  judgment,  and  firm  will, 
all  fitted  him  for  such  a mission.  This  personage  was  no  other 
than  the  illustrious  George  Washington,  who  then  held  consider- 
able interest  in  western  lands.  He  was  twenty-one  years  old  at 
the  time  of  the  appointment.*  Taking  Gist  as  a guide,  the  two, 
accompanied  by  four  servitors,  set  out  on  their  perilous  march. 
They  left  Will’s  Creek,  where  Cumberland  now  is,  on  the  15th 
of  November,  and  on  the  22d  reached  the  Monongahela,  about 
ten  miles  above  the  fork.  From  there  they  went  to  Logstown, 
where  Washington  had  a long  conference  with  the  chiefs  of  the 
six  nations.  Here  he  learned  the  position  of  the  French,  and 
also  that  they  had  determined  not  to  come  down  the  river  until 
the  following  spring.  The  Indians  were  non-committal,  they 
deeming  a neutral  position  the  safest.  Washington,  finding  no- 
thing could  be  done,  went  on  to  Venango,  an  old  Indian  town 
at  the  mouth  of  the  French  Creek.  Here  the  French  had  a fort 
called  Fort  Machault.  On  the  lltli  of  December  he  reached  the 
fort  at  the  head  of  French  Creek.  Here  he  delivered  Gover- 
nor Dinwiddie’s  letter,  received  his  answer,  and  upon  the  16th 
set  out  upon  his  return  journey  with  no  one  but  Gist,  his  guide, 
and  a few  Indians  who  still  remained  true  to  him.  They  reached 
home  in  safety  on  the  6th  of  January,  1754.  From  the  letter  of 
St.  Pierre,  commander  of  the  French  fort,  sent  by  Washington 
to  Governor  Dinwiddie,  it  was  perfectly  clear  that  the  French 
would  not  yield  the  West  without  a struggle.  Active  preparations 
were  at  once  made  in  all  the  English  colonies  for  the  coming  con- 
flict, while  the  French  finished  their  fort  at  Venango  and  strength- 
ened  their  lines  of  fortifications  to  be  in  readiness.  The  Old 
Dominion  was  all  alive.  Virginia  was  the  center  of  great  activities. 
Volunteers  were  called  for,  and  from  the  neighboring  colonies 
men  rallied  to  the  conflict,  and  everywhere  along  the  Potomac 
men  were  enlisting  under  the  Governor’s  proclamation, — which 
promised  two  hundred  thousand  acres  on  the  Ohio.  Along  this 
river  they  were  gathering  as  far  as  Will’s  Creek,  and  far  beyond 
this  point,  whither  Trent  had  come  for  assistance,  for  his  little 
band  of  forty-one  men,  who  were  working  away  in  hunger  and 

* Sparks’  Washington,  Vol.  ii.,  pp.  428^447. 


want,  to  fortify  that  point  at  the  fork  of  the  Ohio,  to  which  both 
parties  were  looking  with  deep  interest.  The  first  birds  of  spring 
filled  the  forest  with  their  songs.  The  swift  river  rolled  by  the 
Allegheny  hillsides,  swollen  by  the  melting  snows  of  spring  and 
April  showers.  The  leaves  were  appearing,  a few  Indian  scouts 
were  seen,  but  no  enemy  seemed  near  at  hand,  and  all  was  so 
quiet  that  Frazier,  an  old  Indian  trader,  who  had  been  left  by 
Trent  in  command  of  the  new  fort,  ventured  to  his  home  at  the 
mouth  of  Turtle  Creek,  ten  miles  up  the  Monongahela.  But 
though  all  was  so  quiet  in  that  wilderness,  keen  eyes  had  seen  the 
low  entrenchment  that  was  rising  at  the  fork,  and  swift  feet  had 
borne  the  news  of  it  up  the  valley,  and  on  the  morning  of  the 
17th  of  April,  Ensign  Ward,  who  then  had  charge  of  it,  saw  upon 
the  Allegheny  a sight  that  made  his  heart  sink; — sixty  batteaux 
and  three  hundred  canoes,  filled  with  men,  and  laden  deep  with 
cannon  and  stores.  The  fort  was  called  on  to  surrender  : by  the 
advice  of  the  Half-King,  Ward  tried  to  evade  the  act,  but  it 
would  not  do.  Contrecoeur,  with  a thousand  men  about  him, 
said  ‘ Evacuate,’  and  the  ensign  dared  not  refuse.  That  evening 
he  supped  with  his  captor,  and  the  next  day  was  bowed  off  by  the 
Frenchman,  and,  with  his  men  and  tools,  marched  up  the  Mon- 
ongbahela.”  The  French  and  Indian  war  had  begun.  The 
treaty  of  Aix  la  Chapelle,  in  1748,  had  left  the  foundries  between 
the  French  and  English  possessions  unsettled,  and  the  events 
already  narrated  show  that  the  French  were  determined  to  hold 
the  country  watered  by  the  Mississippi  and  its  tributaries:  while 
the  English  laid  claim  to  the  country  by  virtue  of  the  discoveries 
by  the  Cabots,  and  claimed  all  the  country  from  New  Foundland 
to  Florida,  and  from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific.  The  first  deci- 
sive blow  had  been  struck,  and  the  first  attempt  of  the  English, 
through  the  Ohio  Company,  to  occupy  these  lands  had  resulted 
disastrously  to  them.  The  French  and  Indians  immediately 
completed  the  fortifications  begun  at  the  fork,  which  they  had  so 
easily  captured,  and  when  completed  gave  to  the  fort  the  name 
of  Du  Quesne.  Washington  was  at  Will’s  creek,  when  the  news 
of  the  capture  of  the  fort  arrived.  He  at  once  departed  to  re- 
capture it.  On  his  way  he  entrenched  himself  at  a place  called 
the  “Meadows,”  where  he  erected  a fort  called  by  him  Fort 
Necessity.  From  there  he  surprised  and  captured  a force  of 
French  and  Indians  marching  against  him,  but  vTas  soon  after 
attacked  by  a much  superior  force,  and  was  obliged  to  yield  on 
the  morning  of  July  4th.  He  was  allowed  to  return  to  Virginia. 

The  English  Government  immediately  planned  four  cam- 
paigns, one  against  IJort  Du  Quesne,  one  against  Nova  Scotia, 
one  against  Fort  Niagara,  and  one  against  Crown  Point.  These 
occurred  during  1755-6,  and  vTere  not  successful  in  driving  the 
French  from  their  possessions.  The  expedition  against  Fort  Du 
Quesne  was  led  by  the  famous  Braddock,  who,  refusing  to  listen 
to  the  advice  of  Washington  and  those  acquainted  with  Indian 
warfare,  suffered  an  inglorious  defeat.  This  occurred  on  the 
morning  of  July  9th,  and  is  generally  known  as  the  battle  of 
Monongahela  or  “ Braddock ’s  defeat.”  The  war  continued 
through  various  vicissitudes  through  the  years  1756-7,  when, 
at  the  commencement  of  1758,  in  accordance  with  the  plans  of 
William  Pitt,  then  secretary  of  state,  afterwards  Lord  Chatham, 
active  preparations  were  made  to  carry  on  the  war.  Three 
expeditions  were  planned  for  this  year:  one  under  General 
Amherst,  against  Louisburg ; another  under  Abercrombie, 
against  Fort  Ticonderega ; and  a third  under  General  Forbes, 


18 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


against  Fort  Dn  Quesne.  On  the  26th  of  July,  Louisburg 
surrendered  after  a desperate  resistance  of  more  than  forty  days, 
and  the  eastern  part  of  the  Canadian  possessions  fell  into  the 
hands  of  the  British.  Abercrombie  captured  Fort  Frontenac, 
and  when  the  expedition  against  Fort  Du  Quesne,  of  which 
Washington  had  the  active  command,  arrived  there,  it  was 
found  in  dames  and  deserted.  The  English  at  once  took 
possession,  rebuilt  the  fort,  and  in  honor  of  their  illustrious 
statesman,  changed  the  name  to  Fort  Pitt. 

The  great  object  of  the  campaign  of  1759,  was  the  reduction 
of  Canada.  General  Wolfe  was  to  lay  siege  to  Quebec  ; Am- 
herst was  to  reduce  Ticonderoga  and  Crown  Point ; and  General 
Prideaux  was  to  capture  Niagara.  This  latter  place  was  taken 
in  July,  but  the  gallant  Prideaux  lost  his  life.  Amherst  cap- 
tured Ticonderoga  and  Crown  Point,  without  a blow ; and 
Wolfe,  after  making  the  memorable  ascent  to  the  plains  of  ' 
Abraham,  on  September  13th,  defeated  Montcalm,  and  on  the 
18th  the  city  capitulated.  In  this  engagement,  Montcalm  and 
Wolfe  both  lost  their  lives.  De  Levi,  Montcalm’s  successor, 
marched  to  Sillcry,  three  miles  above  the  city,  with  the  purpose 
of  defeating  the  English,  and  there,  on  the  28th  of  the  following 
April,  was  fought  one  of  the  bloodiest  battles  of  the  French 
and  Indian  war.  It  resulted  in  the  defeat  of  the  French,  and 
the  fall  of  the  city  of  Montreal.  The  Governor  signed  a capitu- 
lation by  which  the  whole  of  Canada  was  surrendered  to  the 
English.  This  practically  concluded  the  war,  but  it  was  not 
until  1763  that  the  treaties  of  peace  between  France  and  Eng- 
land were  signed.  This  was  done  on  the  10th  of  February  of 
that  year,  and  under  its  provisions  all  the  country  east  of  the 
Mississippi  and  north  of  the  Iberville  river  in  Louisiana,  were 
ceded  to  England.  At  the  same  time,  Spain  ceded  Florida  to 
Great  Britain. 

On  the  13th  of  September,  1760,  Major  Robert  Rogers  was 
sent  from  Montreal  to  take  charge  of  Detroit,  the  only  remaining 
French  post  in  the  territory.  He  arrived  there  on  the  9th  of 
November,  and  summoned  the  place  to  surrender.  At  first  the 
commander  of  the  post,  Beletre,  refused,  but  on  the  29th,  hearing 
of  the  continued  defeat  of  the  French  army,  surrendered.  The 
North-west  Territory  was  now  entirely  under  the  English  rule. 
In  1762,  France,  by  a secret  treaty,  ceded  Louisiana  to  Spain, 
to  prevent  it  falling  into  the  hands  of  the  English,  who  were 
becoming  masters  of  the  entire  West.  The  next  year  the  treaty 
of  Paris,  signed  at  Fontaiubleau,  gave  to  the  English  the  domi- 
nion in  question.  Twenty  years  after,  by  the  treaty  of  peace 
between  the  United  States  and  England,  that  part  of  Canada 
lying  south  and  west  of  the  great  lakes,  comprehending  a large 
territory,  was  acknowledged  to  be  a portion  of  the  United  States. 
In  1803  Louisiana  was  ceded  by  Spain  baok  to  France,  and  by 
France  sold  to  the  United  States.  By  the  treaty  of  Paris,  the 
regions  east  of  the  Mississippi,  including  all  these  and  other 
towns  of  the  north-west,  were  given  over  to  England  ; but  they 
do  not  appear  to  have  been  taken  possession  of  until  1765,  when 
Captain  Stirling,  in  the  name  of  the  Majesty  of  England,  estab- 
lished himself  at  Fort  Chartres,  bearing  with  him  the  proclama- 
tion of  General  Gage,  dated  December  30th,  1764,  which  pro- 
mised religious  freedom  to  all  Catholics  who  worshiped  here 
and  the  right  to  leave  the  country  with  their  effects  if  they 
wished,  or  to  remain  with  the  privileges  of  Englishmen.  During 
the  years  1775  and  1776,  by  the  operations  of  land  companies 


and  the  perseverance  of  individuals,  several  settlements  were 
firmly  established  between  the  Alleghenies  and  the  Ohio  river 
and  western  land  .speculators  were  busy  in  Illinois  and  on  the 
Wabash.  At  a council  held  in  Kaskaskia,  on  July  5th,  1773, 
an  association  of  English  traders,  calling  themselves  the  “ Illinois 
Land  Company,”  obtained  from  the  chiefs  of  the  Kaskaskia, 
Cahokia,  and  Peoria  tribes  two  large  tracts  of  land  lying  on  the 
east  side  of  the  Mississippi  river  south  of  the  Illinois.  In  1775 
a merchant  from  the  Illinois  country,  named  Viviat,  came  to 
Post  Vincennes  as  the  agent  of  the  association  called  the  “Wa- 
bash Land  Company.’  On  the  8th  of  October  he  obtained  from 
eleven  Piankeshaw  chiefs  a deed  for  37.497,600  acres  of  land. 
This  deed  was  signed  by  the  grantors,  attested  by  a number  of 
the  inhabitants  of  Vincennes,  and  afterward  recorded  in  the  office 
of  a Notary  Public  at  Kaskaskia.  This  and  other  land  compa- 
nies had  extensive  schemes  for  the  colonization  of  the  West;  but 
all  were  frustrated  by  the  breaking  out  of  the  Revolutionary 
war.  On  the  20th  of  April,  1780,  the  two  companies  named 
consolidated  under  the  name  of  the  “United  Illinois  and  Wabash 
Land  Company;”  they  afterwards  made  strenuous  efforts  to 
have  these  grants  sanctioned  by  Congress,  but  all  signally  failed. 
When  the  war  of  the  Revolution  commenced,  Kentucky  was  an 
unorganized  country,  there  being  settlements  within  her  borders. 

In  Hutchins’  Topography  of  Virginia,  it  is  stated  that  at  that 
time  Kaskaskia  contained  80  houses,  and  nearly  1,000  white  and 
black  inhabitants,  the  whites  being  a little  the  more  numerous. 
Cahokia  contained  fifty  houses,  300  white  inhabitants,  and  80 
negroes.  There  were  east  of  the  Mississippi  river,  about  the  year 
1771 — when  these  observations  were  made — “300  white  men 
capable  of  bearing  arms,  and  230  negroes.”  From  1775  until 
the  expedition  of  Clark,  nothing  is  recorded  and  nothing  known 
of  these  settlements,  save  what  is  contained  in  a report  made  by 
a committee  to  Congress  in  June,  1778.  From  it  the  following 
extract  is  made:  “ Near  the  mouth  of  the  river  Kaskaskia,  there 
is  a village  which  appears  to  have  contained  nearly  eighty  fami- 
lies from  the  beginning  of  the  late  Revolution  ; there  are  twelve 
families  at  a small  village  at  La  Prairie  Du  Roehers,  and  nearly 
fifty  families  at  the  Cahokia  village.  There  are  also  four  or  five 
families  at  Fort  Chartres  and  St.  Philip’s,  which  is  five  miles 
further  up  the  river.”  St.  Louis  had  been  settled  in  February, 
1764,  and  at  this  time  contained,  including  its  neighboring  towns, 
over  six  hundred  white  and  one  hundred  and  fifty  negroes.  It 
must  be  remembered  that  all  the  country  west  of  the  Mississippi 
was  under  French  rule,  and  remained  so  until  ceded  back  to 
Spain,  its  original  owner,  who  afterwards  sold  it  and  the  country 
including  New  Orleans  to  the  United  States.  At  Detroit,  there 
were,  according  to  Captain  Carver,  who  was  in  the  north-west 
from  1768  to  1776,  more  than  one  hundred  houses,  and  the  river 
was  settled  for  more  than  twenty  miles,  although  poorly  culti- 
vated, the  people  being  engaged  in  the  Indian  trade. 

On  the  breaking  out  of  the  Revolution,  the  British  held  every 
post  of  importance  in  the  AVest.  Kentucky  was  formed  as  a 
component  part  of  Virginia,  and  the  sturdy  pioneers  of  the  AVest, 
alive  to  their  interests,  and  recognizing  the  great  benefits  of 
obtaining  the  control  of  the  trade  in  this  part  of  the  New  AVorld, 
held  steadily  to  their  purposes,  and  those  within  the  common- 
wealth of  Kentucky  proceeded  to  exercise  their  civil  privileges 
by  electing  John  Todd  and  Richard  Gallaway  burgesses,  to  rep- 
resent them  in  the  assembly  of  the  present  state.  The  chief  spirit 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


19 


in  this  far-out  colony,  who  had  represented  her  the  year  previous 
east  of  the  mountains,  was  now  meditating  a move  of  unequalled 
boldness.  He  had  been  watching  the  movements  of  the  British 
throughout  the  north-west,  and  understood  their  whole  plan. 
He  saw  it  was  through  their  possession  of  the  posts  at  Detroit, 
Vincennes,  Kaskaskia,  aud  other  places,  which  would  give  them 
easy  access  to  the  various  Indian  tribes  in  the  north-west,  that 
the  British  intended  to  penetrate  the  country  from  the  north  and 
south,  and  annihilate  the  frontier  fortresses.  This  moving,  ener- 
getic man  was  Colonel,  afterwards  General  George  Rogers  Clark. 
He  knew  that  the  Indians  were  not  unanimously  in  accord  with 
the  English,  and  he  was  convinced  that,  could  the  British  be 
defeated  and  expelled  from  the  north-west,  the  natives  might  be 
easily  awed  into  neutrality;  by  spies  sent  for  the  purpose,  he 
satisfied  himself  that  the  enterprise  against  the  Illinois  settle- 
ments might  easily  succeed.  Patrick  Henry  was  Governor  of 
Virginia,  and  at  once  entered  heartily  into  Clark’s  plans.  The 
same  plan  had  before  been  agitated  in  the  Colonial  Assemblies ; 
but  there  was  no  one  until  Clark  came  who  was  sufficiently 
acquainted  with  the  condition  of  affairs  at  the  scene  of  action  to 
be  able  to  guide  them. 

Clark,  having  satisfied  the  Virginia  leaders  of  the  feasibility 
of  his  plan,  received  on  the  second  of  January  two  sets  of  instruc- 
tions: one  secret,  the  other  open.  The  latter  authorized  him  to 
£>roceed  to  enlist  seven  companies  to  go  to  Kentucky,  subject  to 
his  orders,  and  to  serve  three  months  from  their  arrival  in  the 
west.  The  secret  order  authorized  him  to  arm  the  troops,  to 
procure  his  powder  and  lead  of  General  Hand,  at  Pittsburg,  and 
to  proceed  at  once  to  subjugate  the  country. 

With  these  instructions  Clark  repaired  to  Pittsburg,  choosing 
rather  to  raise  his  men  west  of  the  mountains.  Here  he  raised 
three  companies  and  several  private  volunteers.  Clark  at  length 
commenced  his  descent  of  the  Ohio,  which  he  navigated  as  far  as 
the  falls,  where  he  took  possession  of  and  fortified  Corn  Island, 
between  the  present  sites  of  Louisville,  Kentucky,  and  New 
Albany,  Indiana.  Remains  of  this  fortification  may  yet  be 
found.  At  this  place  he  appointed  Col.  Bowman  to  meet  him 
with  such  recruits  as  had  reached  Kentucky  by  the  southern 
route.  Here  he  announced  to  the  men  their  real  destination. 
On  the  24th  of  June  he  embarked  on  the  river,  his  destination 
being  Fort  Massac  or  Massacre,  and  thence  marched  direct  to  Kas- 
kaskia. The  march  was  accomplished  and  the  town  reached  on 
the  evening  of  July  4.  He  captured  the  fort  near  the  village, 
aud  soon  after  the  village  itself,  by  surprise,  without  the  loss  of 
a single  man  or  killing  any  of  the  enemy.  Clark  told  the  natives 
that  they  were  at  perfect  liberty  to  worship  as  they  jJeased,  and 
to  take  whichever  side  of  the  conflict  they  would,  and  he  would 
protect  them  from  any  barbarity  from  British  or  Indian  foes. 
This  had  the  desired  effect,  and  the  inhabitants  at  once  swore 
allegiance  to  the  American  arms,  and  when  Clark  desired  to  go 
to  Cahokia  on  the  6th  of  July,  they  accompanied  him,  and 
through  their  iufluence  the  inhabitants  of  the  place  surrendered. 
Thus  two  important  posts  in  Illinois  passed  from  the  hands  of 
the  English  into  the  possession  of  Virginia.  During  the  year 
(1779)  the  famous  ‘'Land  Laws”  of  Virginia  were  passed.  The 
passage  of  these  laws  was  of  more  consequence  to  the  pioneers  of 
Kentucky  and  the  north-west  than  the  gaining  of  a few  Indian 
conflicts.  These  grants  confirmed  in  the  main  all  grants  made, 
and  guaranteed  to  actual  settlers  their  rights  and  privileges. 


DIVISION  OF  TIIE  NORTH-WEST  TERRITORY. 

The  increased  emigration  to  the  north-west,  and  extent  of  the 
domain,  made  it  very  difficult  to  conduct  the  ordinary  operations 
of  government,  and  rendered  the  efficient  action  of  courts  almost 
impossible;  to  remedy  this  it  was  deemed  advisable  to  divide  the 
territory  for  civil  purposes.  Congress,  in  1800,  appointed  a 
committee  to  examine  the  question  and  report  some  means  for 
its  solution. 

This  committee  on  the  3d  of  March  reported:  “In  the  three 
western  countries  there  has  been  but  one  court  having  cognizance 
of  crimes,  in  five  years,  and  the  immunity  which  offenders  expe- 
rience attracts,  as  to  an  asylum,  the  most  vile  and  abandoned 
criminals,  and  at  the  same  time  deters  useful  citizens  from  making 
settlements  in  such  society.  The  extreme  necessity  of  judiciary 
attention  aud  assistance  is  experienced  in  civil  as  well  as  in 
criminal  cases.  * * * * To  remedy  this  evil  it  is  expedient  to 
the  committee  that  a division  of  said  territory  into  two  distinct 
and  separate  governments  should  be  made,  and  that  such  division 
be  made  by  beginning  at  the  mouth  of  the  Great  Miami  river, 
running  directly  north  until  it  intersects  the  boundary  between 
the  United  States  and  Canada.” 

The  report  was  accepted  by  Congress,  and,  in  accordance  with 
its  suggestions,  that  body  passed  an  act  extinguishing  the  north- 
west territory,  which  act  was  approved  May  7th.  Among  its 
provisions  were  these  : 

“That  from  and  after  July  4 next,  all  that  part  of  the  terri- 
tory of  the  United  States  north-west  of  the  Ohio  river,  which 
lies  to  the  westward  of  a line  beginning  at  a point  opposite  the 
mouth  of  the  Kentucky  river,  and  running  thence  to  Fort 
Recovery,  and  thence  North  until  it  shall  intersect  the  terri- 
torial line  between  the  United  States  and  Canada,  shall,  for  the 
purpose  of  temporary  government,  constitute  a separate  territory 
and  be  called  the  Indian  Territory.” 

Gen.  Harrison  (afterwards  President),  was  appointed  governor 
of  the  Indian  Territory,  and  during  his  residence  at  Vincennes, 
he  made  several  important  treaties  with  the  Indians,  thereby 
gaining  large  tracts  of  land.  The  next  year  is  memorable  in 
the  history  of  the  west  for  the  purchase  of  Louisiana  from 
France  by  the  United  States  for  815,000,000.  Thus  by  a peace- 
ful manner  the  domain  of  the  United  States  was  extended  over 
a large  tract  of  country  west  of  the  Mississippi,  and  was  for  a 
time  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  north-western  government. 
The  next  year  Gen.  Harrison  obtained  additional  grants  of  land 
from  the  various  Indian  nations  in  Indiana  and  the  present 
limits  of  Illinois,  and  on  the  18th  of  August,  1804,  completed  a 
treaty  at  St.  Louis,  whereby  over  51,000,000  acres  of  laud  were 
obtained. 

During  this  year,  Congress  granted  a township  of  land  for 
the  support  of  a college,  and  began  to  offer  inducements  for 
settlers  in  these  wilds,  and  the  country  now  comprising  the 
state  of  Michigan  began  to  fill  rapidly  with  settlers  along  its 
southern  borders.  This  same  year  a law  was  passed  organizing 
the  south-west  territory,  dividing  it  into  two  portions, — the  terri- 
tory of  New  Orleans,  which  city  was  made  the  seat  of  govern- 
ment, and  the  district  of  Louisiana,  which  was  annexed  to  the 
domain  by  General  Harrison. 

On  the  11th  of  January,  1805,  the  territory  of  Michigan  was 
formed,  and  Wm.  Hull  was  appointed  governor,  with  lieadquar- 


20 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


ters  at  Detroit,  the  change  to  lake  effect  June  30th.  On  the 
1 1th  of  that  month,  a fire  occurred  at  Detroit,  which  destroyed 
almost  every  building  in  the  place.  When  the  officers  of  the 
new  territory  reached  the  post,  they  found  it  in  ruins,  and  the 
inhabitants  scattered  throughout  the  country.  Rebuilding,  how- 
ever, was  commenced  at  once.  While  this  was  being  done, 
Indiana  passed  to  the  second  grade  of  government.  In  1809, 
Indiana  territory  was  divided,  and  the  territory  of  Illinois  was 
formed,  the  seat  of  government  being  fixed  at  Kaskaskia,  and 
through  her  General  Assembly  had  obtained  large  tracts  of'  land 
from  the  Indian  tribes.  To  all  this  the  celebrated  Indian 
Tecumthe,  or  Tecumseh,  vigorously  protested,*  and  it  was  the 
main  cause  of  his  attempts  to  unite  the  various  Indian  tribes  in 
a conflict  with  the  settlers.  He  visited  the  principal  tribes,  and 
succeeded  in  forming  an  alliance  with  most  of  the  tribes,  and 
then  joined  the  cause  of  the  British  in  the  memorable  war  of  j 
1812.  Tecumseh  was  killed  at  the  battle  of  the  Thames. 
Tecumseh  was,  in  many  respects,  a noble  character, — frank  and 
honest  in  his  intercourse  with  General  Harrison  and  the  settlers  ; 
in  war,  brave  and  chivalrous.  His  treatment  of  prisoners  was  j 
humane.  In  the  summer  of  1812,  Perry’s  victory  on  Lake  Erie 
occurred,  and  shortly  after,  active  preparations  were  made  to  j 
capture  Fort  Malden.  On  the  27th  of  September,  the  American  ! 
army,  under  command  of  General  Harrison,  set  sail  for  the  j 
shores  of  Canada,  and,  in  a few  hours,  stood  around  the  ruins  of  | 
Malden,  from  which  the  British  army  under  Proctor  had  re- 
treated to  Sandwich,  intending  to  make  its  way  to  the  heart  of 
Canada  by  the  valley  of  the  Thames.  On  the  29th,  General 
Harrison  was  at  Sandwich,  and  General  McArthur  took  posses- 
sion of  Detroit  and  the  territory  of  Michigan.  On  the  2d  of 
October  following,  the  American  army  began  their  pursuit  of 
Proctor,  whom  they  overtook  on  the  5th,  and  the  battle  of  the 
Thames  followed.  The  victory  was  decisive,  and  practically  : 
closed  the  war  in  the  north  west.  In  1806,  occurred  Burr’s 
insurrection.  He  took  possession  of  an  island  in  the  Ohio,  and 
was  charged  with  treasonable  intentions  against  the  Federal  gov- 
ernment. His  capture  was  effected  by  General  Wilkinson,  acting 
under  instruction  of  President  Jefferson.  Burr  was  brought  to 
trial  on  a charge  of  treason,  and,  after  a prolonged  trial,  during 
which  he  defended  himself  with  great  ability,  he  was  acquitted 
of  the  charge  of  treason.  His  subsequent  career  was  obscure, 
and  he  died  in  1836.  Had  his  scheme  succeeded,  it  would  be 
interesting  to  know  what  effect  it  would  have  had  on  the  north- 
western territory.  The  battle  of  the  Thames  was  fought  October 
6th,  1813.  It  effectually  closed  hostilities  in  the  north-west, 
although  peace  was  not  restored  until  July  22d,  1814,  when  a 
treaty  was  made  at  Greenville,  by  General  Harrison,  between 
the  United  States  and  the  Indian  tribes.  On  the  24th  of  De- 
cember, the  treaty  of  Ghent  was  signed  by  the  representatives 
of  England  and  the  United  States.  This  treaty  was  followed 
the  next  year  by  treaties  with  various  Indian  tribes  throughout 
the  north-west,  and  quiet  was  again  restored. 

PRESENT  CONDITION  OF  TIIE  NORTH  WEST. 

In  the  former  chapters  we  have  traced  briefly  the  discoveries, 
settlements,  wars,  and  most  important  events  which  have  occurred 
in  the  large  area  of  country  denominated  the  north  west,  and  we 

♦ 

* American  State  Papers. 


now  turn  to  the  contemplation  of  its  growth  and  jirosperity.  Its 
people  are  among  the  most  intelligent  and  enterprising  in  the 
Union.  The  population  is  steadily  increasing,  the  arts  and 
sciences  are  gaining  a stronger  foothold,  the  trade  area  of  the 
region  is  becoming  daily  more  extended,  and  we  have  been 
largely  exempt  from  the  financial  calamities  which  have  nearly 
wrecked  communities  on  the  sea-board,  dependent  wholly  on 
foreign  commerce  or  domestic  manufacture.  Agriculture  is  the 
leading  feature  in  our  industries.  This  vast  domain  has  a sort 
of  natural  geographical  border,  save  where  it  melts  away  to  the 
southward  in  the  cattle-raising  districts  of  the  south-west.  The 
leading  interests  will  be  the  growth  of  the  food  of  the  world,  in 
which  branch  it  has  already  outstripped  all  competitors,  and 
our  great  rival  will  be  the  fertile  fields  of  Kansas,  Nebraska, 
Colorado,  Texas  and  New  Mexico. 

To  attempt  to  give  statistics  of  grain  productions  for  1880 
ivould  require  more  space  than  our  work  would  permit  of. 
Manufacturing  has  now  attained  in  the  chief  cities  a foothold 
that  bids  fair  to  render  the  north-west  independent  of  the  outside 
world.  Nearly  our  whole  region  has  a distribution  of  coal  mea- 
sure which  will  in  time  support  the  manufactures  necessary  to 
our  comfort  and  prosperity.  As  to  transportation,  the  chief 
factor  in  the  production  of  all  articles  except  food,  no  section  is 
so  magnificently  endowed,  and  our  facilities  are  yearly  increasing 
beyond  those  of  any  other  region. 

The  principal  trade  and  manufacturing  centres  of  the  great 
north-west  are  Chicago,  St.  Louis,  Cincinnati,  Indianapolis,  De- 
troit, Cleveland  and  Toledo,  with  any  number  of  minor  cities 
and  towns  doing  a large  and  growing  business.  The  intelligence 
and  enterprise  of  its  people  ; the  great  wealth  of  its  soil  and 
minerals  ; its  vast  inland  seas  and  navigable  rivers;  its  magnifi- 
cent railroad  system  ; its  patriotism  and  love  of  country  will 
render  it  ever  loyal  in  the  future  as  in  the  past.  The  people  of 
the  Mississippi  Valley  are  the  keystone  of  the  national  union 
and  national  prosperity. 


CHAPTER  II. 

BRIEF  HISTORICAL  SKETCH  OF  ILLINOIS. 

T is  necessary  to  treat  the  history  of  this  great  State 
briefly.  Ar.d  first  we  direct  attention  to  the  dis- 
covery and  exploration  of  the  Mississippi.  Hernando 
De  Soto,  cutting  his  way  through  the  wilderness  from 
Florida,  had  discovered  the  Mississippi  in  the  year  1542.  Wasted 
with  disease  and  privation,  he  only  reached  the  stream  to  die 
upon  its  banks,  and  the  remains  of  the  ambitious  and  iron-willed 
Spaniard  found  a fitting  resting-place  beneath  the  waters  of  the 
great  river.  The  chief  incitement  to  Spanish  discoveries  in 
America  was  a thirst  for  gold  and  treasure.  The  discovery  and 
settlement  of  the  Mississippi  Valley  on  the  part  of  the  French 
must,  on  the  other  hand,  be  ascribed  to  religious  zeal.  Jesuit 
missionaries,  from  the  French  settlements  on  the  St.  Lawrence, 
early  penetrated  to  the  region  of  Lake  Huron.  It  wras  from  the 
tribes  of  Indians  living  in  the  West,  that  intelligence  came  of  a 
noble  river  flowing  south.  Marquette,  who  had  visited  the  Chip- 
pewas  in  1668,  and  established  the  mission  of  St.  Mary,  now  the 
oldest  settlement  within  the  present  commonwealth  pf  Michigan, 
formed  the  purpose  of  its  exploration. 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


21 


In  company  with  Joliet,  a fur-trader  of  Quebec,  who  had  been 
designated  by  M.  Talon,  Intendent  of  Canada,  as  chieftain  of  the 
exploring  party,  and  five  French  voyageurs,  Marquette,  on  the 
10th  of  June,  1G73,  set  out  on  the  expedition.  Crossing  the 
water-shed  dividing  the  Fox  from  the  Wisconsin  rivers,  their 
two  canoes  were  soon  launched  on  the  waters  of  the  latter. 
Seven  days  after,  on  the  17th  of  June,  they  joyfully  entered  the 
broad  current  of  the  Mississippi.  Stopping  six  days  on  the 
western  bank,  near  the  mouth  of  the  Des  Moines  Iiiver,  to  enjoy 
the  hospitalities  of  the  Illinois  Indians,  the  voyage  was  resumed, 
and  after  passing  the  perpendicular  rocks  above  Alton,  on  whose 
lofty  limestone  front  are  painted  frightful  representations  of 
monsters,  they  suddenly  came  upon  the  mouth  of  the  Missouri, 
known  by  its  Algonquin  name  of  Pekitanoui,  whose  swift  and 
turbid  current  threatened  to  engulf  their  frail  canoes.  The  site 
of  St.  Louis  was  an  unbroken  forest,  and  further  down,  the 
fertile  plain  bordering  the  river  reposed  in  peaceful  solitude,  as, 
early  in  July,  the  adventurers  glided  past  it.  They  continued 
their  voyage  to  a point  some  distance  below  the  mouth  of  the 
Arkansas,  and  then  retraced  their  course  up  the  river,  arriving 
at  their  Jesuit  Mission  at  the  head  of  Green  Bay,  late  in  Sep- 
tember. 

Robert,  Cavalier  de  La  Salle,  whose  illustrious  name  is  more 
intimately  connected  with  the  exploration  of  the  Mississippi  than 
that  of  any  other,  was  the  next  to  descend  the  river,  in  the  early 
part  of  the  year  1682.  At  its  mouth  he  erected  a column,  and 
decorating  it  with  the  arms  of  France,  placed  upon  it  the  follow- 
ing inscription : 

LOUIS  LE  GRAND,  ROI  DE  FRANCE  ET  DE  NAVARRE,  REGNE  ; 

LE  NEUVIEME  AVRIL,  1682. 

Thus  France,  by  right  of  discovery,  lay  claim  to  the  Missis- 
sippi Valley,  the  fairest  portion  of  the  globe,  an  empire  in  extent, 
stretching  from  the  Gulf  to  the  Lakes,  and  from  the  farthest 
sources  of  the  Ohio  to  where  the  Head  waters  of  the  Missouri  are 
lost  in  the  wild  solitudes  cf  the  Rocky  Mountains.  La  Salle 
bestowed  upon  the  territory  the  name  of  Louisiana,  in  honor  of 
the  King  of  France,  Louis  XIV. 

The  assertion  has  been  made  that  on  La  Salle’s  return  up  the 
river,  in  the  summer  of  1682,  a portion  of  the  party  were  left 
behind,  who  founded  the  villages  of  Kaskaskia  and  Cahokia,  but 
the  statement  rests  on  no  substantial  foundation. 

THE  FIRST  SETTLEMENTS  IN  ILLINOIS. 

The  gentle  and  pious  Marquette,  devoted  to  his  purpose  of 
carrying  the  gospel  to  the  Indians,  had  established  a mission 
among  the  Illinois,  in  1675,  at  their  principal  town  on  the  river 
which  still  bears  their  name.  This  was  at  the  present  town  of 
Utica,  in  La  Salle  County.  In  the  presence  of  the  whole  tribe, 
by  whom,  it  is  recorded,  he  was  received  as  a celestial  visitor,  he 
displayed  the  sacred  pictures  of  the  Virgin  Mary,  raised  an  altar, 
and  said  mass.  On  Easter  Sunday,  after  celebrating  the  mystery 
of  the  Eucharist,  he  took  possession  of  the  land  in  the  name  of 
the  Saviour  of  the  world,  and  founded  the  “ Mission  of  the  Im- 
maculate Conception.”  The  town  was  called  Kaskaskia,  a name 
afterwards  transferred  to  another  locality. 

La  Salle,  while  making  preparations  to  descend  the  Missis- 
sippi, built  a fort,  on  the  Illinois  River,  below  the  Lake  of  Peoria, 
in  February,  16S0,  and  in  commemoration  of  his  misfortunes, 


bestowed  upon  it  the  name  of  Crevecceur,  “ broken-hearted.” 
Traces  of  its  embankments  are  yet  discernible.  This  was  the 
first  military  occupation  of  Illinois.  There  is  no  evidence,  how- 
ever, that  settlement  was  begun  there  at  that  early  date. 

On  La  Salle’s  return  from  this  exploration  of  the  Mississippi, 
in  1682,  he  fortified  “Starved  Rock,”  whose  military  advantages 
had  previously  attracted  his  attention.  From  its  summit,  which 
rises  125  feet  above  the  waters  of  the  river,  the  valley  of  the 
Illinois  speeds  out  before  the  eye  in  a landscape  of  rarest  beauty. 
From  three  sides  it  is  inaccessible.  This  stronghold  received  the 
name  of  the  Fort  of  St.  Louis.  Twenty  thousand  allied  Indians 
gathered  around  it  on  the  fertile  plains.  The  fort  seems  to  have 
been  abandoned  soon  after  the  year  1700. 

Marquette’s  mission  (1675),  Crevecceur  (1680),  and  the  Fort 
of  St.  Louis  (1682),  embrace,  so  far,  all  the  attempts  made 
toward  effecting  anything  like  a permanent  settlement  in  the 
Illinois  country.  Of  the  second  few  traces  remain.  A line  of 
fortifications  may  be  faintly  traced,  and  that  is  all.  The  seed  of 
civilization  planted  by  the  Jesuit,  Marquette,  among  the  Illinois 
Indians,  was  destined  to  produce  more  enduring  fruit.  It  was 
the  germ  of  Kaskaskia,  during  the  succeeding  years  of  the 
French  occupation — the  metropolis  of  the  Mississippi  Valley. 
The  southern  Kaskaskia  is  merely  the  northern  one  transplanted. 
The  Mission  of  the  Immaculate  Conception  is  the  same. 

FOUNDING  OF  KASKASKIA. 

On  the  death  of  Marquette,  he  was  succeeded  by  Alloiiez,  and 
he  by  Father  Gravier,  who  respectively  had  charge  of  the  Mis- 
sion on  the  Illinois  River.  Gravier  is  said  to  have  been  the  first 
to  reduce  the  principles  of  the  Illinois  language  to  rules.  It  was 
also  he  who  succeeded  in  transferring  Marquette’s  Mission  from 
the  banks  of  the  Illinois  south  to  the  spot  where  stands  the 
modern  town  of  Kaskaskia,  and  where  it  was  destined  to  endure. 
The  exact  date  is  not  known,  but  the  removal  was  accomplished 
some  time  prior  to  the  year  1690,  though  probably  not  earlier 
than  1685. 

Father  Gravier  was  subsequently  recalled  to  Mackinaw,  and 
his  place  was  supplied  by  Bineteau  and  Pinet.  Pinet  proved  an 
eloquent  and  successful  minister,  and  his  chapel  was  often  in- 
sufficient to  hold  the  crowds  of  savages  who  gathered  to  hear  his 
words.  Bineteau  met  with  a fate  similar  to  that  which  befell 
many  another  devoted  priest  in  his  heroic  labors  for  the  conver- 
sion of  the  savages.  He  accompanied  the  Kaskaskias  on  one  of 
their  annual  hunts  to  the  upper  Mississippi,  that  his  pastoral 
relations  might  not  suffer  intermission.  His  frame  was  poorly 
litted  to  stand  the  exposure.  Parched  by  day  on  the  burning 
prairie,  chilled  by  heavy  dews  at  night,  now  panting  with  thirst 
and  again  aching  with  cold,  he  at  length  fell  a victim  to  a vio- 
lent fever,  and  “ left  his  bones  on  the  wilderness  range  of  the 
buffaloes.”  Pinet  shortly  after  followed  his  comrade. 

Father  Gabriel  Morrest  had  previously  arrived  at  Kaskaskia. 
He  was  a Jesuit.  He  had  carried  the  emblem  of  his  faith  to  the 
frozen  regions  of  Hudson’s  Bay,  and  had  been  taken  prisoner  by 
the  English,  and  upon  his  liberation  returned  to  America,  and 
joined  the  Kaskaskia  Mission.  After  the  deaths  of  Bineteau 
and  Pinet,  he  had  sole  charge  until  joined  by  Father  Mermet 
shortly  after  the  opening  of  the  eighteenth  century. 

The  devotion  and  piety  of  Mermet  fully  equalled  those  of  his 
companion.  Pie  had  assisted  in  collecting  a village  of  Indians 


22 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


and  Canadians,  and  had  thus  founded  the  first  French  port  on 
the  Ohio,  or,  as  the  lower  part  of  the  river  was  then  called,  the 
Wabash.  At  the  Kaskaskia  Mission  his  gentle  virtues  and  fervid 
eloquence  seem  not  to  have  been  without  their  influence.  “At 
early  dawn  his  pupils  came  to  church  dressed  neatly  and 
modestly,  each  in  a large  deer-skin,  or  in  a robe  stitched  together 
from  several  skins.  After  receiving  lessons  they  chanted  canti- 
cles ; mass  was  then  said  in  presence  of  all  the  Christians  in  the 
place,  the  French  and  the  converts — the  women  on  one  side  and 
the  men  on  the  other.  From  prayer  and  instruction  the  mission- 
aries jwoceed  to  visit  the  sick  and  administer  medicine,  and  their 
skill  as  physicians  did  more  than  all  the  rest  to  win  confidence- 
In  the  afternoon  the  catechism  was  taught  in  the  presence  of  the 
young  and  the  old,  when  every  one,  without  distinction  of  rank 
or  age,  answered  the  questions  of  the  missionary.  At  evening 
all  would  assemble  at  the  chapel  for  instruction,  for  prayer,  and 
to  chant  the  hymns  of  the  church.  On  Sundays  and  festivals, 
even  after  vespers,  a homily  was  pronounced  ; at  the  close  of  the 
day  parties  would  meet  in  houses  to  recite  the  chaplet  in  alter- 
nate choirs,  and  sing  psalms  until  late  at  night.  These  psalms 
were  often  homilies  with  words  set  to  familiar  tunes.  Saturday 
and  Sunday  were  days  appointed  for  confession  and  communion, 
and  every  convert  confessed  once  in  a fortnight.  The  success  of 
the  mission  was  such  that  marriages  of  French  immigrants  were 
sometimes  solemnized  with  the  daughters  of  the  Illinois  accord- 
ing to  the  rites  of  the  Catholic  Church.  The  occupation  of  the 
country  was  a cantonment  of  Europeans  among  the  native  pro- 
prietors of  the  forests  and  the  prairies.*  A court  of  law  was 
unknown  for  nearly  a century,  and  up  to  the  time  of  Boisbriant 
there  was  no  local  government.  The  priests  possessed  the  entire 
confidence  of  the  community,  and  their  authority  happily  settled, 
without  the  tardy  delays  and  vexations  of  the  courts,  the  minor 
difficulties  which  threatened  the  peace  of  the  settlement.  Of  the 
families  which  formed  part  of  the  French  population  in  the  early 
history  of  Kaskaskia,  there  is  some  uncertainty.  There  is,  how- 
ever, authority  for  believing  that  the  following  were  among  the 
principal  settlers : Bazyl  La  Chapelle,  Michael  Derouse  (called 
St.  Pierre),  Jean  Baptiste  St.  Gemme  Beauvais,  Baptiste  Mon- 
treal, Boucher  de  Montbrun,  Charles  Danie,  Francois  Charles- 
ville,  Antoine  Bienvenu,  Louis  Bruyat,  Alexis  Doza,  Joseph 
Paget,  Prix  Pagi,  Michael  Antoyen,  Langlois  De  Lisle,  La 
Derroutte  and  Koval. 

AS  PART  OF  LOUISIANA. 

The  settlements  of  Illinois  had  been  a separate  dependency  of 
Canada.  In  1711,  together  with  the  settlements  on  the  Lower 
Mississippi,  which  had  been  founded  by  D’Iberville  and  Bien- 
ville, they  became  united  in  a single  province  under  the  name  of 
Louisiana,  with  the  capital  at  Mobile. 

The  exclusive  control  of  the  commerce  of  this  region,  whose 
boundless  resources,  it  was  believed,  were  to  enrich  France, 
was  granted  to  Anthony  Crozat,  a merchant  of  great  wealth. 
“We  permit  him,”  says  the  king  in  his  letters  patent,  “to 
search,  open,  and  dig  all  mines,  veins,  minerals,  precious  stones 
and  pearls,  and  to  transport  the  proceeds  thereof  into  any  part  of 
France  for  fifteen  years.”  La  Motte  Cadillac,  who  had  now 
become  royal  Governor  of  Louisiana,  was  his  partner.  Hopes 

* Bancroft. 


of  obtaining  great  quantities  of  gold  and  silver  animated  the 
proprietors,  as  well  as  agitated  France.  Two  pieces  of  silver 
ore,  left  at  Kaskaskia  by  a traveler  from  Mexico,  were  exhibited 
to  Cadillac  as  the  produce  of  a mine  in  Illinois.  Elated  by  this 
prospect  of  wealth,  the  Governor  hurried  up  the  river  to  find 
his  anticipations  fade  away  in  disappointment.  Iron  ore  and  the 
purest  lead  were  discovered  in  large  quantities  in  Missouri,  but 
of  gold,  and  silver,  and  precious  stones  not  a trace  was  found. 
After  Crozat  had  expended  425,000  livres,  and  realized  only 
300,000,  he,  in  1717,  petitioned  the  king  for  the  revocation  of 
his  charter.  The  white  population  had  slowly  increased  ; and 
at  the  time  of  his  departure  it  was  estimated  that  the  families 
comprising  the  Illinois  settlements,  now  including  those  on  the 
Wabash,  numbered  three  hundred  and  twenty  souls. 

The  commerce  of  Louisiana  was  next  transferred  to  the 
Mississippi  Company,  instituted  under  the  auspices  of  the  notori- 
ous John  Law.  The  wild  excitement  and  visionary  schemes 
which  agitated  France  during  Law’s  connection  with  the  Com- 
pany of  the  West,  and  while  at  the  head  of  the  Bank  of  France, 
form  the  most  curious  chapter  in  the  annals  of  commercial 
speculations.  These  delusive  dreams  of  wealth  were  based 
mainly  upon  the  reports  of  the  fabulous  riches  of  the  Mississippi 
Valley.  Attempts  to  colonize  the  country  were  conducted  with 
careless  prodigality.  Three  ships  landed  eight  hundred  emi- 
grants in  August,  1718,  near  Mobile,  whence  they  were  to  make 
their  way  overland  to  the  Mississippi.  Bienville,  on  the  banks 
of  that  river,  had  already  selected  the  spot  for  the  Capital  of  the 
new  Empire,  which,  after  the  Regent  of  France,  was  named  New 
Orleans.  From  among  the  emigrants,  eighty  convicts  from  the 
prisons  of  France  were  sent  to  clear  away  the  coppices  which 
thickly  studded  the  site.  Three  years  after,  in  1721,  the  place 
was  yet  a wilderness,  overgrown  with  canebrakes,  among  which 
two  hundred  persons  had  encamped. 

Phillip  Renault-  was  created  Director-General  of  the  mines  of 
the  new  country,  and  an  expedition  was  organized  to  work  them. 
Renault  left  France,  in  1719,  with  two  hundred  mechanics  and 
laborers.  Touching  at  San  Domingo,  he  bought  five  hundred 
negro  slaves  for  working  the  mines.  On  reaching  the  Mississippi, 
he  sailed  to  Illinois,  the  region  in  which  gold  and  silver  were 
supposed  to  abound.  A few  miles  from  Kaskaskia,  in  what  is 
now  the.  south-west  corner  of  Monroe  County,  was  the  seat  of  his 
colony.  The  village  which  he  founded  received  the  name  of  St. 
Phillip’s.  From  this  point  various  expeditions  were  sent  out  in 
search  of  the  precious  metals.  Drewry’s  Creek,  in  Jackson 
County,  was  explored;  St.  Mary’s,  in  Randolph;  Silver  Creek, 
in  Monroe;  and  various  parts  of  St.  Clair  County,  and  other 
districts  of  Illinois.  On  Silver  Creek,  tradition  has  it  that  con- 
siderable quantities  of  silver  were  discovered  and  sent  to  France 
and  from  this  the  stream  has  its  name.  By  the  retrocession  of 
the  territory  to  the  crown,  Renault  was  left  to  prosecute  the 
business  of  miuing  without  means.  His  operations  proved  a 
disastrous  failure. 

FORT  CHARTRES. 

Meanwhile  war  had  sprung  up  between  France  and  Spain, 
and  to  protect  the  Illinois  settlements  from  incursions  of  Spanish 
cavalry  across  the  Great  Desert,  it  was  thought  advisable  to 
establish  a fort  in  the  neighborhood  of  Kaskaskia.  A Spanish 
expedition  had,  indeed,  been  fitted  out  at  Santa  Fe,  but  their 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


23 


guides,  leading  it  by  mistake  to  the  Missouri  Indians,  instead  of 
the  Osages,  enemies  instead  of  friends,  the  whole  party  was 
massacred,  with  the  exception  of  a priest  who  escaped  to  relate 
the  fate  of  his  unfortunate  comrades.  Previous  to  this  La  Salle, 
on  the  occasion  of  his  visit  to  Paris,  had  shown  the  necessity  of 
building  a chain  of  forts  from  Canada  to  the  Gulf,  in  order  to 
secure  the  territory  to  the  crown  of  France.  In  1720,  Boisbriant 
was  despatched  to  Illinois.  He  began  the  building  of  Fort 
Chartres,  long  the  strongest  fortress  on  the  Western  Continent, 
and  of  wide  celebrity  in  the  subsequent  history  of  Illinois. 

Fort  Chartres  stood  on  the  east  bank  of  the  Mississippi, 
seventeen  miles  north-west  of  Kaskaskia,  and  between  three  and 
four  miles  from  the  location  of  the  present  village  of  Prairie  du 
Rocher.  The  Company  of  the  West  finally  built  their  ware- 
houses here.  In  1721,  on  the  division  of  Louisiana  into  seven 
districts,  it  became  the  headquarters  of  Boisbriant,  the  first  local 
Governor  of  Illinois.  Fort  Chartres  was  the  seat  of  the  govern- 
ment of  Illinois,  not  only  while  the  French  retained  possession 
of  the  country,  but  after  it  passed  under  English  control.  When 
the  fort  was  built,  it  stood  about  one  mile  distant  from  the  river. 
In  the  year  1724  an  inundation  of  the  Mississippi  washed  axvay 
a portion  of  bank  in  front  of  the  fort. 

Captain  Philip  Pitman  visited  Illinois  in  1766.  He  was  an 
engineer  in  the  British  army,  and  was  sent  to  Illinois  to  make  a 
survey  of  the  forts,  and  report  the  condition  of  thc»country, 
which  had  recently  passed  under  British  control.  He  published 
in  London,  in  1770,  a work  entitled,  “The  present  State  of  the 
European  Settlements  on  the  Mississippi,”  in  which  he  gives  an 
accurate  description  of  Fort  Chartres: 

“Fort  Chartres,  when  it  belonged  to  France,  was  the  seat  of 
the  government  of  the  Illinois.  The  headquarters  of  the  Eng- 
lish commanding  officer  i$  now  here,  who,  in  fact,  is  the  arbitrary 
governor  of  the  country.  The  fort  is  an  irregular  quadrangle. 
The  sides  of  the  exterior  polygon  are  four  hundred  and  ninety 
feet.  It  is  built  of  stone,  and  plastered  over,  and  is  only  de- 
signed for  defence  against  the  Indians.  The  walls  are  two  feet 
two  inches  thick,  and  are  pierced  with  loopholes  at  regular  dis- 
tances, and  with  two  port  holes  for  cannon  in  the  facies,  and  two 
in  the  flanks  of  each  bastion.  The  ditch  has  never  been  finished. 
The  entrance  to  the  fort  is  through  a very  handsome  rustic  gate. 
Within  the  walls  is  a banquette  raised  three  feet,  for  the  men  to 
stand  on  when  they  fire  through  the  loopholes.  The  buildings 
within  the  fort  are,  a commandant’s  and  a commissary’s  house,  the 
magazine  of  stores,  corps  de  garde,  and  two  barracks.  These 
occupy  the  square.  Within  the  gorges  of  the  bastion  are  a 
powder-magazine,  a bake-house,  and  a prison,  in  the  floor  of 
which  are  four  dungeons,  and  in  the  upper,  two  rooms  and  an 
out-house  belonging  to  the  commandant.  The  commandant’s 
house  is  thirty-two  yards  long  and  ten  broad,  and  contains  a 
kitchen,  a dining  room,  a bed-chamber,  one  small  room,  five 
closets  for  servants,  and  a cellar.  The  commissary’s  house  is 
built  on  the  same  line  as  this,  and  its  proportion  and  the  distri- 
bution of  its  apartments  are  the  same.  Opposite  these  are  the 
store-house,  and  the  guard-house,  each  thirty  yards  long  and 
eight  broad.  The  former  consists  of  two  large  store-rooms, 
(under  which  is  a large  vaulted  cellar),  a large  room,  a bed- 
chamber, and  a closet  for  the  storekeeper.  The  latter  of  a sol- 
diers’ and  officers’  guard-room,  a chapel,  a bed-chamber,  a closet 
for  the  chaplain,  and  an  artillery  store-room.  The  lines  of  bar- 


racks have  never  been  finished.  They  at  present  consist  of  two 
rooms  each  for  officers,  and  three  for  soldiers.  They  are  each 
twenty-five  feet  square,  and  have  betwixt  a small  passage.” 

Such  was  Fort  Chartres,  believed  at  the  time  to  be  the  most 
convenient  and  best-built  stronghold  in  North  America!  Just 
before  the  French  surrender,  forty  families  lived  in  the  neighbor- 
ing village,  in  which  stood  a parish  church,  under  the  care  of  a 
Franciscan  friar,  and  dedicated  to  St.  Anne.  At  the  time  of  the 
surrender  to  the  English,  all,  with  the  exception  of  three  or  four 
families,  abandoned  their  homes,  and  removed  to  the  west  bank 
of  the  Mississippi,  preferring  the  government  of  La  Belle  France 
to  the  hated  English  rule,  ignorant  that  by  secret  treaty  the  ter- 
ritory west  of  the  Mississippi  had  been  ceded  to  Spain,  even  be- 
fore the  transfer  of  the  region  eastward  was  made  to  the 
English. 

But  the  glory  of  the  old  fortress  soon  departed!  In  1756 
nearly  half  a mile  intervened  between  Fort  Chartres  and  the 
bank  of  the  Mississippi.  A sand  bar,  however,  was  forming 
opposite,  to  which  the  river  was  fordable.  Ten  years  later  the 
current  had  cut  the  bank  away  to  within  eighty  yards  of  the 
fort.  The  sand-bar  had  become  an  island,  covered  with  a thick 
growth  of  cottonwoods.  The  channel  between  it  and  the  eastern 
bank  was  forty  feet  in  depth.  In  the  great  freshet  six  years 
after,  in  1772,  in  which  the  American  Bottom  was  inundated, 
the  west  walls  and  two  of  the  bastions  were  swept  away  in  the 
flood.  It  was  abandoned  by  the  British  garrison,  which  took  up 
its  quarters  in  Fort  Gage,  on  the  bluff  opposite  Kaskaskia, 
which  then  became  the  seat  of  government.  From  this  date  its 
demolition  proceeded  rapidly.  In  1820  the  south-east  angle  was 
still  remaining.  Only  vestiges  of  the  old  Fortress  can  now  be 
traced.  Much  of  the  stone  was  carried  away,  and  used  for 
building  purposes  elsewhere.  Trees  of  stately  growth  cover  the 
foundations.  The  river  has  retreated  to  its  original  channel,  and 
is  now  a mile  distant  from  the  ruins.  A growth  of  timber  covers 
the  intervening  land,  where  less  than  a century  ago  swept  the 
mighty  current  of  the  Father  of  Waters. 

UNDER  FRENCH  RULE. 

During  the  few  years  immediately  succeeding  the  completion 
of  Fort  Chartres,  prosperity  prevailed  in  the  settlements  between 
the  Kaskaskia  and  the  Mississippi  rivers.  Prairie  du  Rocher, 
founded  about  the  year  1722,  received  considerable  accessions  to 
its  population.  Among  the  earliest  French  settlers  to  make 
their  homes  here  were  Etienne  Langlois,  Jean  Baptiste  Blais, 
Jean  Baptiste  Barbeau,  Antoine  Louvier,  and  the  La  Compte 
and  other  families,  whose  descendants  are  still  found  in  that 
locality.  New  settlements  sprang  up,  and  the  older  ones  in- 
creased in  population.  At  Kaskaskia,  the  Jesuits  established  a 
monastery,  and  founded  a college.  In  1725  the  village  became 
an  incorporated  town,  and  the  king,  Louis  XV.,  granted  the  in- 
habitants a commons.  The  Bottom  land,  extending  upward 
along  the  Mississippi,  unsurpassed  for  the  richness  of  its  soil, 
was  in  the  process  of  being  rapidly  settled  by  the  larger  number 
of  new  arrivals  in  the  colony.  Fort  Chartres,  the  seat  of  gov- 
ernment and  the  headquarters  of  the  commandment  of  Upper 
Louisiana,  attracted  a wealthy,  and  for  Illinois,  a fashionable 
population. 

After  having  been  fourteen  years  under  the  government  of  the 
Western  Company,  in  April,  1732,  the  King  issued  a proclama- 


24 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


tion  by  which  Louisiana  was  declared  free  to  all  his  subjects,  and 
all  restrictions  on  commerce  were  removed.  At  this  time  many 
flourishing  settlements  had  sprung  up  in  Illinois,  centering  about 
Kaskaskia,  and  the  inhabitants  were  said  to  be  more  exclu- 
sively devoted  to  agriculture  than  in  any  other  of  the  French 
settlements  in  the  West. 

M.  D’Artaguette,  in  1732,  became  commandant  of  Fort  Char- 
tres, and  Governor  of  Upper  Louisiana.  Between  New  Orleans 
and  Kaskaskia  the  country  was  yet  a wilderness.  Communica- 
tion by  way  of  the  Mississippi  was  interrupted  by  the  Chicka- 
saws,  allies  of  the  English  and  enemies  of  France,  whose  cedar 
barks  shooting  boldly  out  into  the  current  of  the  Mississippi, 
cut  off  the  connection  between  the  two  colonies.  It  was  in  an 
attempt  to  subdue  these  that  M.  D’Artaguette,  the  commandant, 
lost  his  life.  An  officer  arrived  at  Fort  Chartres  from  M.  Prer- 
rier,  Governor-General  at  New  Orleans,  in  the  year  173G,  sum- 
moning M.  D’Artaguette,  with  his  French  soldiers,  and  all  the 
Indians  whom  he  could  induce  to  join  him,  to  unite  in  an  expe- 
dition against  the  enemy.  With  an  army  of  fifty  Frenchmen,  and 
more  than  one  thousand  Indians  accompanied  by  Father  Senat  and 
the  gallant  Vincennes,  commandant  of  the  post  on  the  Wabash, 
where  now  stands  the  city  bearing  his  name,  D’Artaguette  stole 
cautiously  in  the  Chickasaw  country.  His  Indian  allies  were 
impatient,  and  the  commander  consented,  against  his  better 
judgment,  to  an  immediate  attack.  One  fort  was  carried — an- 
other— and  then  in  making  the  assault  on  the  third,  the  young 
and  intrepid  D’Artaguette  fell  at  the  head  of  his  forces,  pierced 
with  wounds.  The  Indian  allies  made  this  reverse  the  signal  for 
their  flight.  The  Jesuit  Senat  might  have  fled,  Vincennes  might 
have  saved  his  life,  but  both  preferred  to  share  the  fate  of  their 
leader.  The  captives  afterward  met  death  at  the  stake  under 
the  slow  torments  of  fire. 

La  Buissoniere  succeeded  as  commandant  at  Fort  Chartres. 
In  1739  a second  expedition  was  undertaken  against  the  Chicka- 
saw country.  La  Buissoniere  joined  Bienville,  then  Governor- 
General  of  Louisiana,  with  a force  of  two  hundred  Frenchmen 
and  three  hundred  Indians.  The  whole  force  under  Bienville 
was  twelve  hundred  French  and  five  hundred  Indians  and 
negroes.  His  men  suffered  greatly  from  malarial  fevers  and 
famine,  and  returned  the  following  spring  without  conquering  the 
Chickasaws,  with  whom  afterward,  however,  amicable  relations 
were  established. 

The  period  from  1740  to  1750  was  one  of  great  prosperity  for 
the  colonies.  Cotton  was  introduced  and  cultivated.  Regular 
cargoes  of  pork,  flour,  bacon,  tallow,  hides  and  leather,  were^ 
floated  down  the  Mississippi,  and  exported  thence  to  France. 
French  emigrants  poured  rapidly  into  the  settlements.  Cana- 
dians exchanged  the  cold  rigors  of  their  climate  for  the  sunny 
atmosphere  and  rich  soil  of  the  new  country.  Peace  and  plenty 
blessed  the  settlements. 

La  Buissoniere  was  followed,  in  1750,  by  Chevalier  Macarty 
as  Governor  of  Upper  Louisiana,  and  Commandant  of  Fort 
Chartres.  Peace  was  soon  to  be  broken.  The  French  and 
English  war,  which  terminated  in  1759  with  the  defeat  of  Mont- 
calm on  the  plains  of  Abraham,  and  the  capture  of  Quebec, 
began  with  a struggle  for  the  territory  on  the  Upper  Ohio.  Fort 
Chartres  was  the  depot  of  supplies  and  the  place  of  rendezvous 
for  the  united  forces  of  Louisiana,  and  several  expeditions  were 
fitted  out  and  dispatched  to  the  scene  of  conflict  on  the  border 


between  the  French  and  English  settlements.  But  France  was 
vanquished  in  the  struggle,  and  its  result  deprived  her  of  her 
princely  possessions  east  of  the  Mississippi. 

CHARACTER  OF  THE  EARLY  FRENCH  SETTLERS. 

The  early  French  inhabitants  were  well  adapted  by  their  pe- 
culiar traits  of  character  for  intercourse  with  their  savage  neigh- 
bors of  the  forest,  with  whom  they  lived  on  terms  of  peace  and 
friendship.  For  this  reason,  the  French  colonists  almost  entirely 
escaped  the  Indian  hostilities  by  which  the  English  settlements 
were  repressed  and  weakened.  The  freest  communication  ex- 
isted between  the  two  races.  They  stood  on  a footing  of  equal- 
ity. The  Indian  was  cordially  received  in  the  French  village 
and  the  Frenchman  found  a safe  resting-place  in  the  lodge  of 
the  savage.  In  scenes  of  social  pleasure,  in  expeditions  to  remote 
rivers  and  distant  forests,  in  the  ceremonies  and  exercises  of  the 
church,  the  red  men  were  treated  as  brothers,  and  the  accident  of 
race  and  color  was  made  as  little  a mark  of  distinction  as  pos- 
sible. Frequent  intermarriages  of  the  French  with  the  Indians 
strongly  cemented  this  union.  For  nearly  a hundred  years  the 
French  colonists  enjoyed  continual  peace,  while  the  English  set- 
tlements on  the  Atlantic  coast  were  in  a state  of  almost  constant 
danger  from  savage  depredations. 

It  was  doubtless  greatly  owing  to  the  peculiar  facility  with 
which  the  French  temperament  adapted  itself  to  surroundings, 
and  the  natural  address  with  which  Frenchmen  ingratiated 
themselves  in  the  favor  of  the  savages,  that  this  happy  condition 
of  affairs  existed.  But  something  must  be  ascribed  to  the  differ- 
ence of  character  between  the  French  and  English  in  regard  to 
their  aggressiveness.  The  English  colonists  excited  the  jealousy 
and  fear  of  the  Indians  by  their  rapid  occupation  of  the  country. 
New  settlements  were  constantly  being  projected,  and  the  white 
population  pushed  farther  and  farther  into  the  wilderness. 
When  the  Indians  saw  their  favorite  haunts  broken  up,  and  their 
hunting  grounds  invaded,  a natural  feeling  of  distrust  and  jeal- 
ousy led  them  to  warfare  against  the  English.  With  the  French 
it  was  different.  There  was  but  little  disposition  to  found  new 
settlements,  or  occupy  the  ivilderness.  They  were  essentially  a 
social  people,  and  the  solitary  life  of  a pioneer  in  the  forest  was 
repugnant  to'their  disposition.  They  lived  in  compact  villages. 
Their  houses  were  in  close  proximity.  With  abundant  room  for 
spacious  streets,  they  yet  made  them  so  narrow  that  the  merry 
villagers  could  converse  with  ease  across  the  street,  each  from 
his  own  cottage.  Hunting  was  a favorite  pursuit,  and  the  chief 
means  of  support.  With  this  mode  of  life  the  French  were  con- 
tent. Ambition  failed  to  incite  them  to  conquer  the  wilderness, 
and  push  their  settlements  to  unknown  regions,  and  avarice  was 
wanting  to  lead  them  to  grasp  after  great  possessions.  The  de- 
velopment of  the  “territorial  paradise,”  as  La  Salle  had  called 
the  region  through  which  he  passed  on  his  first  voyage  down  the 
Mississippi,  was  to  be  accomplished  by  another  race. 

A POSSESSION  OF  GREAT  BRITAIN. 

By  the  treaty  of  Fountainbleau,  1762,  the  vast  possessions  of 
France,  east  of  the  Mississippi,  with  the  exception  of  the  island 
of  New  Orleans,  passed  under  British  control.  Fort  Chartres 
and  the  other  Illinois  posts  were  surrounded  by  an  impenetrable 
barrier  of  hostile  savages,  friends  to  the  French  and  enemies  to 
the  English,  and  the  French  officers  were  authorized  to  retain 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


25 


command  until  it  was  found  possible  for  the  English  to  take  pos- 
session. M.  Neyon  de  Villiers  was  commandant  of  Fort  Char- 
tres, and  upon  his  retiring  in  17(54,  St.  Ange  d’Bellerive  took 
upon  himself  the  duties  of  that  position.  It  was  the  time  of 
Pontiac’s  conspiracy,  when  the  Indian  tribes,  inflamed  by  the 
savage  spirit  of  that  warrior,  were  precipitating  themselves  on 
the  English  settlements  from  Canada  to  Carolina.  The  French 
commandant  of  Fort  Chartres  was  besieged  for  arms  and  am- 
munition to  be  used  against  the  English  The  French  flag  was 
still  flying  over  the  Fort,  and  the  fact  of  the  territory  having 
been  ceded  to  Great  Britain  was  not  generally  known  except  to 
those  in  authority.  The  commandant  was  visited  by  embassies 
from  the  Illinois,  the  Delawares,  Shawnees  and  Miamis,  and 
finally  Pontiac  himself,  at  the  head  of  four  hundred  warriors, 
entered  the  council  hall.  St.  Ange  d’Bellerive,  unable  to  fur- 
nish arms,  offered  instead  his  good  will.  The  reply  was  received 
with  dissatisfaction.  The  Indians  pitched  their  lodges  about  the 
Fort,  and  for  a time  an  attack  was  seriously  apprehended. 
Finally  Pontiac  dispatched  a chosen  band  of  warriors  to  New 
Orleans  to  obtain  from  the  Governor  there  the  assistance  St. 
Ange  refused  to  grant. 

Pontiac  was  killed  a few  years  after.  Disappointed  by  the 
failure  of  his  plans  against  the  English,  he  retired  to  the  solitude 
of  the  forests.  In  the  year  1769,  he  suddenly  made  his  appear- 
ance in  the  neighborhood  of  St.  Louis.  Arrayed  in  the  French 
uniform  given  him  by  the  Marquis  Montcalm  a short  time  pre- 
vious to  the  latter’s  death  on  the  Plains  of  Abraham,  he  visited  St. 
Ange  d’Bellerive,  who  at  that  time  had  removed  from  Fort 
Chartres  to  St.  Louis,  where  he  had  become  one  of  the  principal 
inhabitants  and  commandant  of  the  Spanish  garrison.  While  at 
St.  Louis,  he  crossed  the  Mississippi  to  attend  a social  gather- 
ing of  Indians  at  Cahokia.  Becoming  intoxicated  he  started  to 
the  neighboring  woods,  when  an  Indian  of  the  Kaskaskia  tribe, 
bribed  by  an  English  trader  with  a barrel  of  whiskey,  stole  up 
behind  him  and  buried  a tomahawk  in  the  brain  of  the  renowned 
warrior.  St.  Ange  procured  the  body,  and  buried  it  with  all  the 
honors  of  war  near  the  fort  under  his  command  in  St.  Louis. 
The  tramp  of  a great  city  now  sweeps  over  his  grave. 

Two  attempts,  on  the  part  of  the  English,  to  take  possession  of 
Illinois  and  Fort  Chartres,  had  been  made  by  way  of  the  Missis- 
sippi, but  hostile  Indians  on  the  banks  of  the  river  had  driven 
back  the  expeditions.  Meantime  a hundred  Highlanders  of  the 
Forty-second  Regiment,  those  veterans  “ whose  battle  cry  had 
echoed  over  the  bloodiest  fields  of  America,”  had  left  Fort  Pitt, 
now  Pittsburg,  and  descending  the  Ohio,  appeared  before  Fort 
Chartres  while  the  forests  were  yet  rich  with  the  varied  hues  of 
autumn.  St.  Ange  yielded  up  the  citadel.  It  was  on  the  tenth 
day  of  October,  1765,  that  the  ensign  of  France  on  the  ram- 
parts of  the  Fort  gave  place  to  the  flag  of  Great  Britain.  Kas- 
kaskia had  now  been  founded  more  than  three-fourths  of  a 
century.  ' 

On  the  surrender  of  Fort  Chartres,  St-  Ange  with  his  garrison 
of  twenty-one  soldiers  retired  from  the  country,  and  became 
commandant  at  St.  Louis,  an  infant  settlement  just  founded.  A 
large  number  of  the  French  residents  of  Kaskaskia  and  other  set- 
tlements refused  to  live  under  English  rule.  Many  of  the  wealth- 
iest families  left  the  country  ; some  removed  across  the  Mississip- 
pi, to  the  small  village  of  Ste.  Genevieve,  under  the  impression 
that  on  the  west  bank  of  the  Mississippi  they  would  still  find  a 


home  under  the  government  of  France,  while  in  truth  that  ter- 
ritory had  been  ceded  to  Spain  by  a secret  treaty  in  1762. 
Others  joined  in  founding  the  city  of  St.  Louis.  The  French 
settlements  in  Illinois,  at  a period  immediately  preceding  this 
date,  were  at  the  zenith  of  their  prosperity.  From  that  day  the 
French  inhabitants  have  declined  in  numbers  and  influence.  In 
1765,  the  population  of  the  Illinois  settlements  was  computed  as 
follows:  White  men  able  to  bear  arms,  seven  hundred;  white 
women,  five  hundred  ; white  children,  eight  hundred  and  fifty  ; 
negroes,  nine  hundred ; total,  two  thousand  nine  hundred  and 
fifty.  One-third  of  the  whites,  and  a still  larger  proportion  of 
the  blacks,  removed  on  the  British  taking  possession.  A popu- 
lation of  less  than  two  thousand  remained.  Few  English,  or 
Americans,  with  the  exception  of  the  British  troops,  were  in  the 
country. 

Captain  Stirling,  who  now  had  command  of  the  Fort,  issued  a 
proclamation  guaranteeing  the  inhabitants  the  liberty  of  the 
Catholic  faith,  permission  to  retire  from  the  country,  and  enjoy- 
ment of  their  full  rights  and  privileges,  only  requiring  an  oath 
of  fidelity  and  obedience  to  His  Majesty,  the  English  King. 
Captain  Stirling  died  some  three  months  after  his  arrival.  In 
the  period  that  elapsed  before  the  coming  of  his  successor,  St. 
Ange  d’Bellerive  returned  from  St.  Louis,  and  discharged  the 
duties  of  commandant.  Major  Frazier,  from  Fort  Pitt,  exercised 
for  a time  an  arbitrary  power,  and  his  successor,  Col.  Reed, 
proved  still  worse.  He  held  the  office  eighteen  months,  and 
during  that  time  aroused  the  hatred  of  the  settlements  by  his 
oppressive  measures.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Wilkins  assumed  com- 
mand in  1768. 

Captain  Pitman,  to  whose  book  on  “ The  Present  State  of  the 
European  Settlements  on  the  Mississippi  ” reference  has  already 
been  made,  gives  the  following  description  of  Kaskaskia,  as  it 
appeared  in  1766  : 

The  village  of  Notre  Dame  de  Cascasquias  is  by  far  the  most 
considerable  settlement  in  the  country  of  the  Illinois,  as  well 
from  its  number  of  inhabitants  as  from  its  advantageous  situa- 
tion. 

“ Mons.  Paget  was  the  first  who  introduced  water  mills  in  this 
country,  and  he  constructed  a very  fine  one  on  the  river  Cascas- 
quias, which  was  both  for  grinding  corn  and  sawing  boards.  It 
lies  about  one  mile  from  the  village.  The  mill  proved  fatal  to 
him,  being  killed  as  he  was  working  it,  with  two  negroes,  by  a 
party  of  Cherokees,  in  the  year  1764. 

“ The  principal  buildings  are  the  church  and  the  Jesuits’ 
house,  which  has  a small  chapel  adjoining  it;  these,  as  well  as 
some  of  the  other  houses  in  the  village,  are  built  of  stone,  and, 
considering  this  part  of  the  world,  make  a very  good  appearance. 
The  Jesuits’  plantation  consisted  of  240  arpents  (an  arpent  is 
85-100  of  an  acre)  of  cultivated  land,  a very  good  stock  of  cat- 
tle, and  a brewery  which  was  sold  by  the  French  commandant, 
after  the  country  was  ceded  to  the  English,  for  the  crown,  in 
consequence  of  the  suppression  of  the  order. 

“ Mons.  Beauvais  was  the  purchaser,  who  is  the  richest  of  the 
English  subjects  in  this  country  ; he  keeps  eighty  slaves ; he 
furnishes  86,000  weight  of  flour  to  the  King’s  magazine,  which 
was  only  part  of  the  harvest  lie  reaped  in  one  year.  Sixty  five 
families  reside  in  this  village,  besides  merchants,  other  casual 
people,  and  slaves.  The  fort  which  was  burnt  down  in  October, 
1766,  stood  on  the  summit  of  a high  rock  opposite  the  village 


26 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


and  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river.  It  was  an  oblong  quad- 
rangle, of  which  the  extreme  polygon  measured  290  by  251  feet. 
It  was  built  of  very  thick  square  timber,  and  dove-tailed  at  the 
angles.  An  officer  and  twenty  soldiers  are  quartered  in  the  vil- 
lage. The  officer  governs  the  inhabitants  under  the  direction  of 
the  commandant  at  Fort  Chartres.  Here  are  also  two  companies 
of  militia.” 

Of  Prairie  du  Rocher,  Pitman  writes  that  “ it  is  a small  village, 
consisting  of  twenty-two  dwelling-houses,  all  of  which  are  inhab- 
ited by  as  many  families.  Here  is  a little  chapel,  formerly  a 
chapel  of  ease  to  the  church  at  Fort  Chartres.  The  inhabitants 
arc  very  industrious,  and  raise  a great  deal  of  corn  and  every 
kind  of  stock.  The  village  is  two  miles  from  Fort  Chartres.  It 
takes  its  name  from  its  situation,  being  built  under  a rock  that 
runs  parallel  with  the  Mississippi  river  at  a league  distance,  for 
forty  miles  up.  Here  is  a company  of  militia,  the  captain  of 
which  regulates  the  police  of  the  village.” 

In  describing  the  distance  from  Fort  Chartres,  the  author, 
doubtless,  refers  to  Little  Village,  which  was  a mile  or  more 
nearer  than  Prairie  du  Rocher.  The  writer  goes  on  to  describe 
“Saint  Philippe”  as  a “small  village  about  five  miles  from  Fort 
Chartres  on  the  road  to  Kaoquias.  There  are  about  sixteen 
houses  and  a small  church  standing;  all  of  the  inhabitants, 
except  the  captain  of  the  militia,  deserted  in  1765,  and  went  to 
the  French  side  (Missouri.)  The  captain  of  the  militia  has 
about  twenty  slaves,  a good  stock  of  cattle,  and  a water  mill  for 
corn  and  planks.  The  village  stands  on  a very  fine  meadow 
about  one  mile  from  the  Mississippi. 

From  the  same  authority  we  learn  that  the  soil  of  the  country 
is  in  general  rich  and  luxuriant.  It  was  favorably  adapted  to 
the  production  of  all  kinds  of  European  grains,  which  grew  side 
by  side  with  hops,  hemp,  flax,  cotton  and  tobacco.  European 
fruits  arrived  to  great  perfection.  Of  the  wild  grapes  a wine 
was  made,  very  inebriating,  and  in  color  and  taste  much  like 
the  red  wine  of  Provence.  In  the  late  wars,  New  Orleans  and 
the  lower  parts  of  Louisiana  were  supplied  with  flour,  beef, 
wines,  hams,  and  other  provisions,  from  this  country.  At  pre- 
sent, its  commerce  is  mostly  confined  to  the  peltry  and  furs 
which  are  got  in  traffic  from  the  Indians;  for  which  arc  received 
in  turn  such  European  commodities  as  are  necessary  to  carry  on 
that  commerce  and  the  support  of  its  inhabitants.” 

CONQUEST  BY  CLARKE. 

On  the  breaking  out  of  the  War  of  the  Revolution,  it  is  pro- 
bable that  the  British  garrison  (removed  in  1772  from  Fort 
Chartres  to  Fort  Gage,  opposite  Kaskaskia,)  had  been  with- 
drawn. Illinois  was  remote  from  the  theatre  of  action,  and  the 
colonists  were  little  disturbed  by  the  rumors  of  war  which  came 
from  the  Atlantic  coast.  The  French  inhabitants  were  rather  in 
sympathy  with  the  Americans  than  the  English,  but  probably 
understood  little  the  nature  of  the  struggle.  Illinois  belonged 
to  the  jurisdiction  of  Virginia.  George  Rogers  Clarke,  who 
visited  Kentucky  in  1775,  seems  to  have  been  the  first  to  com- 
prehend the  advantages  which  would  result  from  the  occupation 
of  Illinois  by  the  Americans.  He  visited  Virginia,  where  he 
laid  his  plans  before  Patrick  Henry,  the  Governor  of  the  State. 
Clarke  received  his  instructions,  January,  1778,  and  the  follow- 
ing month  set  out  for  Pittsburg.  His  instructions  were  to  raise 
seven  companies  of  men,  but  he  could  only  succeed  in  enlisting 


four,  commanded  by  Captains  Montgomery,  Bowman,  Helm, 
and  Harrod.  On  Corn  Island,  opposite  Louisville,  on  the  Ohio, 
Clarke  announced  his  destination  to  the  men.  At  the  mouth  of 
the  Tennessee,  a man  named  John  Duff  was  encountered,  with  a 
party  of  hunters,  who  had  recently  visited  Kaskaskia,  and  also 
brought  the  intelligence  that  one  Rocheblave,  a French  Cana- 
dian, was  in  command  at  that  point,  that  he  kept  the  militia  well 
drilled,  and  that  sentinels  were  posted  to  watch  for  the  “ Long 
Knives,”  as  the  Virginians  were  called,  of  whom  the  inhabitants 
were  in  terror.  Securing  his  boats  near  Fort  Massacre  (or 
Massac,)  Clarke  undertook  the  journey  across  the  country,  one 
hundred  and  twenty  miles,  to  Kaskaskia.  It  was  accomplished 
with  difficulty.  On  the  afternoon  of  the  fourth  of  July,  1778, 
the  exhausted  band  of  invaders  came  to  the  vicinity  of  Kaskas- 
kia, and  concealed  themselves  in  the  hills  to  the  east  of  the  town- 
A Ter  dark  Clarke  proceeded  to  the  old  ferry-house,  three-fourths 
of  a mile  above  the  village,  and  at  midnight  addressed  his  troops 
on  the  banks  of  the  river.  He  divided  his  force  into  three 
parties.  Two  were  to  cross  to  the  west  side  of  the  river,  and 
enter  the  town  from  different  quarters.  The  third,  under  the 
direction  of  Clarke  himself,  was  to  capture  the  fort  on  the  east 
side.  Kaskaskia  at  that  time  was  a village  of  about  two  hun- 
dred and  fifty  houses.  The  British  commander  last  in  charge 
had  instilled  in  the  minds  of  the  people  the  impression  that  the 
Virginians,  otherwise  the  “Long  Knives,”  were  a ferocious  band 
of  murderers,  plundering  houses,  slaughtering  women  and  chil- 
dren, and  committing  acts  of  the  greatest  atrocity.  Clarke 
determined  to  take  advantage  of  this,  and  so  surprise  the  in- 
habitants by  fear  as  to  induce  them  to  submit  without  resistance. 
Clarke  effected  an  entrance  to  the  fort  without  difficulty.  The 
other  parties  at  a given  signal  entered  Kaskaskia  at  the  opposite 
extremities,  and  with  terrible  outcries  and  hideous  noises,  aroused 
the  terrified  inhabitants,  who  shrieked  in  their  alarm,  “ The 
Long  Knives!”  “The  Long  Knives  are  here!”  The  panic- 
stricken  townsmen  delivered  up  their  arms,  and  the  victory  was 
accomplished  without  the  shedding  of  a drop  of  blood.  M. 
Rocheblave,  the  British  commandant,  was  unconscious  of  the 
presence  of  the  enemy,  till  an  officer  of  the  detachment  entered 
his  bed-chamber,  and  claimed  him  as  a prisoner.  In  accordance 
with  his  original  plan  of  conquering  the  inhabitants  by  terror, 
and  then  afterward  winning  their  regard  and  gratitude  by  his 
clemency,  Clarke,  the  next  day,  withdrew  his  forces  from  the 
town,  and  sternly  forbade  all  communication  between  it  and  his 
soldiers.  Some  of  the  principal  militia  officers,  citizens  of  the 
town,  were  next  put  in  irons.  The  terror  now  reached  its  height. 
The  priest,  and  a deputation  of  five  or  six  elderly  men  of  the 
village,  called  on  Clarke,  and  humbly  requested  permission  to 
assemble  in  the  church,  to  take  leave  of  each  other  and  com- 
mend their  future  lives  to  the  protection  of  a merciful  God, 
since  they  expected  to  be  separated,  perhaps  never  to  meet 
again.  Clarke  gruffly  granted  the  privilege.  The  whole  popula- 
tion convened  at  the  church,  and  after  remaining  together  a long 
time,  the  priest  and  a few  others  again  waited  upon  the  com- 
mander of  the  American  forces,  presenting  thanks  for  the 
privilege  they  had  enjoyed,  and  desiring  to  know  what  fate 
awaited  them. 

Clarke  now  determined  to  lift  them  from  their  despair,  and 
win  their  gratitude  by  a show  of  mercy.  “ What ! ” said  he; 

“ do  you  take  us  for  savages  ? Do  you  think  Americans  will 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


27 


strip  women  and  children,  and  take  bread  from  their  mouths? 
My  countrymen  disdain  to  make  war  on  helpless  innocents.” 
He  further  reminded  them  that  the  King  of  France,  their 
former  ruler,  was  an  ally  of  the  Americans,  and  now  fighting 
their  cause.  He  told  them  to  embrace  the  side  they  deemed 
best,  and  they  should  be  respected  in  the  enjoyment  of  their 
liberty  and  the  rights  of  property. 

The  revulsion  of  feeling  was  complete.  The  good  news  spread 
throughout  the  village.  The  church-bell  rang  a merry  peal,  and 
the  delighted  inhabitants  gathered  at  the  chapel,  where  thanks 
were  offered  to  God  for  their  happy  and  unexpected  deliverance- 
The  loyalty  of  the  inhabitants  was  assured,  and  ever  after  they 
remained  faithful  to  the  American  cause.  The  French  inhabi- 
tants of  Kaskaskia  were  readily  reconciled  to  a change  of  gov- 
ernment. In  October,  1778,  the  Virginia  Assembly  erected  the 
conquered  territory  into  the  County  of  Illinois.  This  County 
embraced  all  the  region  north-west  of  the  Ohio,  and  five  large 
states  have  since  been  formed  from  it.  Colonel  Clarke  was 
appointed  military  commander  of  all  the  western  territory  north 
and  south  of  the  Ohio,  and  Colonel  John  Todd,  one  of  Clarke’s 
soldiers,  who  next  to  Clarke  had  been  the  first  man  to  enter  Fort 
Gage,  was  appointed  lieutenant-commandant  of  Illinois.  In  the 
spring  of  1779,  Colonel  Todd  visited  Kaskaskia,  and  made 
arrangements  for  the  organization  of  a temporary  government. 
Many  of  the  French  inhabitants  of  Kaskaskia,  Prairie  du 
Rocher,  and  the  other  settlements,  readily  took  the  oath  of 
allegiance  to  Virginia.  Colonel  Todd  was  killed  at  the  famous 
battle  of  Blue  Licks,  in  Kentucky,  August,  1782,  and  Timothy 
de  Montbrun,  a Frenchman,  succeeded  him  as  commandant  of 
Illinois  County.  Of  his  administration  but  little  is  known. 

LAND  TENURES. 

The  early  French  settlers  held  the  possession  of  their  land  in 
common.  A tract  of  land  was  fixed  upon  for  a Common  Field, 
in  which  all  the  inhabitants  were  interested. 

Besides  the  Common  Field,  another  tract  of  land  was  laid  off 
as  the  Commons.  All  the  villagers  had  free  access  to  this  as  a 
place  of  pasturage  for  their  stock.  From  this  they  also  drew 
their  supply  of  fuel. 

Individual  grants  were  likewise  made.  Under  the  French 
system,  the  lands  were  granted  without  any  equivalent  considera- 
tion in  the  way  of  money,  the  individuals  satisfying  the  authori- 
ties that  the  lands  were  wanted  for  actual  settlement,  or  for  a 
purpose  likely  to  benefit  the  community.  The  first  grant  of 
land,  which  is  preserved,  is  that  made  to  Charles  Danie,  May 
10th,  1722.  The  French  grants  at  Kaskaskia  extended  from 
river  to  river,  and  at  other  places  in  the  Bottom  they  commonly 
extended  from  the  river  to  the  bluff.  Grants  of  land  were  made 
for  almost  all  the  American  Bottom,  from  the  upper  limits  of 
the  Common  Field  of  St.  Phillip’s  to  the  lower  line  of  the  Kas- 
kaskia Common  Field,  a distance  of  nearly  thirty  miles. 

The  British  commandants,  who  assumed  the  government  on 
the  cession  of  the  territory  by  France,  exercised  the  privilege  of 
making  grants,  subject  to  the  approval  of  his  Majesty,  the  King. 
Colonel  Wilkins  granted  to  some  merchants  of  Philadelphia  a 
magnificent  domain  of  thirty  thousand  acres  lying  between  the 
village  of  Kaskaskia  and  Prairie  du  Rocher,  much  of  it  already 
covered  by  French  grants  previously  made.  For  the  better  car- 
rying out  their  plans,  the  British  officers,  and  perhaps  their 


grantees,  destroyed,  to  some  extent,  the  records  of  the  ancient 
French  grants  at  Kaskaskia,  by  which  the  regular  claim  of  titles 
and  conveyances  was  partly  broken.  This  British  grant  of  thirty 
thousand  acres,  which  had  been  assigned  to  John  Edgar,  was 
afterward  patented  by  Governor  St.  Clair  to  Edgar  and  John 
Murray  St.  Clair,  the  Governor’s  son,  to  whom  Edgar  had  pre- 
viously conveyed  a moiety  by  deed.  Although  much  fault  was 
found  with  the  transaction,  a confirmation  of  the  grant  was 
secured  from  the  United  States  government. 

When  Virginia  ceded  Illinois,  it  was  stipulated  that  the 
French  and  Canadian  inhabitants,  and  other  settlers,  who  had 
professed  allegiance  to  Virginia,  should  have  their  titles  con- 
firmed to  them.  Congress  afterwards  authorized  the  Governor 
to  confirm  the  possessions  and  titles  of  the  French  to  their  lands. 
In  accordance  with  this  agreement,  Governor  St.  Clair,  in  1790, 
issued  a proclamation  directing  the  inhabitants  to  exhibit  their 
titles  and  claims  to  the  lands  which  they  held,  in  order  to  be 
confirmed  in  their  possession.  Where  the  instruments  were 
found  to  be  authentic,  orders  of  survey  were  issued,  the  expense 
of  which  was  borne  by  the  parties  who  claimed  ownership.  The 
French  inhabitants  were  in  such  poverty  at  this  time  that  they 
were  really  unable  to  pay  the  expenses  of  the  surveys,  and  a 
memorial  signed  by  P.  Gjbault,  the  priest  at  Kaskaskia,  and 
eighty-seven  others,  was  presented  to  Governor  St.  Clair,  praying 
him  to  petition  Congress  for  relief  in  the  matter.  In  1791, 
Congress  directed  that  four  hundred  acres  of  land  should  be 
granted  to  the  head  of  every  family  which  had  made  improve- 
ments in  Illinois  prior  to  the  year  1788.  Before  this,  in  1788, 
Congress  had  also  directed  that  a donation  be  given  to  each  of 
the  families  then  living  at  either  of  the  villages  of  Kaskaskia, 
Prairie  du  Rocher,  Cahokia,  Fort  Chartres,  or  St.  Phillips. 
These  were  known  as  “ bead-right  ” claims. 

At  an  early  date,  speculation  became  active  in  the  land 
claims  of  different  kinds ; bead-rights,  improvement  rights,  mili- 
tia rights,  and  fraudulent  claims  were  produced  in  great  num- 
bers. The  French  claims  were  partly  unconfirmed,  owing  to  the 
poverty  of  that  people,  and  these  were  forced  on  the  market 
with  the  others.  The  official  report  of  the  commissioners  at 
Kaskaskia,  made  in  1810,  shows  that  eight  hundred  and  ninety 
land  claims  were  rejected  as  being  illegal  or  fraudulent.  Three 
hundred  and  seventy  were  reported  as  being  supported  by  per- 
jury, and  a considerable  number  were  forged.  There  are  fourteen 
names  given  of  persons,  both  English  and  French,  who  made  it 
a regular  business  to  furnish  sworn  certificates,  professing  an 
intimate  knowledge,  in  every  case,  of  the  settlers  who  had  made 
certain  improvements  upon  which  claims  were  predicated  and 
when  and  where  they  were  located.  A Frenchman,  clerk  of  the 
parish  of  Prairie  du  Rocher,  “ without  property  and  fond  of 
liquor,”  after  having  given  some  two  hundred  depositions  in 
favor  of  three  land  claimant  speculators,  “ was  induced,”  in  the 
language  of  the  report,  “ either  by  compensation,  fear,  or  the 
impossibility  of  obtaining  absolution  on  any  other  terms,  to  de- 
clare on  oath  that  the  said  depositions  were  false,  and  that  in 
giving  them  he  had  a regard  for  something  beyond  the  truth.” 

The  report  of  the  commissioners  raised  many  doubts  in  regard 
to  the  validity  and  propriety  of  a number  of  confirmations  by 
the  Governors,  and  much  dissatisfaction  among  the  claimants ; 
and  in  consequence,  Congress,  in  1812,  passed  an  act  for  the 
revision  of  these  land  claims  in  the  Kaskaskia  district.  The 


28 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


commissioners  under  this  law  were  Michael  Jones,  John  Cald- 
well and  Thomas  Sloo.  Facts  damaging  to  persons  who  occu- 
pied positions  of  high  respectability  in  the  community,  were 
disclosed.  They  reported  that  the  English  claim  of  thirty  thou- 
sand acres  confirmed  by  Governor  St.  Clair  to  John  Edgar  and 
the  Governor’s  son,  John  Murray  St.  Clair,  was  founded  in 
neither  law  nor  equity,  that  the  patent  was  issued  after  the 
Governor’s  power  ceased  to  exist.,  and  the  claim  ought  not  to  be 
confirmed.  Congress,  however,  confirmed  it. 

For  a period  of  several  years,  emigration  was  considerably 
retarded  by  the  delay  in  adjusting  land  titles.  The  act  of  Con- 
gress passed  in  1813,  granting  the  right  of  pre-emption  to  set- 
tlers, was  influential  in  bringing  the  public  lands  into  market. 
Emigrants  poured  into  the  country,  and  improvements  were 
rapidly  made. 


CIVIL  ORGANIZATION. 

The  history  of  Illinois  has  been  traced  while  a possession  of 
France,  and  when  under  the  British  government  ; and  the  for- 
mation of  Illinois  as  a County  of  \Tirginia  has  been  noted.  The 
several  States  afterwards  agreed,  on  the  adoption  of  "the  Articles 
of  the  Confederation,  to  cede  their  claims  to  the  western  land  to 
the  General  government.  Virginia  executed  her  deed  of  cession 
March  1st,  1784.  For  several  years  after,  there  was  an  imper- 
fect administration  of  the  law  in  Illinois.  The  French  customs 
partly  held  force,  and  affairs  were  partly  governed  by  the  pro- 
mulgations of  the  British  commandants  issued  from  Fort  Char- 
tres, and  by  the  regulations  which  had  subsequently  been  issued 
by  the  Virginia  authorities. 

By  the  ordinance  of  1787,  all  the  territory  north-west  of  the 
Ohio  not  constituted  into  one  district,  the  laws  to  be  administered 
by  a governor  and  secretary,  a court  was  instituted  of  three 
judges.  A general  assembly  was  provided  for,  the  members  to 
be  chosen  by  the  people.  General  Arthur  St.  Clair  was  selected 
by  Congress,  as  Governor  of  the  north-western  territory.  The 
seat  of  government  was  at  Marietta,  Ohio. 

In  the  year  1795,  Governor  St.  Clair  divided  St.  Clair  County. 
All  south  of  a line  running  through  the  New  Design  settlement 
(in  the  present  County  of  Monroe)  was  erected  into  the  County 
of  Randolph.  In  honor  of  Edmund  Randolph  of  Virginia,  the 
new  county  received  its  name. 

Shadrach  Bond,  afterward  the  first  Governor,  was  elected  from 
Illinois,  a member  of  the  Territorial  Legislature  which  convened 
at  Cincinnati,  in  January,  1799.  In  1800  the  Territory  of  In- 
diana was  formed,  of  which  Illinois  constituted  a part,  with  the 
seat  of  government  at  Vincennes.  About  1806,  among  other 
places  in  the  West,  Aaron  Burr  visited  Kaskaskia  in  an  en- 
deavor to  enlist  men  for  his  treasonable  scheme  against  the 
government.  In  1805,  George  Fisher  was  elected  from  Ran- 
dolph County  a member  of  the  Territorial  Legislature,  and 
Pierre  Menard  was  chosen  member  of  the  Legislative  Council. 

By  act  of  Congress,  1809,  the  Territory  of  Illinois  was  con- 
stituted. Ninian  Edwards  was  appointed  Governor  of  the  newly 
organized  Territory,  and  the  seat  of  government  established  at 
Kaskaskia.  Nathaniel  Pope,  a relative  of  Edwards,  received 
the  appointment  of  Secretary. 

For  nearly  four  years  after  the  organization  of  the  Territorial 
Government  no  legislature  existed  in  Illinois.  All  election  for 
representatives  was  held  on  the  eighth,  ninth,  and  tenth  of 


October,  1812.  Shadrach  Bond,  then  a resident  of  St.  Clair 
County,  was  elected  the  first  Delegate  to  Congress  from  Illinois 
Pierre  Menard  was  chosen  from  Randolph  County  member  of 
the  Legislative  Council,  and  George  Fisher  of  the  House  of 
Representatives.  The  Legislature  convened  at  Kaskaskia  on 
the  twenty-fifth  of  November,  1812. 

In  April,  1818,  a bill  providing  for  the  admission  of  Illinois 
into  the  Union  as  a sovereign  State  was  passed  by  Congress.  A 
Convention  to  frame  a Constitution  assembled  at  Kaskaskia  in 
the  following  Julv.  The  first  election  under  the  Constitution 
was  held  in  September,  1818,  and  Shadrach  Bond  was  elected 
Governor,  and  Pierre  Menard,  Lieutenant  Governor.  Illinois 
was  now  declared  by  Congress  admitted  to  the  Union  as  on  equal 
footing  in  all  respects  with  the  original  States.  The  Legislature 
again  met  at  Kaskaskia  in  January,  1819.  This  was  the  last 
session  ever  held  at  Kaskaskia.  Vandalia,  the  same  year,  was 
selected  as  Capital  of  the  State.  It  was  stipulated  that  Vanda- 
lia was  to  be  the  Capital  for  twenty  years.  At  the  end  of  that 
period  it  was  changed  to  Springfield.  Below  we  give  list  of 
governors  and  chief  officers  of  Illinois. 

Illinois  was  constituted  a separate  Territory  by  act  of  Con- 
gress, February  3d,  1809. 


NAME  OF  OFFICER. 

ILLINOIS  TERRITORY. 

OFFICE. 

DATE  OF  COMMISSION 
OR  INAUGURATION. 

Nathaniel  Pope, 

..Secretary  of  the  Territory,... 

...March  7,  1809. 

Ninian  Edwards, 

..Governor, 

...April  24,  1809. 

H.  II.  Maxwell, 

..Auditor  Public  Accounts 

1816. 

Daniel  P.  Cook, 

il  it  it 

Joseph  Phillips, 

..Secretary, 

Robert  Blackwell, 

..Auditor  Public  Accounts,.... 

...April  5,  1817. 

Elijah  G.  Berry 

..  “ “ “ 

...August  29,  1817. 

John  Thomas, 

..Treasurer, 

1818. 

Shadrach  Bond 

STATE  OF  ILLINOIS. 
..Governor, 

...October  6,  1818. 

Pierre  Menard, 

..Lieut-Governor, 

...  “ 6,  1818. 

Elias  K.  Kane 

..Secretary  of  State, 

Oi 

OD 

0° 

Elijah  O.  Berrv, 

..Auditor  Public  Accounts,... 

1818. 

John  Thomas, 

..Treasurer, 

1818. 

Robert  K.  McLaughlin, 

a 

Edward  Coles, 

..Governor, 

Adolphus  F.  Hubbard,.. 

..Lieut.  Governor, 

1822. 

Samuel  D.  Lockwood,... 

..Secretary  of  State, 

18,1822. 

Abner  Field, 

..Treasurer, 

David  Blackwell, 

..Secretary  of  State 

Morris  Birbeck 

ti  (t 

...October  15,  1824. 

George  Forquer, 

u a 

Ninian  Edwards, 

..Governor, 

William  Kinney 

..Lieut-Governor, 

1826. 

James  Hall, 

..Treasurer, 

...Febr’v.  12,  1827- 

Alexander  P.  Field, 

..Secretary  of  State, 

HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


29 


John  Reynolds, Governor, December  9, 1830. 

Zadock  Casey, Lieut-Governor, “ 9,  1830. 

John  Dement, Treasurer, February  5,  1831. 

James  T.  B.  Slapp, Auditor  Public  Accounts August  27,  1831. 

Joseph  Duncan, Governor, December,  1834 

Alexander  M.  Jenkins, ...Lieut-Governor, “•  1834. 

Levi  Davis, Auditor  Public  Accounts Nov.  10,  1835. 

Charles  Gregory, Treasurer, December  5, 1836. 

John  D.  Whiteside, ‘‘  March  4, 1837. 

Thomas  Carlin Governor December,  1838. 

Stinson  II.  Anderson Lieut-Governor, “ 1838. 

Stephen  A.  Douglas, Secretary  of  State, Nov.  30,  1840. 

Lyman  Trumbull, “ “ March  1,  1841. 

Milton  Carpenter Treasurer, “ 1841. 

James  Shields, Auditor  Public  Accounts, “ 1841. 

Thomas  Ford Governor, December  8, 1842. 

John  Moore Lieut-Governor, “ 8,  1842. 

Thomas  Campbell, Secretary  of  State, March  G,  1843. 

William  L.  D. Ewing Auditor  Public  Accounts, “ 6,1843. 

Thomas  H.  Campbell, “ P.  A-  (to  fill  vacancy),  “ 26,1846. 

Augustus  C.  French, Governor, December  9, 1846. 

Joseph  B.  Wells, Lieut-Governor ‘‘  9,  1846. 

Horace  S.  Cooley, Secretary  of  State, ‘‘  23,  1846. 

John  Moore, Treasurer,  (to  fill  vacancy), August  14,  1848. 

William  McMurtry, Lieut-Governor, January,  1849. 

David  L.  Gregg, Sec’y.  of  State  (to  fill  vacancy),  April  3,  1850. 

Joel  A.  Matteson, Governor, ^January,  1853. 

Gustavus  Koerner, Lieut-Governor, “ 1853. 

Alexander  Starne, Secretary  of  State, “ 1853. 

Ninian  W.  Edwards, Super’t.  Public  Instruction, March  24,  1854. 

William  II.  Bissell, Governor, January  12,  1857. 

John  Wood, Lieut-Governor, ‘‘  12,1857. 

Ozias  M.  Hatch, Secretary  of  State, ‘‘  12,  1857. 

Jesse  K.  Dubois Auditor  Public  Accounts, “ 12,1857. 

James  Miller, Treasurer, “ 12,1857. 

William  II.  Powell, Super’t.  Public  Instruction, “ 12,  1857. 

Newton  Bateman, “ “ “ 10,  1859. 

William  Butler, Treasurer  (to  fill  vacancy) September  3, 1859. 

Richard  Yates, Governor, January  14,  1861. 

“ 14,  1861. 

“ 14, 1861. 

“ 14, 1861. 

“ 14, 1361. 

“ 14, 1861. 

“ 12, 1863. 

‘‘  12,  1863. 

“ 16, 1865. 

“ 16, 1865. 

“ 16, 1865. 


Francis  A.  Hoffman, Lieut-Governor, 

Ozias  M.  Hatch, Secretary  of  State, 

Jesse  K.  Dubois, Auditor  Public  Accounts,.... 

William  Butler, Treasurer, 

Newton  Bateman, Super’t.  Public  Instruction,. 

Alexander  Starne, Treasurer, 

John  P.  Brooks, Super’t.  Public  Instruction,. 

Richard  J.  Oglesby, Governor, 

William  Bross, Lieut-Governor, 

Sharon  Tyndale,  Secretary  of  State 


Orlin  II.  Miner, 

...Auditor  Public  Accounts, 

...Dec.  12, 

1864. 

James  II.  Beveridge,... 

• 9,  1865. 

Newton  Bateman, 

...Super’t.  Public  Instruction... 

George  W.  Smith, 

...Treasurer, 

John  M.  Palmer, 

...Governor, 

John  Dougherty, 

...Lieut-Governor, 

tt 

11,  1869. 

Edward  Rummell, 

...Secretary  of  State 

a 

11,  1869. 

Charles  E.  Lippincott... 

...Auditor  Public  Accounts, 

(C 

11,  1869. 

...Treasurer, 

tt 

11  1869, 

Newton  Bateman, 

...Super’t.  Public  Instruction,.., 

...January,  1871. 

ErastusN.  Bates, 

...Treasurer, 

1870. 

Richard  J.  Oglesbv, 

...Governor 

John  L.  Beveridge, 

...Lieut-Governor,  

it 

13,  1873. 

George  H.  Harlow 

...Secretary  of  State, 

tt 

13,  1873. 

Charles  E.  Lippincott,  . 

...Auditor  Public  Accounts, 

tt 

13.  1873. 

Edward  Rutz, 

...Treasurer, 

it 

13,  1873. 

John  L.  Beveridge 

...Governor, 

tt 

23,  1873. 

John  Early, 

. . Lieut-Governor, 

it 

23, 1873. 

S.  M.  Cullom 

...Governor, 

it 

8, 1877. 

Andrew  Shuman, 

..Lieut-Governor, 

t( 

8, 1877. 

George  H.  Harlow, 

..Secretarv  of  State, 

ti 

8,  1877. 

Edward  Rutz, 

..Treasurer, 

ii 

8, 1877. 

T.  B.  Needles, 

..Auditor  Public  Accounts 

ft 

8, 1877. 

S.  M.  Etter 

...Super’t.  Public  Instruction,.. 

tt 

8,  1877, 

J.  P.  Slade, 

tt  ti 

tt 

8, 1879. 

J.  C.  Smith, 

...Treasurer, 

tt 

8, 1879. 

Believing  that  it  will  be  interesting  to  the  younger  readers  of 
our  work,  we  subjoin  the  following  list  of  Presidents  of  the 
United  States  : 


PRESIDENTS  UNDER  THE  CONSTITUTION.  TERM  OF  SERVICE. 

George  Washington Virginia, 1789  to  1797,  eight  years. 

John  Adams Massachusetts 1797  to  1801,  four  years. 

Thomas  Jefferson Virginia, 1801  to  1809,  eight  years. 

James  Madison Virginia 1809  to  1817,  eight  years. 

James  Monroe Virginia, 1817  to  1825,  eight  years. 

John  Quincy  Adams Massachusetts, ....1825  to  1829,  four  years. 

Andrew  Jackson Tennessee, 1829  to  1837,  eight  years. 

Martin  Van  Buren New  York, 1837  to  1841,  four  years. 

William  H.  Harrison Ohio, 1841,  one  month. 

John  Tyler Virginia, 1S41  to  1845,  four  years. 

James  K.  Polk Tennessee, 1845  to  1849,  four  years. 

Zachary  Taylor Louisiana, 1849  to  1850,  one  year. 

Millard  Fillmore New  York, 1850  to  1853,  three  years. 

Franklin  Pierce New  Hampshire, .1853  to  1857,  four  years. 

James  Buchanan Pennsylvania, 1857  to  1861,  four  years- 

Abraham  Lincoln,  (murdered). .Illinois 1861  to  1865,  4 yrs.  1 mo. 

Andrew  Johnson Tennessee, 1865  to  1869,  four  years. 

Ulysses  S.  Grant Illinois, 1869  to  1877,  eight  years. 

Rutherford  B.  Hayes Ohio, 1S77,  present  incumbent. 


30 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


CHAPTER  III. 

PIONEERS  AND  EARLY  SETTLERS. 

facts  contained  in  the  pages  of  this  chapter  have  been 
iently  gathered  from  all  attainable  sources  of  informa- 
3.  Nothing  has  been  omitted  which  casts  light  upon 
past  of  the  county,  nor  has  an  earnest  endeavor  been 
wanting  to  make  the  narrative  complete. 

A record  of  the  brave  men  and  women  who  first  settled  in  this 
county,  and  laid  the  foundations  of  the  prosperity  we  enjoy  to-day, 
canuot  fail  to  prove  at  once  interesting  and  instructive.  They, 
through  unremitting  toil  and  hardship,  through  sacrifice  and 
danger,  have  made  possible  the  degree  of  comfort  and  leisure  and 
culture  now  enjoyed,  and  jointly  with  the  settlers  of  other  sections 
have  assisted  the  progress  of  science,  letters  and  philosophy  in  this 
great  valley.  The  germ  of  our  beneficent  system  of  free  schools 
was  planted  by  their  hands  and  watered  by  their  care.  They 
brought  with  them  the  elevating  ceremonies  of  a pure  religion,  and 
the  great  ideas  of  personal  freedom,  and  the  brotherhood  of  man- 
kind. They 

“Travailed  in  pain  with  the  births  of  God, 

And  planted  a State  with  prayers  ; ’’ 

and  that  great  State  presses  closely  on  to  her  predestined  place,  as 
the  first  among  a glorious  sisterhood. 

We  are  heirs  and  also  debtors  of  the  past.  It  is  not  credita- 
ble to  us  that  we  so  easily  forget  our  great  obligation  to  the 
hardy  men  and  women  who  more  than  a half  century  ago  traveled 
westward  into  this  part  of  the  great  Mississippi  basin,  and  changed 
the  wilderness  into  a fertile  land,  and  made  it  to  “ blossom  as  the 
rose.”  Most  of  their  number  have  gone  to  the  narrow  house 
appointed  for  all  the  living,  and  the  tomb  which  received  their 
worn  frames  received  also  the  host  of  recollections,  anecdotes  and 
reminiscences  which  was  of  almost  priceless  value.  A few  well  nigh 
worn  out  with  the  battle  and  toil  of  life  linger  among  a generation 
for  whom  they  have  done  much.  From  them  have  been  gathered 
directly  or  indirectly  the  facts  composing  this  chapter.  They 
deserve  well  of  their  country ; and  as  we  reap  the  grand  harvest 
their  hands  have  sown,  we  can  at  least  cause  them  to  feel  that  they 
are  held  in  high  honor,  and  that  their  deeds,  trials  and  distresses  will 
be  ever  held  in  grateful  remembrance. 

The  early  settlers  brought  with  them  little  we  call  wealth,  but 
they  brought  what  are  of  more  value  to  him  who  would  subdue  a 
wilderness,  frugal  habits,  stout  muscles  and  brave  hearts. 

Before  speaking  more  specifically  of  the  pioneers  and  first  settlers 
of  Macon  county,  it  is  proper  to  speak  briefly  of  the  Indians  who 
roamed  over  this  land  at  the  time  the  pioneer  built  his  hut.  Never 
did  a race  inspire  more  romantic  contemplation,  or  suffer  more 
speedily  a disastrous  fate.  They  perished  when  they  came  in  con- 
tact with  our  civilization,  almost  as  the  hues  of  sunset  fade  when 
you  look  at  them  through  the  telescope  ; or  as  the  odor  of  the  rose 
vanishes  when  you  attempt  to  analyze  it.  Before  they  could  be 
studied  as  men  or  as  nations,  as  families  or  tribes,  they  had  disap- 
peared, or  at  least  had  fallen  below  the  level  of  scientific  observa- 
tion. We,  therefore,  know  but  little  of  them.  Their  origin  is  a 
mystery  ; their  history  a myth  ; their  language  mostly  unknown  and 
their  literature  a blank.  But  their  misfortunes,  no  less  than  their 
brotherhood  in  the  race,  entitle  them  to  remembrance,  and  the 
interests  of  historical  and  ethnological  science  prompt  to  collect 
every  item  of  knowledge  which  remains  to  illustrate,  in  any  way, 
their  history. 

It  seems  clear  that  they  were  not  the  first  denizens  of  the  soil 


but  that  America  was  the  home  of  a prior  race,  and  evidence  is  not 
wanting  that  this  race  was  preceded  by  another.  Of  the  race 
directly  preceding  the  Indians  there  remains  but  a meagre  record. 
A few  mounds,  some  beads,  a small  variety  of  earth-made  ware, 
stone  hammers,  implements  for  dressing  skins,  and  now  and  then 
one  of  their  idols  of  religious  worship,  together  with  a few  articles 
of  luxury,  dissipation  or  ornament,  are  all  of  their  domestic  or  pub- 
lic life  left  us.  To  describe  them  were  impossible,  and  to  write 
their  history  would  be  to  set  forth  the  “ baseless  fabric  of  a vision.” 

The  Indian  race  which  succeeded  was  numerous  less  than  a cen- 
tury ago,  but  we  know  little  of  them.  They  were  a hunter  race. 
They  practiced  scarcely  one  of  the  arts  of  peace.  They  were  sheltered 
by  wigwams ; they  had  rarely  fixed  boundaries  for  their  tribes. 
And  so  we  can  remember  only  a brief  day  of  their  history.  They 
were,  and  are  not.  They  preceded  us,  but  left  the  country  no  better 
for  their  labors.  We  can  scarcely  be  grateful.  We  find  their 
gimlets,  arrow-heads,  spear-heads,  flesh-scrapers,  spades  and  ham- 
mers, all  made  of  stone,  and  demanding  infinite  patience  for  their 
manufacture.  They  delved  as  patiently  as  their  neighbors,  the 
beavers,  yet  despised  labor  and  imposed  it  as  a degrading  burden 
on  their  women.  We  alternately  pity  and  despise  them;  admire 
their  sublime  stoicism,  and  sicken  at  their  abominable  cruelties. 
We  use  the  maize  which  they  sometimes  cultivated,  and  stupefy 
ourselves  with  the  smoke  of  the  tobacco  they  taught  us  to  consume. 
Their  modes  of  life  were  individual  rather  than  social.  They  were 
cunning  and  cruel,  cautious  and  brave.  Like  the  lion,  they  sprang 
unawares  from  ambush  upon  their  victim,  and  from  a lurking  place 
would  speed  the  arrow  into  the  back  of  an  enemy.  Yet  they  could 
endure  torture  with  stoic  indifference,  and  look  a single  foe  in  the 
face  with  Spartan  determination. 

The  Kickapoo  Indians  occupied  this  portion  of  the  country  before 
the  advent  of  the  whites,  and  a remnant  of  this  once  powerful  and 
warlike  tribe  was  found  here  when  the  first  settlements  were  made. 
This  tribe  was  at  peace  with  the  whites,  so  that  there  are  no  blood- 
curdling tales  of  midnight  attacks  on  defenceless  settlements  to  re- 
count. Nevertheless  troubles  arose  sometimes  between  the  “ intruding 
pale  face  ” and  the  red  man,  and  impartial  history  records  that  the 
whites  were  the  cause  of  the  disagreements.  Until  1825-6  from  200 
to  500  Indians  would,  at  certain  seasons  of  the  year,  camp  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  trading-house  of  the  Lortons.  In  1827  a company 
of  twelve  men  was  formed  to  drive  a band  of  Indians  out  of  the 
settlements  for  threats  made  against  the  most  turbulent  of  the  Ward 
family,  on  account  of  injuries  received  from  him.  The  last  appear- 
ance of  Indians  in  Macon  county  was  in  1828  when  a band  of  braves, 
twelve  in  number,  with  their  squaws  and  pappooses  came  into  the 
settlements.  They  soon  departed,  but  were  overtaken  by  a company 
of  men  commanded  by  John  Ward.  Smith  Mounce  of  the  Ward 
party,  wrested  a gun  from  an  Indian  after  a struggle,  but  returned 
it  by  order  of  his  captain.  The  Indians  were  then  ordered  to  leave, 
and  warned  never  to  return,  and  the  warning  was  heeded.  The 
Ivickapoos,  thus  associated  with  the  history  of  Macon  county,  after 
leaving  Illinois  lived  for  many  years  on  a beautiful  reservation  in 
the  eastern  part  of  Kansas.  The  rapid  settlement  of  that  State  by 
the  whites  compelled  them  to  enter  into  a new  treaty  with  the  gov- 
ernment, and  remove  further  west. 

EARLY  SETTLEMENT. 

The  history  of  Macon  county  is  singular  in  this,  that  the  first 
settlers  came  to  stay.  The  list  of  genuine  pioneers  is  short,  com. 
prising  but  two  or  three  names. 

A pioneer  is  “one  wTho  goes  before  to  clear  the  way.”  He  is  the 
.skirmisher  of  the  van-guard  of  civilization,  and  never  goes  into  per- 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


31 


rnanent  quarters.  He  sows  the  seed,  but  leaves  others  to  gather  the 
harvest.  He  is  never  happy  but  when  upon  the  frontier.  When 
the  tracking  columns  of  those  seeking  homes  appear,  he  plunges 
deeper  into  the  western  wilderness.  Let  him  not  be  despised.  His 
mission  is  to  spy  out  the  land  and  direct  the  footsteps  of  the  swarm- 
ing: millions  behind  him. 

Europe  was  a thousand  years  in  passing  the  pion^r  stage  of  her 
history ; ours  will  be  finished  in  three  hundred,  and  soon  the  bold 
and  careless  pioneer  will  exist  only  in  story  and  in  song. 

Reynolds,  in  his  History  of  Illinois,  says  of  the  pioneers : “ They 
were  rough  in  personal  appearance,  yet  kind,  social  and  generous. 
They  were  hunters  and  stock -growers,  and  confined  their  agricultural 
operations  chiefly  to  corn.  They  were  brave,  prompt  and  decided 
in  war,  yet  liberal  and  magnanimous  to  a subdued  foe.  They  were 
hospitable  and  generous,  and  ready  to  share  with  newly  arrived 
strangers  their  last  loaf.” 

The  first  white  men  who  settled  in  this  county  were  the  brothers 
Lorton,  from  St.  Joe,  Michigan.  They  were  Indian  traders,  and 
built  a trading  house  twelve  miles  north-east  of  Decatur  in  1816. 
As  has  been  said,  the  Indians  were  at  that  time  numerous,  and  the 
Lortons  carried  on  a thriving  trade  until  1825-6,  when  the  Indians 
ceased  to  visit  this  part  of  the  country  except  in  very  small  com- 
panies. The  Indians  engaged  in  hunting  and  trapping,  and  ex- 
changed at  the  trading  house  furs  and  other  articles,  for  blankets, 
ammunition,  whiskey,  &c.  When  trade  ceased  to  be  profitable  the 
Lortons  w7ent  back  to  Michigan.  They  have  no  claim  to  the  honor 
of  being  the  first  settlers  in  the  county,  as  their  venture  was  purely 
a business  one,  and  they  only  intended  to  make  a temporary  resi- 
dence. 

The  first  genuine  pioneer  was  the  bee-hunter  and  trapper,  AYil- 
liam  Downing.  Wild  honey  was  plentiful,  and  two  hundred  and 
sixteen  pounds  have  been  obtained  from  one  tree,  while  fur-bearing 
animals  abounded.  Downing  came  from  near  Vandalia  in  the  fall 
of  1820,  and  built  a log  cabin  on  the  south  side  of  the  Sangamon, 
near  the  site  of  the  residence  of  Capt.  D.  L.  All  in,  and  this  was  the 
first  building  erected  for  a residence  within  the  limits  of  the  county. 
When  John  Ward  came  in  1824  Downing  sold  out  his  improve- 
ments to  him  and  removed  to  Bond  county,  Illinois,  where  he  lived 
for  many  years.  It  is  a matter  of  regret  that  but  little  information 
has  come  down  to  us  of  the  professional  hunter  and  trapper  who 
made  the  first  settlement  in  the  county. 

The  first  permanent  settler  of  Macon  county  was  Leonard  Stevens, 
Sr.  He  built  a log  house  in  1821  or  ’22  (most  probably  the  latter) 
on  Stevens’  creek,  three  miles  north-west  of  Decatur.  This  became 
the  nucleus  of  what  was  called  the  Stevens  settlement. 

It  should  be  stated  that  the  early  settlements  were  made  along 
the  water  courses,  in  the  edge  of  the  timber,  where  an  abundance  of 
wood  and  wTater  was  handy.  In  an  early  day  it  was  not  thought  the 
prairies  could  ever  be  settled.  In  many  places  they  were  marshy, 
and  so  infested  with  flies  and  other  insects  that  the  settler  was 
compelled  to  cross  them  with  a team,  and  could  only  travel  in  the 
night  time. 

Mr.  Stevens- was  a native  o£-Connecticut,  and  was  born  in  1764. 
He  was  married  in  Connecticut  to  Alice  Gates,  also  a native  of  that 
State,  who  was  born  in  1765,  and  survived  her  husband  one  year. 
Shortly  after  his  marriage  he  emigrated  to  New  York,  where  their 
children  were  born.  They  removed  to  Randolph  county,  Illinois,  in 
1818,  distinguished  as  the  year  in  which  Illinois  was  made  a State. 
From  there  he  removed  to  Macon  county.  With  him  came  Thomas 
Cowan,  one  of  the  commissioners  appointed  to  select  a site  for  the 
county  seat.  Mr.  Stevens  had  a large  family  ; seven  sons  and  two 
daughters.  Their  names  were  Buel,  Keziah,  Leonard,  Jr.,  Augus- 


tus, Luther,  Dorus,  Joseph,  Harriet  and  James.  Joseph  died  not 
long  since,  and  at  the  time  of  his  death,  was  the  oldest  settler  of  the 
county. 

Joseph  Stevens  was  born  in  New  York,  in  1808,  and  was  thirteen 
years  of  age  when  he  came  to  this  county  with  his  father.  In  1830 
he  was  married  to  Mary  Warnick,  daughter  of  William  Warnick, 
the  first  sheriff  of  Macon  county.  He  had  three  children  by  his 
first  wife,  Francis  M.,  Wm.  Henry  and  James  M.  His  second  wife 
was  Mrs.  Cunningham,  nee  Sentenay,  who  was  a native  of  Kentucky 
By  her  he  had  one  child,  Cyrus.  The  descendants  of  Leonard 
Stevens  were  numerous,  and  some  of  them  are  now  residents  of  this 
county. 

The  first  settlements  were  on  the  north  and  south  sides  of  the 
Sangamon  river.  That  on  the  north  was  known  as  the  Stevens 
settlement,  that  on  the  south  as  the  Ward  settlement.  Those 
comprising  the  Stevens  settlements  were  from  New  York,  Virginia 
and  Ohio,  and  were  called  Yankees  by  those  of  the  other  settlement 
who  were  from  the  Carolinas  and  Tennessee.  The  feeling  between 
the  two  settlements  was  not  very  friendly,  and  fights  were  not  un- 
common. Many  of  the  Ward  settlement  had  served  in  the  army 
under  General  Jackson,  and  were  very  proud  of  the  fact. 

Macon  county  was  organized  in  1829.  Until  18^8  the  two  settle- 
ments included  about  all  the  inhabitants  who  lived  within  the 
present  limits  of  the  county.  In  that  year  a wave  of  immigration 
poured  into  the  county,  and  the  settlements  began  rapidly  to  extend 
up  and  down  the  river.  When  Macon  county  was  organized  its 
area  was  much  greater  than  at  present ; for  it  then  included  all  of 
what  is  now  De  Witt  county,  except  the  northern  tier  of  townships, 
all  of  Piatt  except  one  township,  and  about  half  of  Moultrie  county. 

The  loss  of  so  much  territory  occasioned  no  dissatisfaction,  as  at 
that  time  it  was  not  thought  the  prairies  would  ever  be  cultivated, 
and  the  expense  of  maintaining  roads  was  felt  to  be  a burden. 
There  seems  to  have  been  no  immigration  in  1823,  but  in  1824 
came  the  Ward  families  from  the  vicinity  of  Vandalia.  John 
Ward,  Sr.,  w7as  a native  of  England,  born  in  1769.  In  his  youth  he 
emigrated  to  South  Carolina,  where  he  married  Alary  Ward,  a 
native  of  Ireland,  born  in  1768.  They  removed  to  Tennessee,  and 
then  in  a few  years  to  Logan  county,  Kentucky,  where  Mr.  Ward 
died.  The  mother  remained  until  October,  1819,  at  which  time  the 
family  removed  to  the  youthful  State  of  Illinois,  settling  eleven 
miles  from  Vandalia.  On  arriving  in  the  county  they  settled  on 
the  south  side  of  the  river.  The  family  wras  a large  one.  The  eld- 
est son,  Jerry,  was  born  in  South  Carolina  in  1788.  He  married  in 
Kentucky,  removed  from  this  county  first  to  Missouri  and  then  to 
Texas,  where  he  resided  till  his  death.  John  Ward,  Jr.,  was  also  a 
native  of  South  Carolina,  and  was  married  in  Kentucky.  He  had  a 
family  of  seventeen  children;  died  in  1831  and  wras  buried  at  Wal- 
nut Grove.  James,  also,  was  born  in  South  Carolina,  and  was  mar- 
ried in  Kentucky.  He  went  to  Missouri,  then  to  Texas,  where  he 
died.  Sarah,  Margaret,  Polly  and  Lucy  were  all  born  in  South 
Carolina.  Sarah  became  the  wife  of  William  Gambrel,  in  Ken- 
tucky, and  died  in  Texas.  Margaret  was  married  in  Kentucky  to 
Elisha  Freeman,  one  of  the  first  commissioners  of  this  county. 
She  died  in  1873.  Polly  married  William  Freeman,  and  lives  in 
Missouri.  Lucy  became  the  wife  of  Hiram  Reavis,  and  became  a 
resident  of  Missouri!  William  was  born  in  South  Carolina  in  1802, 
and  came  to  Illinois  in  1819.  He  was  the  father  of  Franklin, 
Hiram  and  John  Ward.  The  other  children  were  Thomas,  born  in 
1804,  who  died  in  Christian  county;  Nancy,  born  in  1806,  wdio 
died  in  Missouri,  and  whose  children  yet  live  there ; and  Lewis  B., 
born  in  1809.  To  the  latter  are  we  indebted  for  the  information 
relating  to  the  family. 


32 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


It  seems  probable  that  about  the  time  the  Wards  came,  the 
Spragues  became  residents  here.  Indeed,  it  is  thought  by  some, 
that  the  third  house  in  the  county  was  built  by  Abraham  Sprague, 
just  south  of  the  fair  ground,  and  that  the  fourth  house  was  built 
by  Hubble  Sprague  on  the  site  of  the  fair  ground.  They  came 
from  New  York.  Another  early  settler  was  William  King,  who 
settled  a short  distance  south  of  the  Spragues.  He  probably  built 
on  Stevens’  creek,  in  1826,  the  first  mill  in  the  county.  This  was 
afterwards  owned  by  Mr.  Renshaw,  and  was  called  Rensliaw’s  mill. 

The  year  1825  witnessed  the  arrival  of  quite  a number  of  good 
citizens.  Among  them  we  mention  Benj.  R.  Austin,  a native  of 
Virginia,  and  a surveyor  by  profession.  He  laid  out  the  plat  for 
the  original  town  of  Decatur;  was  for  many  years  justice  of  the 
peace.  He  married  Margaret  Warnick,  by  whom  he  had  nine  chil- 
dren. The  same  year  also  came  Wm.  Warnick,  a native  of  North 
Carolina,  born  in  1784.  He  first  moved  to  Tennessee  and  thence  to 
this  county.  He  bore  a conspicuous  and  honorable  part  in  the 
early  history  of  this  county  ; was  its  first  sheriff,  holding  that  office 
from  its  organization  until  1835;  was  a captain  of  rangers  during 
the  Black  Hawk  war,  in  which  he  was  slightly  wounded.  It  was 
during  his  term  of  office  as  sheriff  that  Redmon  and  Wyatt  were 
whipped,  receiving  39  and  21  lashes  respectively  by  order  of  the 
court.  The  sheriff  himself  laid  them  on.  He  died  in  1855. 

Mr.  Warnick’s  children  were  John,  Margaret,  Polly,  (who  mar- 
ried Joseph  Stevens)  James,  Lucinda,  Clark,  Ira,  Robert  and  Sarah. 
When  Abraham  Lincoln  came  with  his  father  to  Illinois,  he  first 
became  a resident  of  Macon  county.  His  mind  was  accidentally 
determined  towards  the  profession  of  law  by  the  perusal  of  some 
law  books  at  the  house  of  “ Uncle  Billy  Warnick.”  It  came  about 
in  this  way  : He  went  to  Uncle  Billy’s  house  to  see  one  of  the  girls, 
but  in  going  got  his  feet  badly  frosted,  and  was,  for  a week  or  ten 
days,  unable  to  return  home.  While  under  the  medical  treatment 
of  old  Mrs.  Warnick,  he  began  the  study  of  the  stray  law-books 
owned  by  Uncle  Billy. 

In  1825  also  came  David  Florey,  a native  of  Virginia,  born  1803, 
and  settled  in  what  was  soon  to  be  known  as  Macon  county.  He  was 
first  married  to  Isabella  Wright,  also  born  in  Virginia.  Jerome 
Florey  was  the  issue  of  this  union.  His  second  wife  was  Rachael, 
Rittenhouse,  by  whom  he  had  three  children:  J.  W.,  Melissa  J. 
and  Franklin.  With  him  came  P.  D.  Williams  and  Mr.  Epper- 
son. David  Florey,  the  well-known  farmer  and  stock  raiser,  yet 
lives  in  Whitmore  township.  One  account  states  that  Mr.  Draper 
came  with  him,  but  this  is  an  error,  as  Mr.  Draper  did  not  arrive 
until  nearly  three  years  later.  The  same  year  also  came  Samuel 
and  Joseph  Widick,  and  possibly  also  Jacob  and  George.  They 
were  brothers  of  John  Widick. 

The  next  year  Edmund  McDaniel,  a young  man,  came  with  his 
family  to  cast  his  lot  with  the  feeble  settlement.  A native  of 
Georgia,  he  emigrated  first  to  Tennessee,  and  then  to  Illinois,  settling 
first  near  Vandalia.  He  came  to  Macon  county  in  1826.  He  was 
married  in  Kentucky  to  Margaret  Widick,  daughter  of  John  Widick 
and  was  a member  of  the  first  grand  jury.  He  reared  a large  fam- 
ily, and  was  a good  citizen.  Wm.  W.  McDaniel,  a good  farmer  in 
South  Wheatland  township,  and  one  of  the  oldest  and  most  respect- 
ed residents,  came  to  the  county  in  1825. 

John  Widick  was  born  in  Virginia,  and  settled  here  in  1826. 
The  maiden  name  of  his  wife  was  Cohorine  Traughber  ; she  died  most 
probably  in  1832.  Their  union  was  blessed  with  eleven  children. 

Emanuel  Widick  settled  here  the  same  year.  He  was  born  in 
Tennessee  in  1806.  He  married  Sarah  A Cox.  They  both  died  in 
1863 ; Mr.  Widick  in  March,  and  Mrs.  Widick  in  December  of  that 
year.  Their  children  numbered  nine. 


In  October,  1826,  John  McMennamy,  a native  of  Tennessee  and 
a brother-in-law  of  James  Ward,  arrived.  In  1839  he  removed  to 
Texas,  where  he  died. 

The  year  1827  witnessed  a greater  immigration  than  any  previous 
one ; and  from  this  time  on  the  tide  of  immigration  was  to  set  in 
more  strongly.  Prominent  amongst  the  arrivals  was  Benjamin 
Wilson,  who  was  one  of  the  first  board  of  county  commissioners, 
and  assisted  in  the  organization  of  the  county.  He  held  the 
office  for  many  years.  His  native  State  was  North  Carolina,  from 
which  he  emigrated  to  Tennessee,  where  he  was  married  to  Jane 
Warnick,  a sister  of  “LTncle  Billy,”  the  first  sheriff  of  Macon 
county.  From  thence  he  removed  to  Illinois  with  his  family,  which 
eventually  grew  to  be  a large  one  ; and  many  of  the  name  are  yet  in 
the  county.  The  same  year  saw  the  arrival  of  John  Hanks,  the 
friend  of  Lincoln,  and  a native  of  Kentucky,  born  in  1802.  Before 
leaving  Kentucky  he  married  Susan  Wilson,  whose  age  was  about 
the  same  as  his  own.  He  settled  on  Stevens’  creek.  Two  of  their 
children,  William  and  Lewis,  were  born  in  Kentucky.  Five  more 
were  born  after  their  settlement  on  Stevens’  creek. 

This  year  came  also  Eldridge  H.  McDaniel,  a young  man  of 
twenty  years,  who,  notwithstanding  his  youth,  had  for  a whole  year 
rejoiced  in  the  possession  of  a wife.  His  wife’s  maiden  name  was 
Mary  Pope.  They  continued  to  reside  here  until  their  death.  Mr. 
M.  died  in  1859,  and  his  wife  in  1871.  They  reared  a large  family. 

Dempsey  Pope,  a native  of  North  Carolina,  settled  on  Mosquito 
creek  in  1827.  On  leaving  his  native  State  he  settled  first  in  Ten- 
nessee. Before  leaving  Carolina  he  was  united  in  marriage  to 
Sarah  Edwards.  Eleven  children  were  born  to  them.  Mr.  Pope 
died  in  1853-4  and  Mrs.  P.  in  1874. 

James  and  Jones  Edwards  came  to  this  county  with  Mr.  Pope. 
They  were  natives  of  the  same  State,  and  like  Mr.  Pope,  first  emi- 
grated to  Tennessee,  where  they  remained  only  a few  mouths. 
They  reached  this  section  in  the  fall,  and  at  that  time  there  were 
but  sixteen  acres  of  land  entered  upon  the  south  side  of  the  river. 
James  worked  the  first  year  for  John  Ward,  whom  he  assisted  in 
driving  away  a band  of  Ivickapoos  that  had  made  threats  against 
the  Wards.  He,  in  the  winter  of  1830-31,  took  Nancy  L.  Hill  to 
wife.  She  was  a native  of  Virginia,  and  came  to  Illinois  in  1829. 
They  had  ten  children  bornvto  them.  Jones  Edwards,  after  a resi- 
dence of  twelve  or  fifteen  years  in  this  county,  removed  to  Iowa, 
where  he  died. 

This  year  also  came  Thomas  Nelms,  from  Logan  county,  Ken- 
tucky, and  settled  here.  He  died  from  the  effects  of  a tree  falling 
upon  him  in  1830.  The  old  settlers  relate:  “that  after  this 
tree  was  cut  down,  and  before  being  split,  there  was  one  continuous 
tingling  sound  heard,  similar  to  that  from  the  splinters  when  a tough 
stick  of  wood  is  being  split.  This  continued  long  after  the  logs 
were  made  into  rails  and  laid  up  in  a fence.  The  attention  of 
travellers  was  attracted  by  the  peculiar  noise,  while  they  were  pass- 
ing along  the  road  by  the  side  of  the  fence  ” 

It  seems  most  probable  that  Michael  Myers  and  Louisa  his  wife, 
nee  Atteberry,  came  the  same  year.  Mr.  M.  was  a native  of  North 
Carolina,  while  his  wife  was  born  in  Kentucky.  They  raised  a 
family  of  seven  children. 

The  next  year,  1828,  the  settlements  were  further  strengthened 
by  an  increased  immigration.  And  first  we  mention  Capt.  David 
L.  Allen,  a native  of  Virginia,  who,  in  the  fall  of  this  year,  settled 
on  what  is  now  north  Water  street,  Decatur.  He  was  an  energetic 
citizen,  and  in  1831-2  built  the  second  water  mill  in  the  county, 
which  he  sold  to  Robert  Moffett.  Mr.  Allen  entered  a body  of  land 
of  which  north  Water  street  was  the  western  line,  and  on  this  about 
one-fourth  of  the  city  of  Decatur  is  located.  Mr.  A.  made  the  first 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


33 


lime  ever  burnt  in  this  county,  and  owing  to  its  superior  quality,  it 
was  greatly  in  demand,  much  of  it  going  to  Springfield  to  be  used  for 
finishing  purposes.  He  was  a prominent  and  useful  man. 

Samuel  Braden  was  born  in  Ireland,  in  1769,  and  came  to  this 
country  shortly  after  the  close  of  the  revolutionary  war.  After  a 
short  stay  in  Philadelphia  he  removed  to  South  Carolina,  where  he 
married  Nancy  Young,  a native  of  that  state.  They  moved  from 
thence  to  Kentucky,  thence  to  Tennessee,  and  in  September, 
1828  or  ’29,  came  to  Macon  county.  They  had  three  children,  and 
their  descendants  are  numerous.  John  Y.  Braden,  of  Hickory 
Point  township,  is  a native  of  Tennessee,  and  came  to  this  county 
in  1829. 

Wm.  D.  Baker,  a North  Carolinian,  a young  man  of  28,  who 
had  married  Marilla  Martin,  in  Tennessee,  arrived  in  the  autumn 
of  this  year,  and  settled  in  Long  Creek  township.  He  was  an 
upright  man,  and  all  men  spoke  well  of  him.  He  was  a member 
of  the  first  grand  jury  of  the  county.  He  had  five  children,  two  of 
whom  are  ministers. 

David  Davis  was  born  in  North  Carolina,  in  1798.  When  17, 
he  moved  to  Tennessee,  and  in  1828,  he  came  to  this  county. 
When  23  he  became  paralyzed  in  his  lower  limbs,  and  thereafter 
walked  with  difficulty.  In  1825,  he  was  married  to  Mary  Martin, 
a native  of  Tennessee.  He  had  one  child  at  the  period  of  his 
arrival,  and  seven  more  were  born  to  him.  Notwithstanding  his 
bodily  affliction,  by  his  energy  and  business  capacity  he  became 
wealthy.  He  was  one  of  the  judges  of  the  first  election,  and  his 
name  will  be  found  among  the  county  treasurers.  He  was  noted 
for  public  spirit,  and  provided  liberal  means  for  beneficent  charities. 

James  Myers  became  a resident  of  the  county  in  this  year.  Born 
in  Kentucky  and  married  to  a Kentucky  girl,  he  came  at  the  age 
of  24,  and  settled  the  Henry  Davis  nursery  farm,  in  Long  Creek 
township. 

Ephraim  Cox  probably  arrived  here  this  year.  His  son,  George 
M.,  was  born  April  6,  1830,  in  Macon  county,  and  married  Ellen 
Downs,  who  was  born  in  Ohio,  March  15, 1832.  They  had  a family 
of  ten  children  born  to  them. 

Elder  Dolliston  Hefton  was  among  the  early  settlers  of  the 
county,  but  the  exact  date  of  his  arrival  cannot  now  be  fixed.  He 
was  a “ forty  gallon  Baptist  ” preacher,  and  those  who  once  heard 
his  see-saw,  sing-song  tones  while  in  the  pulpit  will  never  forget 
them.  He  was  the  equal  in  singularity  of  delivery  of  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Bosang,  as  pictured  by  Edward  Eggleston.  He  kept  store  for  a 
time  at  Mt.  Gillead,  and  had  family  household  goods  and  merchan- 
dize all  in  one  room.  His  stock  consisted  of  a barrel  of  pale  whis- 
key, that  must  have  been  well  watered,  for  it  would  freeze  up  in 
winter ; some  tin-ware  and  a few  dollars’  worth  of  sugar  and  coffee. 
His  ideas  of  business  corresponded  to  his  stock,  for  it  is  said  that 
on  one  occasion  he  refused  to  sell  all  of  his  tinware  to  a customer, 
saying  that  it  would  break  his  stock. 

William  Wheeler,  Sr.,  was  a native  of  Virginia,  and  was  mar- 
ried to  Elizabeth  Hays,  also  a Virginian.  Mr.  Wheeler  and  fami- 
ly removed  to  Illinois,  and  to  Macon  county,  in  1828.  He  had 
nine  children,  one  of  whom,  William,  Jr.,  was  destined  to  become 
prominently  connected  with  the  civil  history  of  Macon  county. 
A man  of  great  popularity  he  has  been  repeatedly  elected  sheriff, 
assessor  and  collector.  His  daughter  Elizabeth  became  the  wife  of 
William  Ward,  the  father  of  Franklin  and  Hiram  Ward. 

Robert  Smith,  Sr.,  a native  of  North  Carolina,  came  to  Illinois 
in  1828,  and  settled  first  in  Sangamon  county.  The  spring  was 
not  far  advanced  of  this  year,  when  he  removed  to  Macon 
county,  and  settled  six  miles  south-west  of  the  county  seat.  He 
came  of  good  fighting  stock,  his  father  having  been  a soldier  in  the 
5 


revolutionary  war,  and  he  fought  under  Jackson,  at  New  Orleans. 
He  was  twice  married;  the  first  time  to  Eleanor  Wilson,  who  died 
in  1824,  and  who  bore  him  all  his  children,  five  in  number,  and 
the  second  time  to  Jane  Allen.  Mr.  Smith  died  in  1855. 

In  1828  came  two  brothers,  William  C.  and  Andrew  W.  Smith, 
not  related  to  the  Smith  above  mentioned.  Andrew  was  the  older 
of  the  brothers,  and  attained  prominence  in  the  early  annals  of  the 
county.  He  was  a member  for  several  years  of  the  old  county 
court,  and  was  a volunteer  in  the  Black  Hawk  war,  serving  in  the 
company  of  rangers  that  went  out  from  Macon  county.  Was 
twice  married,  and  some  of  his  children  are  now  residents  of  the 
county.  He  died  in  1875.  William  C.  and  his  brother  were  na- 
tives of  Tennessee,  but  on  first  coming  to  Illinois  settled  in  Sanga- 
mon county.  His  children  are  well-known  residents  of  the  county. 

In  this  year,  J.  A.  Draper,  a highly  respected  citizen  of  Mount 
Zion  township,  living  on  section  21,  was  born  here.  He  had  lived 
here  all  his  life.  He  married  Sarah  W.  Jones,  an  Ohio  girl,  who 
came  here  in  1839. 

Until  1829,  Jan.  19,  the  portion  of  Illinois  now  composing  Ma- 
con county,  formed  a part  of  Shelby  Before  the  meeting  of  the 
legislature  Benj.  R.  Austin,  Andrew  W.  Smith,  and  John  Ward 
had  been  selected  to  go  to  Vandalia,  the  capital,  and  procure,  if 
possible,  the  passage  of  an  act  dividing  Shelby  and  creating  the 
county  of  Macon.  These  men  were  successful  in  their  mission,  and 
the  act  establishing  the  new  county  may  be  found  in  full  in  the 
chapter  on  the  civil  history. 

Jan.  19,  1829,  closed  one  era  of  the  county’s  history.  The  set- 
tlement had  gained  strength  slowly  but  surely.  The  hard  trials 
incident  to  pioneer  life  were  not  yet  over,  but  the  worst  was  passed. 
With  the  increase  in  population  came  improvement  in  condition, 
and  henceforth  they  were  not  to  be  without  the  ministrations  of 
religion,  or  the  blessings  of  education  (rude  though  it  might  be) 
for  their  children.  As  the  wilderness  became  subdued  it  was  to 
grow  more  healthful.  It  is  no  longer  possible  to  speak  at  length 
of  the  immigrants  ; they  began  to  pour  in  more  and  more  rapidly. 
The  year  of  the  county’s  formation  saw  the  arrival  of  a compara- 
tively large  number.  Then  came  the  Dickeys,  a large  and  influen- 
tial family,  of  southern  descent.  William  DJckey,  a native  of 
Kentucky,  came  the  preceding  year,  but  David,  Alexander  0., 
and  John,  came  in  1829.  Then,  too,  came  Gen.  Isaac  C.  Pugh,  a 
man  distinguished  in  the  history  of  Macon  county  ; a member  of 
the  second  county  commissioner’s  court  and  several  succeeding  ; 
the  twelfth  treasurer  of  the  county,  and  the  first  master  in  chancery, 
and  a captain  in  the  Black  Hawk  War.  Ever  foremost  in  his 
country’s  service  he  served  as  captain  in  the  Mexican  war,  and  in 
the  war  for  the  Union  he  was  colonel  of  the  41st  Illinois,  and  was 
promoted  Brigadier  General  for  meritorious  services.  He  was  held 
in  high  esteem,  and  was  honored  by  the  people  with  many  positions 
of  honor  and  trust.  He  was  married  to  Elvira  E.  Gorin,  and 
by  her  had  eleven  children. 

In  1829  also  came  Alexander  Bell,  Josiah  Abrams,  Alfred  Lay- 
mons,  Christopher  Miller,  and  James  and  David  Miller.  Then, 
too,  came  John  Scott,  Sr.,  and  Francis  D.,  his  son.  This  year  also 
came  James  Sanders,  who  was  quite  a character  among  the  early 
settlers,  and  was  renowned  throughout  the  settlements  for  his  pro- 
digious strength  and  endurance.  He  used  to  relate  with  jaride  that 
he  threw,  in  a wrestle,  Abraham  Lincoln,  who  had  thrown  the  bully 
of  the  county.  At  Uncle  Joe  Stevens’ wedding  feats  of  strength 
were  indulged  in,  and  “Uncle  Jimmy”  took  a piece  of  lead  in  each 
hand  weighing  seventy-five  pounds,  and  raised  them  to  a level  with 
his  shoulders  and  then  passed  them  around  till  they  touched 
in  front.  He  was  Mr.  Lincoln’s  most  intimate  friend,  and  they 


34 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


were  often  together  at  barn  and  house-raisings,  fox-chases  and  wolf- 
hunts.  He  was  a native  of  South  Carolina.  When  he  arrived  in 
Illinois  he  had  a wife,  five  children,  four  horses  and  61  cents. 
This  year  also  saw  the  arrival  of  the  Travis  family,  who  came  in 
March  from  Wayne  county,  111.  There  were  three  brothers,  Allen 
and  Thomas  Travis,  natives  of  South  Carolina,  and  Finis,  who  was 
born  in  Kentucky.  With  them  came  James  D.  Campbell  and 
Andrew  and  John  Davidson  ; Samuel  Davidson  did  not  arrive 
until  the  next  year.  In  the  year  of  the  county’s  creation  also  came 
Henry  Traughber,  a Kentuckian,  who,  after  his  arrival  here 
wooed  and  wed  Nancy  Smith ; and  Parmenas  Smallwood  and 
family.  Mr.  Smallwood  was  a useful  and  honored  citizen,  and 
reared  a large  family  of  children,  some  of  whom  are  now  living  in 
the  county. 


ABRAHAM  LINCOLN. 


On  the  first  of  March,  1830,  Thomas  Lincoln,  the  father  of  Abra- 
ham, sold  out  bis  squatter’s  claims  in  Indiana,  and  in  company 
with  his  family,  the  sons-in-law  and  two  daughters  of  his  wife,  start- 
ed for  central  Illinois.  Abraham  had  just  completed  his  twenty- 
first  year.  The  journey  was  long  and  tedious,  as  through  the  thick 
mud,  only  found  in  the  rich  soil  of  the  west,  their  ox-teams  dragged 
the  wagons  loaded  with  the  personal  effects  of  the  emigrants.  One 
of  these  teams  was  driven  by  young  Lincoln.  After  a journey  of 
two  hundred  miles,  which  they  made  in  fifteen  days,  they  reached 
Macon  county,  and  the  elder  Lincoln  selected  a spot  for  his  house 
on  the  north  side  of  the  Sangamon  river  in  section  28,  Town  1 6 N., 
Range  1 E.,  in  what  is  now  Harristown  township.  Here  at  the 
junction  of  the  timber  land  and  prairie,  Abraham  assisted  his  father 
in  erecting  a log  cabin  and  in  getting  the  family  comfortably  settled. 
The  cabin  was  made  of  hewed  timber,  and  near  it  was  built  a 
smoke-house  and  stable.  A common  ax,  a broad  ax,  a hand  saw 
and  a “ drawer  knife  ” were  all  the  tools  they  had  to  work  with. 
The  doors  and  floor  consisted  of  puncheons,  and  the  gable  ends  of 
the  building  were  boarded  up  with  plank  “rived”  by  Abraham’s 
hand  out  of  oak  timber.  The  few  nails  that  were  used  were  brought 


from  their  old  home  in  Indiana.  The  cabin  stood  where  it  bad  been 
erected  until  1876,  when  it  was  carefully  taken  apart  and  shipped 
to  Philadelphia,  where  it  was  again  put  together  on  the  centennial 
grounds,  and  remained  there  during  the  great  exposition,  being 
viewed  with  interest  by  thousands  of  liberty-loving  people  of  the 
world.  When  the  cabin  and  out  buildings  were  completed,  Abra- 
ham helped  to  split  rails  enough  to  fence  in  a lot  of  ten  acres,  and 
built  the  fence.  This  done,  he  broke  the  ground  with  ox-teams,  and 
assisted  in  planting  it  with  corn,  after  which  he  turned  over  the 
new  home  to  his  father,  and  expressed  his  intention  to  make  his 
own  fortune.  However,  he  did  not  leave  the  region  immediately, 
but  worked  among  the  farmers,  picking  up  enough  to  clothe  himself. 
It  is  stated  that  he  broke  up  fifty  acres  of  prairie  with  four  yoke  of 
oxen,  and  that  he  spent  most  of  the  winter  following  in  splitting 
rails  and  chopping  wood. 

No  one  seems  to  remember  for  whom  Mr.  Lincoln  worked  during 
this  first  summer.  “A  little  incident  in  the  pastoral  labors  of  Rev. 
A.  Hale,  of  Springfield,  Illinois,  will  perhaps  indicate  his  employer. 
In  May,  1861,  he  went  out  about  seven  miles  from  home  to  visit  a 
sick  lady,  and  found  there  a Mrs.  Brown  who  had  come  in  as  a neigh- 
bor. Mr.  Lincoln’s  name  having  been  mentioned,  Mrs.  Brown 
said:  ‘ Well,  I remember  Mr.  Liuken.  He  worked  with  my  old 
man  thirty-four  years  ago  and  made  a crap.  We  lived  on  the  same 
farm  where  we  live  now,  and  he  worked  all  the  season,  and  made  a 
crap  of  corn,  and-the  next  winter  they  hauled  the  crap  all  the  way 
to  Galena,  and  sold  it  for  two  dollars  and  a-half  a bushel.  At  that 
time  there  was  no  public  houses,  and  travellers  were  obliged  to  stay 
at  any  house  along  the  road  that  could  take  them  in.  One  evening 
a right  smart-looking  man  rode  up  to  the  fence  and  asked  my  old 
man  if  he  could  get  to  stay  over  night.  ‘ Well,’  said  Mr.  Brown, 

‘ we  can  feed  your  critter,  and  give  you  something  to  eat,  but  we 
can’t  lodge  you  unless  you  can  sleep  on  the  same  bed  with  the  hired 
man.’  The  man  hesitated  and  asked,  ‘ Where  is  lie?’  ‘ Well,’  said 
Mr.  Brown,  ‘ you  can  come  and  see  him.’  So  the  man  got  down 
from  his  critter,  and  Mr.  Brown  took  him  around  to  where,  in  the 
shade  of  the  house,  Mr.  Lincoln  lay  at  full  length  on  the  ground, 
with  an  open  book  before  him.  ‘ There,’  said  Mr.  Brown,  pointing 
at  him,  ‘ he  is.’  The  stranger  looked  at  him  a minute,  and  said, 

‘ Well,  I think  he’ll  do,’ and  he  staid  and  slept  with  the  future 
President  of  the  United  States.” 

Mr.  Lincoln’s  father  only  remained  here  about  one  year,  on  ac- 
count of  sickness  in  his  family,  when  he  moved  to  Coles  county> 
where  he  lived  to  see  his  son  one  of  the  leading  men  in  Illinois,  and 
to  receive  from  him  many  testimonials  of  filial  affection,  and  to 
complete  his  seventy-third  year.  He  died  January  17,  1851. 

The  census  of  1830  showed  that  the  county  contained  1122  souls. 
The  emigration  continued,  but  it  was  not  large,  while  many  who 
had  come  to  settle  permanently,  disgusted  with  hardships  and  chills, 
which  were  very  common  and  severe,  moved  back  to  the  older 
States,  from  whence  they  came,  to  spread  unfavorable  reports  of  the 
country. 

In  this  year  came  James  M.  Baker.  Robert  Law,  who  served  in 
Capt.  Warnick’s  company  of  rangers  in  the  Black  Hawk  war,  came 
the  same  year,  and  with  him  his  brothers,  James  and  John,  and  his 
sister  Rose  Ann  ; Andrew  Hamilton  and  family,  Samuel  Rea,  who 
has  been  honored  by  his  fellow- citizens  with  positions  of  responsibil- 
ity, and  who  was  the  soul  of  integrity  ; and  William  Muirhead,  who 
came  from  Virginia  with  his  family,  and  settled  four  miles  west  of 
Decatur.  William  F.  Muirhead,  who  now  lives  on  section  thirty- 
three  in  Blue  Mound  township,  a successful  farmer  and  stock  raiser, 
and  a native  of  Virginia  also,  came  this  year.  He  afterwards  mar- 
ried Margaret  J.  Hill,  who  was  born  in  this  county.  Samuel 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


35 


Hornback  and  family  arrived  in  September,  1830.  Jeremiah  Free- 
man, a public-spirited  citizen  of  Harristown  township,  was  born  in 
this  year. 

The  memorable  “ deep  snow,”  from  which  the  old  settler  dates 
events,  occurred  in  the  winter  of  1830-31.  It  was  an  extraordinary 
event.  Nothing  like  it  has  been  seen  since,  and  if  Indian  tradition 
may  be  trusted,  nothing  had  been  seen  like  it  for  more  than  half  a 
century  prior  to  the  advent  of  the  whites  in  this  section.  The  snow 
began  to  fall  early  in  the  winter,  and  continued  at  intervals  through- 
out the  season.  The  snow  falls  would  be  followed  by  sleets,  thus 
forming  crusts  of  ice  between  the  layers.  For  weeks  at  a time  the 
sun  hid  his  face,  and  the  cold  was  intense,  and  the  suffering  among 
the  settlers  was  great.  The  snow,  compact  as  it  was,  reached  a 
depth  of  three  feet  on  the  level,  and  a much  greater  depth  where  it 
had  drifted.  Vehicles  passed  over  the  tops  of  staked  and  ridered 
fences.  So  far  as  known  no  one  starved  or  was  frozen,  but  great 
hardships  were  endured,  and  in  many  instances  only  the  greatest 
exertions  kept  starvation  from  the  door.  Much  of  the  game  was 
almost  destroyed,  and  deer,  prairie  chickens  and  quails  were  scarce 
for  years  afterward.  Mr.  Lincoln  lived  in  Macon  county  during 
that  terrible  winter.  Another  memorable  winter  in  the  early  annals 
of  the  county  was  that  of  1836,  when  the  “sudden  freeze ” occurred. 
The  suffering  from  cold  was  most  intense,  and  attended  with  loss  of 
life  to  man  and  beast.  The  sudden  freeze  occurred  in  January, 
and  it  was  scarcely  fifteen  minutes  from  the  time  the  cold  wave 
struck,  “ before  the  water  and  melting  snow  were  hard  enough  to 
bear  up  a horse.”*  The  slush  froze  about  the  feet  of  the  cattle,  and 
it  was  necessary  to  cut  them  out.  Geese  and  ducks  were  imprisoned 
in  the  same  way. 

In  1831  came  Robert  Johnson,  a farmer  and  stock-grower,  now 
living  in  Hickory  Point  township,  a native  of  Kentucky,  who  served 
in  the  war  with  Black  Hawk ; Jesse  Austin  and  Dr.  B.  W.  Gorin, 
who  in  two  years  removed  to  Missouri ; Rebecca  Robinson,  who 
became  the  wife  of  John  Drake;  James  Howell  and  family.  Mr. 
Howell  had  four  brothers,  William,  Daniel,  Joseph  and  Isaac,  who 
came  about  the  same  time.  Sarah  Myers  became  a resident  this 
year.  So,  too,  did  William  Turpin,  a native  of  Kentucky,  who, 
with  his  younger  brother,  Mattison,  made  a settlement  on  Big 
Creek. 

James  Querry,  of  Friends  Creek  township,  a native  of  the  Old 
Dominion,  came  also  in  1831.  In  1832  came  S.  C.  Allen,  Henry 
M.  Gorin,  and  Rev.  Joseph  Hostettler,  the  latter  a native  of  Ken- 
tucky, who  began  preaching  in  1815.  He  came  hither  from  Orange 
county,  Indiana.  Further  information  regarding  him  may  be  found 
in  the  sketch  of  the  Christian  Church.  In  this  year  also  came 
Joshua  Perdue,  who  married  Margaret  Ward,  and  Willis  Stallings, 
whose  wife  was  Jane  Law.  He  was  a Tennesseean  by  birth,  and 
reared  a family  of  three  children.  Thomas  H.  Read,  who  died  in 
Decatur  in  1874,  arrived  this  year. 

The  next  year  added  J.  R.  Gorin,  w7hose  record  will  be  found  in 
the  chapter  on  the  “ Bench  and  Bar,”  and  William  Cantrell,  who 
has  been  called  to  positions  of  trust  by  his  fellow-citizens  ; John 
Rucker,  a very  industrious  man,  who  is  worthy  of  mention  as  having 
held  the  office  of  county  commissioner  for  fourteen  years,  longer 
than  any  other  man.  And  David  Barnwell,  a native  of  South 
Carolina,  who  with  his  family  settled  first  in  Long  Creek  township. 

Mr.  O.  L.  Stuart,  the  well-known  farmer  of  Whitmore  township, 
was  born  in  Decatur  this  year.  W.  T.  Howell,  a native  of  Sanga- 
mon county,  and  a farmer  and  stock  raiser  in  Oakley  township, 
came  in  1834.  James  Miller,  now  living  on  section  thirteen,  a most 
excellent  farmer,  settled  here  in  1833. 

* Smith’s  History. 


The  same  year,  1834,  saw  the  arrival  of  M.  M.  Burke,  Charles 
Emmerson,  (of  whom  a complete  biography  will  be  found  in  the 
Bench  and  Bar)  Rev.  William  S.  Crissey,  the  veteran  Methodist 
minister  now  residing  in  Decatur,  James  Ilarrel,  John  Lowry  and 
John  G.  Jimison,  the  latter  a Scotchman,  now  a resident  of  Friends 
Creek  township.  David  Stnick  came  from  Kentucky  with  his 
family  the  same  year.  The  same  year  saw  the  immigration  of  Sam- 
uel McKinley.  The  next  year  arrived  the  following  : Richard  H. 
Brett  and  family,  consisting  of  wife  and  fourteen  children,  Jacob 
Hostettler  and  wife,  William  F.  Montgomery,  Joseph  and  Barbara, 
Spangler,  from  Pennsylvania,  whose  children  are  yet  residents  of 
Macon  county,  D.  K.  Wilson,  II.  W.  Davis,  now  living  in  Long 
Creek  township,  was  born  in  Macon  county  in  this  year.  Edmiston 
McClellan,  the  present  efficient  circuit  clerk,  came  here  from  Penn- 
sylvania, the  State  of  his  nativity,  this  'year.  He  has  often  been 
called  by  the  citizens  of  the  county  to  serve  them  in  various  capaci- 
ties. Another  accession  to  the  population,  was  James  Geddis 
now  living  in  Decatur  township.  Mr.  G.  is  a native  of  Lebanon 
county,  Pennsylvania. 

The  next  year  came  Kirby  Benedict,  (see  Bench  and  Bar)  R.  J. 
Oglesby,  ( ibid .)  and  Ninian  Peddecord,  a native  of  Maryland, 
who,  on  his  arrival  in  ’36,  engaged  as  a clerk  for  Adamson  and 
Prather,  and  afterward  formed  a co-partnership  with  Joseph  Stickel. 
In  1836  the  Prathers  arrived.  Z.  R.  Prather,  a resideut  of  Long 
Creek  township,  was  bom  here  in  that  year.  William  Prather,  the 
sixth  county  judge,  and  fourth  circuit  clerk,  and  a native  of  Mary- 
land, throughout  life  was  in  feeble  health.  He  died  in  1870.  Ac- 
cording to  some  authorities,  Henry  Prather  did  not  arrive  here  from 
Macoupin  county,  where  he  settled  first,  until  1837.  He  was  a man 
of  ability  and  great  public  spirit.  In  1852  he  was  chosen  to  repre- 
sent his  district  in  the  legislature.  His  memory  is  yet  treasured  by 
all  who  knew  him.  In  1836  Ulysses  Huston,  a good  farmer  of 
Hickory  Point  township,  came  to  find  a home. 

In  1837  Rev.  M.  Baker,  of  Decatur  township,  was  born  in  this 
county,  and  Willis  Johnson,  a well-known  farmer  of  the  same  town- 
ship, came  here  from  Madison  county,  Kentucky.  Daniel  Traugh- 
ber  became  a resident  this  year,  and  Samuel  Powers,  a native  of 
New  York,  arrived.  David  J.  Freeland,  the  farmer  and  stock- 
grower,  is  a native  of  North  Carolina,  and  came  to  Macon  county 
this  year. 

Col.  E.  D.  Carter  was  born  in  Logan  county,  Kentucky.  He 
came  to  Illinois  in  1833  and  to  Decatur  in  1838.  He  married 
Christina  Smick,  also  a native  of  Kentucky.  This  year  also  came 
Jasper  J.  Peddecord,  who  was  born  in  Maryland  in  1818.  He  has 
been  in  the  business  of  banking  since  1852,  when  he  formed  a co- 
partnership with  Lowber  Bux-rows,  and  has  engaged  largely  in  man- 
ufacturing. 

In  1839  came  George  Powers,  a native  of  New  York.  He  was 
soon  thereafter  admitted  to  the  bar.  In  1844  he  was  elected  to  the 
State  Senate.  He  held  other  l’esponsible  offices.  He  died  in  1849. 
Another  arrival  was  George  W.  Falconer,  a Marylander,  who  came 
in  this  year  from  Fredei'ick  county  of  his  native  State.  He  died  in 
1856.  John  Falconer,  a boy  of  nine  years  of  age,  came  with  him. 
Capt.  Joel  S.  Post  arrived  this  year.  A sketch  of  his  life  will  be 
found  in  the  chapter  on  Bench  and  Bar. 

Dr.  Joseph  King  came  here  in  1839.  Drs.  Read  and  Spear  were 
the  only  physicians  who  had  pi’eceded  him*  He  was  thoroughly 
educated  for  his  profession  at  Cincinnati,  and  gained  an  extensive 
practice,  sometimes  being  called  twenty-five  or  thirty  miles  to  see  a 
patient.  James  Rea  and  family  came  to  Macon  county  in  this  year. 
In  1854  he  removed  to  California. 

We  have  reserved  for  this  place  a list  of  names  of  the  persons  who 


36 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


were  married  the  first  and  second  years  after  the  county  was  organ- 
ized, giving  date  of  license  and  time  of  marriage : 


NAMES. 


DATE  OF  LICENSE. 


John  Whitmore 
to 

Delila  Miller. 

Henry  Traughber  ) 
to  >- 

Nancy  Smith.  ) 
Geo.  Coppenbarger  \ 
to 

Nancy  Henderson.  ) 
Jacob  Caulk 


to 

Mary  Walker. 
Joseph  Stephens  ) 

t0  t . [ 
Mary  D.  Warnick.  ) 

John  Howell  A 

to 

Elizabeth  Jones.  J 
Stewart  Henderson  " 


to 

Nancy  Yinson. 
William  Ward  4 
to 

Elizabeth  AYheeler.  _) 
James  Edwards  4 
to  f- 

Nancy  Hill.  ) 

Lewis  B.  Ward  4 
to  [■ 

Elizabeth  Walker.  J 


June  18th,  1829. 
November  17tli,  1829. 
November  10th, 1829. 
January  7th,  1830. 
June  17  th,  1830. 

July  14th,  1830. 

July  20th,  1830. 
December  7th,  1830. 
December  16th,  1830. 
December  23d,  1830. 


TIME  OF  MARRIAGE. 

June  20th,  1829. 
November  17th,  1829. 
November  12th,  1829. 
January  7th,  1830. 
June  17tli,  1830. 
July  14th,  1830. 

July  22d,  1830. 
December  9th,  1830. 
December  16tli,  1830. 
December  23d,  1830. 


To  notice  the  arrivals  after  1840  is  not  possible,  and  would  be 
useless,  perhaps,  if  it  were  possible.  Much  additional  information 
will  be  found  in  other  chapters,  and  in  the  biographical  department. 
Enough  to  say  that  the  population  increased  but  slowly  until  the 
advent  of  railroads  afforded  a market  for  products,  and  then  immi- 
gration came  in  like  a flood.  The  prairies  that  the  old  settlers  thought 
could  never  be  brought  into  cultivation  were  soon  converted  into 
valuable  farms.  The  health  of  the  county  has  improved  as  the 
wilderness  has  been  subdued,  and  now  compares  favorably  with  that 
of  any  part  of  the  State,  while  upon  a richer,  fairer  portion  of  coun- 
try than  that  embraced  by  the  ample  boundaries  of  Macon  county, 
the  sun  does  not  look  down  in  his  course. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

CUSTOMS  OF  EARLY  DAYS. 

HABITS  AND  MODES  OF  LIVING  OF  THE  PIONEERS  AND  FIRST 

SETTLERS. 

T is  a trite  but  true  proverb  that  “ Times  change,  and 
we  change  with  them  and  it  is  well  illustrated  by 
the  changes  in  dress,  condition  and  life,  that  have 
taken  place  in  this  county  in  less  than  half  a century. 

We  doubt  not  that  these  changes,  as  a whole,  are  for 
the  better. 

To  the  old  man,  indeed,  whose  life-work  is  accomplished,  and 
whose  thoughts  dwell  mainly  on  the  past,  where  his  treasures  are, 
there  are  no  days  like  the  old  days,  and  no  song  awakens  so 
responsive  an  echo  in  his  heart  as  “ Auld  Lang  Syne.” 

The  very  skies  that  arch  above  his  gray  head  seem  less  blue 
to  his  dimmed  eye  than  they  did  when,  in  the  adoration  of  his 
young  heart,  he  directed  to  them  his  gaze  ; the  woods  appear  less 
green  and  inviting  than  when  in  the  gayety  of  boyhood  he  court- 
ed their  cool  deaths  ; and  the  songs  of  their  feathered  inhabi- 
tants fall  less  melodiously  upon  his  ear.  He  marks  the  changes 


that  are  everywhere  visible,  and  feels  like  crying  out  in  the 
language  of  the  poet : 

“ Backward,  turn  backward,  oh,  Time,  in  thy  flight!” 

It  is  natural  for  the  aged  to  sigh  for  a return  of  the  past,  nor 
would  we  attempt  the  hopeless  task  of  convincing  them  that  with 
the  changes  of  the  years  there  have  come  also  an  increase  in 
happiness,  an  improvement  in  social  life,  a progress  in  education, 
an  advancement  in  morality,  and  a tendency  upward  in  all  that 
relates  to  the  welfare  of  mankind. 

We  may  learn  useful  lessons,  however,  from  a study  of  that 
land  over  which  the  pardonable  and  fond  imagination  of  the 
old  settler  has  thrown  the  “ light  that  never  was  on  sea  or  land,” 
if,  withdrawing  ourselves  from  the  dizzy  activities  of  the  present 
days,  we  let  the  old  settler  take  us  by  the  hand  and  lead  us  back 
into  the  regions  of  his  youth,  that  we  may  observe  the  life  of 
those  who  founded  a grand  empire  in  a great  wilderness.  Let 
us  leave  the  prow  of  the  rushing  ship,  from  which  may  be  dis- 
cerned a mighty  future  rich  in  promises  and  bright  with  hope, 
and  take  our  place  upon  the  stern  and  gaze  backward,  into  the 
beautiful  land  of  the  past. 

No  doubt  we  shall  be  led  to  regret  the  absence  among  us  of 
some  of  the  virtues  of  dwellers  in  those  early  days.  Gone  is  that 
free-hearted  hospitality  which  made  of  every  settler’s  cabin  an 
inn  where  the  belated  and  weary  traveler  found  entertainment 
without  money  and  without  price.  Gone  is  that  community  of 
sentiment  which  made  neighbors  indeed  neighbors ; that  era  of 
kindly  feeling  which  was  marked  by  the  almost  entire  absence  of 
litigation. 

Gone,  too,  some  say,  is  that  simple,  strong,  upright,  honest 
integrity  which  was  so  marked  a characteristic  of  the  pioneer. 

So  rapid  has  been  the  improvement  in  machinery,  and  the 
progress  in  the  arts  and  their  application  to  the  needs  of  man, 
that  a study  of  the  manner  in  which  people  lived  and  worked 
only  fifty  years  ago  seems  like  the  study  of  a remote  age. 

It  is  important  to  remember  that  while  a majority  of  settlers 
were  poor,  that  poverty  carried  with  it  no  crushing  sense  of  de- 
gradation like  that  felt  by  the  very  poor  of  our  age.  They  lived 
in  a cabin,  it  is  true,  but  it  was  their  own,  and  had  been  reared 
by  their  hands.  Their  house,  too,  while  inconvenient  and  far 
from  water-proof,  was  built  in  the  prevailing  style  of  architec- 
ture, and  would  compare  favorably  with  the  homes  of  their 
neighbors. 

They  were  destitute  of  many  of  the  conveniences  of  life,  and 
of  some  things  that  are  now  considered  necessaries ; but  they 
patiently  endured  their  lot  and  hopefully  looked  forward  to 
better.  They  had  plenty  to  wear  as  protection  against  the 
weather,  and  an  abundance  of  wholesome  food.  They  sat  down 
to  a rude  table  to  eat  from  tin  or  pewter  dishes ; but  the  meat 
thereon  spread — the  flesh  of  the  deer  or  bear  ; of  the  wild  duck  or 
turkey ; of  the  quail  or  squirrel — was  superior  to  that  we  eat, 
and  had  been  won  by  the  skill  of  the  head  of  the  house  or  that 
of  his  vigorous  sons.  The  bread  they  ate  was  made  from  corn  or 
wheat  of  their  own  raising.  They  walked  the  green  carpet  of 
the  grand  prairie  or  forest  that  surrounded  them,  not  with  the 
air  of  a beggar,  but  with  the  elastic  step  of  a self- respected  free- 
man.* 

*The  whole  country,  now  dotted  with  smiling  farms  and  happy  villages 
traversed  by  railroads  and  telegraph  wires,  was  a wilderness,  consisting 
chiefly  of  prairie,  which  stretched  away  in  billowy  vastness  like  a congealed 
ocean.  Along  the  water-courses  was  a fringe  of  timber,  and  occasionally 
was  to  be  seen  a grove.  The  immigrants  came ; some  in  carts,  the  children 
packed  like  sardines  in  a box ; some  in  wagons,  and  some  on  horseback 
with  pack-horses. 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


37 


The  settler  brought  with  him  the  keen  axe,  which  was  indis- 
pensable, and  the  equally  necessary  rifle ; the  first  his  weapon 
of  offence  agaiust  the  forests  that  skirted  the  water-courses,  and 
near  which  he  made  his  home;  the  second  that  of  defence  from 
the  attacks  of  his  foe,  the  cunning  child  of  the  forest  and  prairie. 
His  first  labor  was  to  fell  trees  and  erect  bis  unpretentious  cabin, 
which  was  rudely  made  of  logs,  and  in  the  raising  of  which  he 
had  the  cheerful  aid  of  his  neighbors.  It  was  usually  from  four- 
teen to  sixteen  feet  square,  and  never  larger  than  twenty  feet, 
and  was  frequently  built  entirely  without  glass,  nails,  hinges  or 
locks. 

The  manner  of  building  was  as  follows  : First  large  logs  were 
laid  in  position  as  sills ; on  these  were  placed  strong  sleepers, 
and  on  the  sleepers  were  laid  the  rough-hewed  puncheons,  which 
were  to  serve  as  floors.  The  logs  were  then  built  up  till  the 
proper  height  for  the  caves  was  reached  ; then  on  the  ends  of 
the  building  were  placed  poles,  longer  than  the  other  end-logs, 
which  projected  some  eighteen  or  more  inches  over  the  sides, 
and  were  called  “ butting- pole  sleepers  on  the  projecting  ends 
of  these  was  placed  the  “ butting-pole.”  which  served  to  give  the 
line  to  the  first  row  of  clap-boards.  These  were,  as  a matter  of 
course,  split,  and  as  the  gables  of  the  cabin  were  built  up,  were 
so  laid  on  as  to  lap  a third  of  their  length.  They  were  often 
kept  in  place  by  the  weight  of  a heavy  pole,  which  was  laid 
across  the  roof  parallel  to  the  ridge  pole.  The  house  was  then 
chinked,  and  daubed  with  a coarse  mortar. 

A huge  fire-place  was  built  in  at  one  end  of  the  house,  in 
which  fire  was  kindled  for  cooking  purposes,  for  the  settlers 
generally  were  without  stoves,  and  which  furnished  the  needed 
warmth  in  winter.  The  ceiling  above  was  sometimes  covered 
with  the  pelts  of  the  raccoon,  opossum,  and  of  the  wolf,  to  add 
to  the  warmth  of  the  dwelling.  Sometimes  the  soft  inner  bark 
of  the  bass  wood  was  used  for  the  same  purpose  The  cabin  was 
lighted  by  means  of  greased  paper-windows.  A log  would  be 
left  out  along  one  side,  and  sheets  of  strong  paper,  well  greased 
with  coon-grease  or  bear-oil,  would  be  carefully  tacked  in. 

The  above  description  only  applies  to  the  very  earliest  times, 
before  the  rattle  of  the  saw-mill  was  heard  within  our  borders. 

The  furniture  comported  admirably  with  the  house  itself,  and 
hence,  if  not  elegant,  was  in  most  perfect  taste.  The  tables  had 
four  legs,  and  were  rudely  made  from  a puncheon.  Their  seats 
were  stools  having  three  or  four  legs.  The  bedstead  was  in 
keeping  with  the  rest,  and  was  often  so  contrived  as  to  permit  it 
to  be  drawn  up  and  fastened  to  the  wall  during  the  day,  thus 
affording  more  room  to  the  family.  The  entire  furniture  was 
simple,  and  was  framed  with  no  other  tools  than  an  axe  and 
auger.  Each  was  his  own  carpenter ; and  some  displayed  con- 
siderable ingenuity  in  the  construction  of  implements  of  agricul- 
ture, and  utensils,  and  furniture  for  the  kitchen  and  house. 
Knives  and  forks  they  sometimes  had,  and  sometimes  had  not. 
The  common  table-knife  was  the  pack-knife  or  butcher-knife.* 
Horse-collars  were  sometimes  made  of  the  plaited  husk  of  the 
maize  sewed  together.  They  were  easy  on  the  neck  of  the  horse, 
and  if  tug-traces  were  used,  would  last  a long  while.  Horses 
were  not  used  very  much,  however,  and  oxen  were  almost  exclu- 
sively used.  In  some  instances  carts  and  wagons  were  construct- 
ed or  repaired  by  the  self-reliant  settler  ; and  the  woful  creakings 
of  the  untarred  axles  could  be  heard  at  a great  distance. 

The  women  corresponded  well  with  the  description  of  the 

* Wooden  vessels,  either  dug  out  or  coppered,  and  called  “ noggens,”  were 
in  common  use  for  bowls,  out  of  which  each  member  of  the  family  ate  mush 
and  milk  for  supper.  A gourd  formed  the  drinking  cup. 


virtuous  woman  in  the  last  chapter  of  Proverbs,  for  they  “ sought 
wool  and  flax,  and  worked  willingly  with  their  hands.”  They 
did  not,  it  is  true,  make  for  themselves  “ coverings  of  tapestry,” 
nor  could  it  be  said  of  them  that  their  “ clothing  was  silk  and 
purple  ; ” but  they  “rose  while  it  was  yet  night,  and  gave  meat 
to  their  household,”  and  they  “girded  their  loins  with  strength 
and  strengthened  their  arms.”  They  “ looked  well  to  the  ways 
of  their  household,  and  ate  not  the  bread  of  idleness.”  They 
laid  “ their  hands  to  the  spindle  and  to  the  distaff,”  and  “strength 
and  honor  were  in  their  clothing.” 

In  these  days  of  furbelows  and  flounces,  when  from  twenty  to 
thirty  yards  arc  required  by  one  fair  damsel  for  a dress,  it  is  re- 
freshing to  know  that  the  ladies  of  that  ancient  time  considered 
eight  yards  an  extravagant  amount  to  put  into  one  dress.  The 
dress  was  usually  made  plain  with  four  widths  in  the  skirt,  and 
two  front  ones  cut  gored.  The  waist  was  made  very  short,  and 
across  the  shoulders  behind  was  a draw-string.  The  sleeves  were 
enormously  large,  and  tapered  from  shoulder  to  wrist,  and  the 
most  fashionable — for  fashion,  like  love,  rules  alike  the  “court 
and  grove  ” — were  padded  so  as  to  resemble  a bolster  at  the 
upper  part,  and  were  known  as  “ mutton-legs,”  or  “sheep-shank 
sleeves.”  The  sleeve  was  kept  in  shape  often  by  a heavily 
starched  lining.  Those  who  could  afford  it  used  feathers,  which 
gave  the  sleeve  the  appearance  of  an  inflated  balloon  from  elbow 
up,  and  were  known  as  “ pillow-sleeves.” 

Many  bows  and  ribbons  were  worn,  but  scarcely  any  jewelry. 
The  tow  dress  was  superseded  by  the  cotton  gown.  Around  the 
neck,  instead  of  a lace  collar  or  elegant  ribbon,  there  was  dis- 
posed a copperas-colored  neckkerchief. 

In  going  to  church  or  other  public  gathering  in  summer 
weather,  they  sometimes  walked  barefooted  till  near  their  desti- 
nation, when  they  would  put  on  their  shoes  or  moccasins.  They 
were  contented  and  even  happy  without  any  of  the  elegant  arti- 
cles of  apparel  now  used  by  the  ladies  and  considered  necessary 
articles  of  dress.  Ruffles,  fine  laces,  silk  hats,  kid  gloves,  false 
curls,  rings,  combs  and  jewels,  were  nearly  unknown,  nor  did  the 
lack  of  them  vex  their  souls.  Many  of  them  were  grown  before 
they  ever  saw  the  interior  of  a well-supplied  dry-goods  store. 
They  were  reared  in  simplicity,  lived  in  simplicity,  and  were 
happy  in  simplicity. 

It  may  be  interesting  to  speak  more  specifically  regarding 
cookery  and  diet.  Wild  meat  was  plentiful.  The  settlers  gen- 
erally brought  some  food  with  them  to  last  till  a croj)  could  be 
raised.  Small  patches  of  Indian  corn  were  raised,  which,  in  the 
earliest  days  of  the  settlements,  was  beaten  in  a mortar.  The 
meal  was  made  into  a coarse  but  wholesome  bread,  on  which  the 
teeth  could  not  be  very  tightly  shut  on  account  of  the  grit  it 
contained.  Johnny-cake  and  pones  were  served  up  at  dinner, 
while  mush  and  milk  was  the  favorite  dish  for  supper.  In  the 
fire-place  hung  the  crane,  and  the  dutch-oven  was  used  in  baking. 
The  streams  abounded  in  fish,  which  formed  a healthful  article 
of  food.  Many  kinds  of  greens,  such  as  dock  and  polk,  were 
eaten.  The  “ truck-patch  ” furnished  roasting  ears,  pumpkins, 
beans,  squashes  and  potatoes,  and  these  were  used  by  all.  For 
reaping-bees,  log-rollings,  and  house-raisings,  the  standard  dish 
was  pot-pie.  Coffee  and  tea  were  used  sparingly,  as  they  were 
very  dear,  and  the  hardy  pioneer  thought  them  a drink  fit  only 
for  women  and  children.  They  said  it  would  not  “ stick  to  the 
ribs.”  Maple-sugar  was  much  used,  and  honey  was  only  five 
cents  a pound.  Butter  was  the  same  price,  while  eggs  were  three 
cents.  The  utmost  good  feeling  prevailed.  If  one  killed  hogs 
all  shared.  Chickens  were  to  be  seen  in  great  numbers  around 


38 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


every  doorway  ; and  the  gabble  of  the  turkey  and  quack  of  the 
duck  were  heard  in  the  land.  Nature  contributed  of  her  fruits. 
Wild  grapes  and  plums  were  to  be  found  in  their  season,  along 
the  streams. 

The  women  manufactured  nearly  all  the  clothing  worn  by  the 
family.  In  cool  weather  gowns  made  of  “ linsey-woolsey  ” were 
worn  by  the  ladies.  The  chain  was  of  cotton  and  the  filling  of 
wool.  The  fabric  was  usually  plaid  or  striped,  and  the 
differing  colors  were  blended  according  to  the  taste  and  fancy 
of  the  fair  maker.  Colors  were  blue,  copperas,  turkey-red,  light 
blue,  etc-  Every  house  contained  a card-loom  and  spinning- 
wheels,  which  were  considered  by  the  women  as  necessary  for 
them  as  the  rifle  for  the  men.  Several  different  kinds  of  cloth 
were  made.  Cloth  was  woven  from  cotton.  The  rolls  were 
bought  and  spun,  on  little  and  big  wheels,  into  two  kinds  of 
thread  ; one  the  “ chain,”  and  the  other  the  “ filling.”  The  more 
experienced  only  spun  the  chain  ; the  younger  the  filling.  Two 
kinds  of  looms  were  in  use.  The  most  primitive  in  construction 
was  called  the  “ side-loom.”  The  frame  of  it  consisted  of  twTo 
pieces  of  scantling  running  obliquely  from  the  floor  to  the  wall. 
Later,  the  frame-loom,  which  was  a great  improvement  over  the 
other,  came  into  use. 

The  men  and  boys  wore  “jeans”  and  linsey-woolsey  hunting 
shirts.  The  “jeans”  were  colored  either  light-blue  or  butternut. 

Many  times  when  the  men  gathered  to  a log-rolling  or  barn- 
raising, the  women  would  assemble  bringing  their  spinning- 
wheels  with  them.  In  this  way  sometimes  as  many  as  ten  or 
twelve  would  gather  in  one  room,  and  the  pleasant  voices  of  the 
fair  spinners  were  mingled  with  the  low  hum  of  the  spinning- 
wheels.  “ Oh  ! golden  early  days!  ” 

Such  articles  of  apparel  as  could  not  be  manufactured  wrere 
brought  to  them  from  the  nearest  store  by  the  mail-carrier. 
These  were  few,  however.  The  men  and  boys,  in  many  instances, 
wore  pantaloons  made  of  the  dressed  skill  of  the  deer,  which  then 
swarmed  the  prairies  in  large  herds.  The  young  man  who  de- 
sired to  look  captivating  to  the  eye  of  the  maiden  whom  he  loved, 
had  his  “ bucks  ” fringed,  which  lent  them  a not  unpleasing 
effect.  Meal-sacks  were  also  made  of  buckskin.  Caps  were 
made  of  the  skins  of  the  wolf,  fox,  wild-cat  and  musk-rat, 
tanned  with  the  fur  on.  The  tail  of  the  fox  or  wolf  often  hung 
from  the  top  of  the  cap,  lending  the  wearer  a jaunty  air.  Both 
sexes  wore  moccasins,  which  in  dry  weather  were  an  excellent 
substitute  for  shoes.  There  were  no  shoemakers,  and  each  fam- 
ily made  its  own  shoes. 

The  settlers  were  separated  from  their  neighbors  often  by  miles. 
There  were  no  church-houses  or  regular  services  of  any  kind  to 
call  them  together  ; hence,  no  doubt,  the  cheerfulness  with  which 
they  accepted  invitations  to  a house-raising,  or  a log-rolling,  or  a 
corn-husking,  or  a bee  of  any  kind.  To  attend  these  gatherings 
they  would  go  ten  and  sometimes  more  miles. 

Generally  with  the  invitation  to  the  men  went  one  to  the 
women,  to  come  to  a quilting.  The  good  woman  of  the  house 
where  the  festivities  were  to  take  place  would  be  busily  engaged 
for  a day  or  more  in  preparation  for  the  coming  guests.  Great 
quantities  of  provisions  were  to  be  prepared,  for  dyspepsia  was 
unknown  to  the  pioneer,  and  good  appetites  were  the  rule  and 
not  the  exception. 

“ The  bread  used  at  these  frolics  was  baked  generally  on  Jonny 
or  Journey  cake-boards,  and  is  the  best  corn-bread  ever  made. 
A board  is  made  smooth,  about  two  feet  long,  and  eight  inches 
wide — the  ends  are  generally  rounded.  The'dough  is  spread  out 
on  this  board,  and  placed  leaning  before  the  fire.  One  side  is 


baked,  and  then  the  dough  is  changed  on  the  board,  so  the  other 
side  is  presented,  in  its  turn,  to  the  fire.  This  is  Jb)my-cake,  and 
is  good,  if  the  proper  materials  are  put  in  the  dough,  and  it  is 
properly  baked.” — Reynolds’  History. 

At  all  the  log-rollings  and  house-raisings  it  was  customary  to 
provide  liquor.  Excesses  were  not  indulged  in,  however.  The 
fiddler  was  never  forgotten.  After  the  day’s  work  had  been  ac-  • 
complished,  out  doors  and  in,  by  men  and  women,  the  floor  was 
cleared  and  the  merry  dance  began.  The  handsome,  stalwart 
young  men,  whose  fine  forms  were  the  result  of  their  manly  out- 
door life,  clad  in  fringed  buckskin  breeches  and  gaudily  colored 
hunting-shirts,  led  forth  the  bright-eyed,  buxom  damsels,  attired 
in  neatly-fitting  linsey-woolsey  garments,  to  the  dance,  their 
cheeks  glowing  with  health  and  eyes  speaking  of  enjoyment,  and 
perhaps  of  a tenderer  emotion. 

The  following  description  of  a “ Shucking  ” of  the  olden  time 
is  taken  from — Reynolds'  Pioneer  History  of  Illinois: 

“ lu  pure  pioneer  times  the  crops  of  corn  were  never  husked 
on  the  stalk,  as  is  done  at  this  day ; but  were  hauled  home  in  the 
husk  and  thrown  in  a heap,  generally  by  the  side  of  the  crib,  so 
that  the  ears,  when  husked,  could  be  thrown  direct  into  the  crib. 
The  whole  neighborhood,  male  and  female,  were  invited  to  the 
shucking,  as  it  was  called.  The  girls,  and  many  of  the  married 
ladies,  generally  engaged  in  this  amusing  work. 

“ In  the  first  place  twTo  leading  expert  buskers  were  chosen  as 
captains,  and  the  heap  of  corn  divided  as  nearly  equal  as  possi- 
ble. Rails  were  laid  across  the  pile  so  as  to  designate  the  divi- 
sion ; and  then  each  captain  chose,  alternately,  his  corps  of 
buskers,  male  and  female.  The  whole  number  of  working  hands 
present  were  selected,  on  one  side  or  the  other,  and  then  each 
party  commenced  a contest  to  beat  the  other,  which  was  in  many 
cases  truly  exciting.  One  other  rule  was,  that  whenever  a male 
husked  a red  ear  of  corn,  he  was  entitled  to  a kiss  from  the  girls. 
This  frequently  excited  much  fuss  and  scuffling,  which  was  in- 
tended by  both  parties  to  end  in  a kiss.  It  was  a universal 
practice  that  tafia  or  Monongahela  whisky  was  used  at  these 
husking  frolics,  which  they  drank  out  of  a bottle,  each  one  male 
and  female,  taking  the  bottle  and  drinking  out  of  it,  and  then 
handing  it  to  his  next  neighbor,  without  using  any  glass  or  cup 
whatever.  This  custom  was  common  and  not  considered  rude. 
Almost  always  these  corn-shucks  ended  in  a dance.  To  prepare 
for  this  amusement  fiddles  and  fiddlers  were  in  great  demand  ; 
and  it  often  required  much  fast  riding  to  obtain  them.  One  vio- 
lin and  a performer  were  all  that  was  contemplated  at  these 
innocent  rural  games. 

“ Towards  dark,  and  the  supper  half-over,  then  it  was  that  a . 
bustle  and  confusion  commenced.  The  confusion  of  the  tongues 
at  Babel  would  have  been  ashamed  at  the  corn-shuckiugs.  The 
young  ones  hurrying  off  the  table,  and  the  old  ones  contend- 
ing for  time  and  order.  It  was  the  case,  in  nine  times  out  of  ten, 

£3 

that  but  one  dwelling-house  was  on  the  premises,  and  that  used 
for  eating  as  well  as  dancing. 

“ But  when  the  fiddler  commenced  tuning  his  instrument  the 
music  always  gained  the  victory  for  the  young  side.  Then  the 
dishes,  victuals,  table  and  all,  disappeared  in  a few  minutes,  and 
the  room  was  cleared,  the  dogs  drove  out,  and  the  floor  swept  off 
ready  for  action.  The  floors  of  these  houses  were  sometimes  the 
natural  earth,  beat  solid,  sometimes  the  earth,  with  puncheons  in 
the  middle  over  the  potato-hole,  and  at  times  the  whole  floor  was 
made  of  puncheons. 

“ The  music  at  these  country  dances  made  the  young  folks  al- 
most frantic,  and  sometimes  much  excitement  was  displayed  to 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


39 


get  on  the  floor  first.  Generally  the  fiddler  on  these  occasions 
assumed  an  important  bearing,  and  ordered,  in  true  professional 
style,  so  and  so  to  be  done  ; as  that  was  the  way  in  North  Caro- 
lina, where  he  was  raised.  The  decision  ended  the  contest  for 
the  floor.  In  those  days  they  danced  jigs  and  four-handed  reels,  as 
they  were  called.  Sometimes  three-handed  reels  were  also  danced. 

“ In  these  dances  there  was  no  standing  still ; all  were  moving 
at  a rapid  pace  from  beginning  to  end.  In  the  jigs  the  by-stand- 
ers  cut  one  another  out,  as  it  was  called,  so  that  this  dance  would 
last  for  hours.  Sometimes  the  parties  in  a jig  tried  to  tire  one 
another  down  in  the  dance,  and  then  it  would  also  last  a long 
time  before  one  or  the  other  gave  up. 

“ The  cotillion  or  stand-still  dances  were  not  then  known. 

“ The  bottle  went  round  at  these  parties  as  it  did  at  the  shuck* 
ings,  and  male  and  female  took  a dram  out  of  it  as  it  passed 
around.  No  sitting  was  indulged  in,  and  the  folks  either  stood 
or  danced  all  night,  as  generally  day-light  ended  the  frolic.  The 
dress  of  these  hardy  pioneers  was  generally  plain  homespun. 
The  hunting-shirt  was  much  worn  at  that  time,  which  is  a con- 
venient working  or  dancing  dress.  Sometimes  dressed  deer-skin 
pantaloons  were  used  on  these  occasions,  and  mawkawsins — rarely 
shoes — and  at  times  bare  feet  were  indulged  in. 

“ In  the  morning  all  go  home  on  horse-back  or  on  foot.  No 
carriages,  wagons  or  other  vehicles  were  used  on  these  occasions, 
for  the  best  reasons — because  they  had  none.” 

Dancing  was  the  favorite  amusement,  aud  was  participated  in 
by  all. 

“ Alike  all  ages;  dames  of  ancient  days  ; 

Have  led  their  children  through  the  mirthful  maze, 

And  the  gray  grandsire,  skilled  ingestic  lore, 

Has  frisked  beneath  the  burden  of  three-score.” 

The  amusements  of  that  day  were  more  athletic  and  rude  than 
those  of  to-day.  Among  the  settlers  in  a new  country,  from  the 
nature  of  the  case,  a higher  value  is  set  upon  physical  than  men- 
tal endowments.  Skill  in  woodcraft,  superiority  of  muscular 
development,  accuracy  in  shooting  with  the  rifle,  activity,  swift- 
ness of  foot,  were  qualifications  that  brought  their  possessors  fame. 
Foot-racing  was  often  practised,  and  often  the  boys  and  young 
men  engaged  in  friendly  contests  with  the  Indians.  Every  man 
had  a rifle,  and  kept  always  in  good  order ; his  flints,  bullet-molds, 
screw  driver,  awl,  butcher-knife  and  tomahawk  were  fastened  to 
the  shot-pouch  strap  or  to  the  belt  around  the  waist.  Target-shoot- 
ing was  much  practised,  and  shots  were  made  by  the  hunters  and 
settlers,  with  flint-lock  rifles,  that  cannot  be  excelled,  by  their  de- 
scendants with  the  improved  breech-loaders  of  the  present  day. 

At  all  gatherings  jumping  and  wrestling  were  indulged  in,  and 
those  who  excelled  were  thenceforth  men  of  notoriety.  Cards, 
dice,  and  other  gambling  implements  were  unknown.  Dancing 
was  a favorite  amusement.  It  was  participated  in  by  all. 

At  their  shooting-matches,  which  were  usually  for  the  prize  of 
a turkey,  or  a gallon  of  whisky,  good  feeling  generally  prevailed. 
If  disputes  arose,  they  were  settled  often  by  a square  stand-up 
fight,  and  no  one  thought  of  using  other  weapons  than  fists.  They 
held  no  grudges  after  their  fights,  for  this  was  considered  un- 
manly. It  was  the  rule  that,  if  the  fight  occurred  between  two 
persons,  the  victor  should  pour  water  for  the  defeated  as  he 
washed  away  the  traces  of  the  fray,  after  which  the  latter  was  to 
perform  the  same  service  for  the  former. 

To  illustrate  the  ready  ingenuity  of  the  early  settlers,  devel- 
oped by  their  poverty,  and  remoteness  from  places  where  neces- 
saries could  be  purchased,  we  borrow  an  anecdote,  from  “ Ford’s 
History  of  Illinois,”  related  of  James  Lemon,  a well-known 


pioneer  of  Monroe  county,  and  an  old-style  Baptist  preacher. 
A farmer  by  occupation,  “ He  manufactured  harness  as  they  were 
required.  Being  one  day  employed  in  plowing  a piece  of  stubble 
ground,  on  turning  out  for  dinner,  as  was  his  wont,  he  left  the 
harness  on  the  beam  of  the  plow.  His  son,  not  differing  from 
the  proverbial  minister’s  boy,  perhaps,  who  had  assisted  him  by 
removing  the  clogging  straw  from  the  plow  with  a pitch-fork, 
remained  behind  long  enough  to  conceal  one  of  the  collars,  that 
he  might  have  a playing  spell  while  his  father  was  occupied  in 
making  another.  But  his  plot  failed  ; on  returning  after  dinner 
and  missing  the  collar,  his  father  reflecting  a few  minutes  prompt- 
ly divested  himself  qf  his  leather  breeches,  stuffed  the  legs  with 
stubble,  straddled  them  across  the  neck  of  the  horse  for  a collar, 
and  plowed  the  remainder  of  the  day  bare-legged,  requiring  the 
assistance  of  his  truantly  inclined  boy  all  the  time.”  At  this 
day  to  provide  for  such  a mishap,  half  a day  would  have  been 
spent  in  going  to  town  after  another  collar,  and  the  boy  would 
probably  have  gained  his  point. 

Pioneer  Mills. — Among  the  first  were  the  “ band  mills.”  A 
description  of  one  will  not  prove  uninteresting.  The  plan  was 
cheap.  The  horse  power  consisted  of  a large  upright  shaft,  some 
ten  or  twelve  feet  in  height,  with  some  eight  or  ten  long  arms  let 
into  the  main  shaft  aud  extending  out  from  it  fifteen  feet.  Auger 
holes  were  bored  into  the  arms  on  the  upper  side  at  the  end,  into 
which  wooden  pins  were  driven.  This  was  called  the  “ big 
wheel,’  ’ and  was  as  has  been  seen,  about  twenty  feet  in  diameter. 
The  raw  hide  belt  or  tug  was  made  of  skins  taken  off  of  beef 
cattle,  which  were  cut  into  strips  three  inches  in  width  ; these 
were  twisted  into  a round  cord  or  tug,  which  was  long  enough  to 
encircle  the  circumference  of  the  big  wheel.  There  it  was  held 
in  place  by  the  wooden  pins,  then  to  cross  and  pass  under  a shed 
to  run  around  a drum,  or  what  is  called  a “ trunnel  head,”  which 
was  attached  to  the  grinding  apparatus.  The  horses  or  oxen 
were  hitched  to  the  arms  by  means  of  raw  hide  tugs.  Then 
walking  in  a circle  the  machinery  would  be  set  in  motion.  To 
grind  twelve  bushels  of  corn  was  considered  a good  day’s  work 
on  a band  mill. 

The  most  rude  aud  primitive  method  of  manufacturing  meal 
was  by  the  use  of  the  Grater.  A plate  of  tin  is  pierced  with  many 
holes,  so  that  one  side  is  very  rough.  The  tin  is  made  oval,  and 
then  nailed  to  a board.  An  ear  of  corn  was  rubbed  hard  on  this 
grater  whereby  the  meal  was  forced  through  the  holes,  and  fell 
down  into  a vessel  prepared  to  receive  it.  An  improvement  on 
this  was  the  Hand  mill.  The  stones  were  smaller  than  those  of 
the  band-mill,  and  were  propelled  by  man  or  woman  power.  A 
hole  is  made  in  the  upper  stone,  and  a staff  of  wood  is  put  in  it, 
and  the  other  end  of  the  staff  is  put  through  a hole  in  a plank 
above,  so  that  the  whole  is  free  to  act.  One  or  two  persons  take 
hold  of  this  staff  and  turn  the  upper  stone  as  rapidly  as  possible. 
An  eye  is  made  in  the  upper  stone,  through  which  thecorn  is  put 
into  the  mill,  with  the  hand  in  small  quantities  to  suit  the  mill, 
instead  of  a hopper.  A mortar,  wherein  corn  was  beaten  into 
meal,  is  made  out  of  a large  round  log  three  or  four  feet  long. 
One  end  is  cut  or  burnt  out  so  as  to  hold  a peck  of  corn,  more  or 
less,  according  to  circumstances.  This  mortar  is  set  one  end  on  the 
ground,  and  the  other  up,  to  hold  the  corn.  A sweep  is  prepared 
over  the  mortar  so  that  the  spring  of  the  pole  raises  the  piston, 
and  the  hands  at  it  force  it  so  hard  down  on  the  corn  that  after 
much  beating,  meal  is  manufactured. 

The  picture  here  drawn  of  the  pioneers,  their  modes  of  living, 
their  customs,  and  amusements,  while  lacking  entire  complete- 
ness, we  feel  is  not  inaccurate  and  untruthful. 


40 


HISTORY  OF  MAO  ON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


CHAPTER  V. 

GEOGRAPHY,  AGRICULTURAL  RESOURCES,  AND  RAILROAD 
FACILITIES. 

ACON  is  the  central  county  of  Illinois,  the  exact  geo- 
graphical center  of  the  State  being  some  seven  miles 
north-west  of  Decatur.  The  fortieth  parallel  of  latitude 
crosses  the  northern  part  of  the  county,  and  the  twelfth 
meridian  of  longitude  west  from  Washington  bisects  it 
north  and  south.  Measured  in  section  lines,  it  extends  north  and 
south  twenty-seven  miles,  east  and  west  seventeen  miles,  containing 
an  area  of  about  578  square  miles,  or  369,920  acres,  and  is  divided 
into  seventeen  legislative  townships.  It  is  bounded  on  the  north  by 
De  Witt ; on  the  east  by  Piatt  and  Moultrie;  on  the  south  by  Moul- 
trie, Shelby  and  Christian;  on  the  west  by  Christian,  Sangamon  and 
Logan  counties.  Decatur,  situated  near  the  center,  is  the  capital  of 
the  county,  and  is  distant  from  Chicago  175  miles,  and  from  St. 
Louis  113  miles. 

Form. — The  county  is  rectangular  in  form,  with  a narrow  projec- 
tion on  the  west,  and  a slight  indentation  on  the  south-east. 

Population. — According  to  the  census  of  1880,  the  county  con- 
tains a population  of  30,407,  composed  of  persons  of  English,  Ger- 
man, Irish  and  Swedish  descent,  with  a few  of  the  colored  race. 

Topography. — The  surface  of  the  country  is  mostly  flat  or  level, 
with  gentle  undulations  in  the  regions  of  the  various  water  courses, 
along  which  the  land  is  broken,  low  sand  and  clay  hills  intervening, 
some  of  which,  especially  on  the  Sangamon  River,  in  the  vicinity  of 
Decatur,  rise  gradually  to  a height  of  ninety  feet  above  the  sur- 
rounding surface.  By  far  the  larger  part  of  the  county  consisted 
originally  of  prairie,  the  timber  being  limited  to  a belt  from  two  to 
three  miles  wide  along  the  Sangamon  River,  a similar  strip  along 
Big  Creek,  and  a somewhat  narrower  belt  near  Friends’  Creek. 
Some  of  this  timber  is  of  excellent  quality,  as  will  be  fully  shown  in 
the  chapter  on  the  Flora  of  the  county. 

Hydrography . — The  county  is  well  supplied  with  natural  water- 
courses, the  largest  and  most  important  being  Sangamon  River, 
which  enters  the  county  on  the  east  and  flows  southwesterly 
to  the  central  part,  where  it  bends  slightly  northward,  winding 
partly  around  the  city  of  Decatur,  and  flowing  out  of  the  county  in 
a north-westerly  direction.  By  means  of  the  Holly  system  of  water- 
works, situated  on  this  river  about  a mile  south  of  the  center  of 
Decatur,  the  city  is  supplied  with  an  abundance  of  most  excellent 
water.  The  northern  part  of  the  county  is  watered  by  the  Lake 
Fork  of  Salt  Creek,  Friends’  Creek,  with  its  several  tributaries, 
Jones’  Fork,  and  Stevens’  Creek;  the  central  part  by  Stevens’ 
Creek  and  Sangamon  River ; the  southern  part  by  Mosquito  Creek, 
Big  Creek,  Dry  Branch  and  Long  Grove  Branch.  Most  of  these 
streams  are  tributaries  of  the  Sangamon  River,  and  afford  most 
excellent  drainage  to  the  surrounding  country.  In  parts  of  the 
county,  remote  from  these  natural  water- courses,  an  extensive  sys- 
tem of  tiling  has  been  lately  introduced,  whereby  the  numerous 
ponds  and  inland  lakes,  which  originally  covered  thousands  of  acres 
of  fertile  grain-producing  lands,  have  been  drained,  and  their  dry 
beds,  by  the  skill  of  the  progressive  husbandman,  made  to  bloom 
and  bear  rich  harvests  of  all  the  important  cereals.  This  tiling, 
which  has  been  in  general  use  only  some  five  or  six  years,  is  made 
out  of  a species  of  fire-clay,  of  which  extensive  beds  are  found  in 
the  county.  The  average  cost  of  laying  tiling  is  twenty-five  cents 
per  rod;  the  average  depth  to  which  it  is  laid  in  the  ground  is  three 
and  a-half  feet.  The  price  of  tiling  varies  according  to  diameter,  as 
follows : 


Tiling  3 inches  in  diameter,  per  1000  feet, 


10 


$15 

18 

25 

35 

45 

55 

90 


During  the  past  year  the  demand  for  this  system  of  drainage  has 
been  so  great  that  the  local  factories  have  been  unable  to  fill  all 
orders,  and,  consequently,  much  tiling  has  been  imported  from 
other  parts  of  the  state.  As  the  benefits  of  tile  draining  become 
better  understood  and  appreciated,  and  its  importance  more  fully 
realized,  by  the  farming  community  generally,  it  will  be  still  more 
extensively  used,  and  millions  of  wealth  thereby  added  to  the  agri- 
cultural interests  of  the  state.  A rather  remarkable  circumstance 
connected  with  the  recent  draining  of  some  of  the  lakes  in  this 
county  is  the  fact  that  in  these  bodies  of  water,  which  are  several 
miles  distant  from  any  permanent  stream,  and  which,  during  the 
dry  season  a year  ago,  entirely  disappeared,  their  beds  becoming 
dried  and  baked,  great  numbers  of  fish  embracing  most  of  the  com- 
mon varieties,  and  large  enough  for  table  use,  have  been  captured. 
The  most  plausible  theory  respecting  their  presence  is  that  during 
the  intervening  freshets  these  fish,  like  mountain  trout,  have  made 
their  way  up  the  numerous  little  brooks,  that,  in  the  rainy  season, 
flow  down  the  valleys  from  the  lakes  into  the  Sangamon  River  and 
other  adjacent  streams. 

PERENNIAL  SPRINGS 

abound  in  different  parts  of  the  county.  On  the  farm  of  John  Good 
in  the  vicinity  of  Bethel  church,  four  miles  north-west  of  Decatur, 
is  a boiling  spring,  upon  the  surface  of  which  bubbles  of  carburetted 
hydrogen  gas  with  peculiar  white  mineral  flakes  or  scales  are  con- 
stantly escaping.  The  water  of  this  spring  is  unusually  cold  and, 
though  slightly  tinctured  with  sulphur,  is  very  pleasant  to  the  taste. 
The  ground  around  it  for  an  acre  or  more  in  extent  is  wet  and 
spongy.  In  the  fair  grounds  at  Decatur  and  on  the  farm  of  Capt. 
Allen,  three  miles  south  of  the  city,  are  several  most  excellent 
springs.  Those  south  of  the  city  contain  traces  of  several  minerals, 
the  most  promiuent  of  which  is  iron.  On  the  premises  of  Mr.  John 
Iinboden,  adjoining  the  Decatur  cemetery,  is  a mineral  well  thirty 
feet  deep,  which  has  an  average  flow,  throughout  the  year,  of  eigh- 
teen gallons  per  minute.  An  analysis  of  this  water,  given  by  Dr.  J. 
Y.  Z.  Blaney,  of  Chicago,  is  as  follows : 

“ One  Litre  of  water  taken.  Whole  amount  of  solid  matter  found 
by  evaporation  to  complete  dryness,  .4833.291  grammes  in  1 Litre 
of  water,  which  is  equal  to  27-116,251  grains  in  1 W.  S.  gallon  of 
221,780  cubic  inches. 

“ This  solid  matter  consists  of  chloride  of  Magnesium  .0474,506 
grammes  in  1 Litre,  or  2.66197866  grains  in  1 gallon. 

Sulphate  of  Lime,  .0365190  grains  in  1 Litre,  or  2.04871590  grains  in  1 gallon. 
Carbonate  of  Lime,  .02068595  “ “ 11.60481795  “ 

Silica  .175  “ “ 9.8175 

Iron  and  Alumina  .0175  “ “ .98175 

U U 

Total  .4833291  27.11476251  “ 

“Carbonic  Acid  Gas  uncombined  and  held  in  solution,  70.44 
cubic  inches.” 

Soil. — In  depth  and  richness  of  soil,  this  county  is  perhaps 
unsurpassed  by  any  in  the  state.  It  is  situated  in  the  most  fertile 
part  of  the  famous  “ Grand  Prairie,”  which  includes  within  its 
limits,  by  far  the  most  productive  lands  in  North  America,  rivaling, 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


41 


in  native  agricultural  resources,  the  far-famed  valley  of  the  Nile 
or  the  great  “granary  of  Europe”  in  the  region  of  the  Baltic  Sea. 
The  soil  of  the  prairie  lands — and  these  constitute  about  seven- 
eighths  of  the  county — is  a black  peaty  loam  from  three  to  ten  feet 
deep,  and  commonly  termed  “vegetable  mould,”  from  the  fact  that 
for  untold  ages  extending  back  to  the  great  drift  period,  immense 
accumulations  of  decayed  vegetable  matter  have  from  year  to  year 
and  from  century  to  century  been  fertilizing  these  vast 
treeless  plains,  thus  preparing  them  to  yield  abundant  crops  for  the 
dense  population  already  here,  and  the  still  denser  population  yet 
to  be.  On  the  Sangamon  hills  extending  three  or  four  miles  East 
and  West  from  Decatur,  the  soil  has  a light  yellowish  color,  with 
reddish-brown  clay  containing  sand  and  gravel,  intermixed.  North 
and  South  from  the  river,  the  arenaceous  and  argillaceous  soil  of 
the  timber  changes  rapidly  into  the  deep  rich  black  soil  of  the 
prairie.  This  county  contains  very  little  land  that  is  not  suscep- 
tible of  cultivation,  and  that  will  not  yield  rich  returns  for  the  labor 
of  the  husbandman. 

Agriculture. — Nothing  is  truer  than  the  rather  trite  saying  that 
“ the  success  of  the  farmer  is  the  success  of  the  country.”  His 
mission  is  to  create  wealth.  The  surplus  products  of  his  labor  form 
constant  additions  to  the  wealth  of  the  State  and  help  to  swell  the 
capital  of  the  nation.  When  farming  fails,  famine  flourishes, 
poverty  prevails,  commerce  ceases,  and  progress  is  paralyzed. 
In  this  country  abundant  crops  are  the  rule ; failures,  the  exception. 
The  chief  occupation  of  the  people  is  farming  and  stock-raising. 
The  lands,  both  timbered  and  prairie,  are  capable  of  producing  the 
finest  crops.  In  the  northern  part  of  the  county  especially,  most 
excellent  corn  crops  are  annually  raised,  the  average  yield  of  this 
cereal  in  that  region  being  sixty-five  bushels  per  acre,  and  often 
far  exceeding  this  number.  Oats,  barley,  and  rye  grow  luxuriantly, 
rarely  failing  to  yield  largely.  The  potato  and  other  tuberous 
plants  are  successfully  cultivated,  and,  when  free  from  the  depre- 
dations of  bugs,  and  other  noxious  insects,  not  only  afford  ample 
supplies  for  home  consumption,  but  contribute  much  to  the  exports 
of  the  country.  All  varieties  of  grapes,  berries,  currants,  and  com- 
mon garden  vegetables  grow  well,  and,  in  favorable  seasons,  produce 
more  than  enough  to  meet  the  demands  of  the  local  markets.  But 
wheat,  especially  the  winter  variety,  is  considered  a very  uncertain 
crop.  New  land  and  that  adjacent  to  the  timber  belts  produce  fair 
crops  of  this  important  cereal.  The  land  near  the  South  line  of 
the  county  is  much  better  adapted  to  wheat-raising  than  that  in 
other  parts.  The  soil  generally,  though  very  rich,  seems  to  be  too 
loose  to  protect  the  roots  of  the  wheat  during  the  winter,  and,  con- 
sequently, in  the  process  of  freezing  and  thawing,  the  wheat  is 
gradually  ejected  from  the  ground  and  dies.  However,  for  the 
last  two  years,  (1879  and  1880),  wheat  has  done  well  in  this  county, 
the  average  per  acre  being  upwards  of  twenty  five  bushels,  making 
a favorable  comparison  with  that  in  other  parts  of  the  State. 
These  two  extra  crops  are  probably  due  to  the  climatic  peculiari- 
ties of  the  last- two  winters,  and  to  the  improved  methods  of  planting 
the  seed.  In  years  to  come,  as  the  soil  grows  more  compact, 
and  the  science  of  agriculture  becomes  more  exact,  wheat  will 
probably  be  as  certain  a crop  in  this  county  as  corn  and  oats  are 
now.  Blue  grass,  timothy,  red-top,  and  clover  are  the  principal 
cultivated  grasses,  and  afford  rich  pasturage  for  stock,  and  the 
finest  quality  of  hay  for  market.  The  black  soil  of  the  prairie 
seems  especially  well  adapted  to  the  growth  of  timothy,  and  the 
same  may  be  said  of  the  other  grasses  in  connection  with  the 
thinner  soil  on  the  hills  and  uplands  along  the  larger  water-courses. 
The  acreage  of  pasture  and  meadow  has  been  largely  increased 
within  the  last  decade,  indicating  a tendency  on  the  part  of  farmers 
6 


to  take  advantage  of  the  great  facilities  nature  has  here  furnished 
for  stock-raising.  Within  that  time,  the  quality  of  stock  has 
also  been  much  improved,  as  the  numerous  herds  of  fine  cattle,  to 
be  seen  in  the  broad  pastures,  sufficiently  attest.  The  horses, 
sheep,  and  hogs  are  of  far  finer  quality  now  than  they  were  a few 
years  ago,  showing  progressive  spirit  and  enterprise  on  the  part  of 
farmers  in  keeping  with  all  other  branches  of  industry.  Of  late 
years  fruit  of  all  kinds  has  received  increased  attention.  Apples, 
peaches,  pears,  cherries  and  other  less  prominent  fruit  have  been 
found  to  do  well,  and,  when  carefully  cultivated,  yield  abundant 
supplies.  Soil,  climate,  geographical  position,  water  supply,  trans- 
portation facilities,  and  the  intelligent,  enterprising  spirit  of  the 
people,  combine  to  make  this  one  of  the  finest  counties  in  the  State. 

Mounds. — No  artificial  mounds  have  yet  been  discovered  in  the 
county.  The  absence  of  these  structures  is  probably  due  to  the 
fact  that  when  that  mysterious  “ lost  race,”  known  as  mound 
builders,  occupied  in  great  numbers  the  southern  and  western  parts 
of  the  State,  as  the  multiplication  of  mounds  in  those  regions  attest, 
the  land  in  this  portion  of  the  State  was  yet  under  water.  There 
are  in  the  county  several  natural  mounds,  of  which  the  one  near  the 
town  of  Blue  Mound  south  of  Decatur  fourteen  miles  is  probably 
the  most  prominent.  It  covers  an  area  of  some  fifteen  acres,  and 
rises  to  an  altitude  of  sixty  feet  above  the  flat  surface  of  the  prai- 
rie. This  mass  has  been  found  by  excavation  to  be  composed 
mostly  of  gravel  and  sand,  proving  it,  beyond  doubt,  to  belong  to 
the  ancient  drift  period.  Another  of  these  mounds  is  situated  two 
miles  north  of  Decatur,  and  covers  with  its  base  about  forty  acres. 
It  rises  fifty  feet  above  the  surrounding  level  and,  like  the  one  at 
Blue  Mound,  is  made  up  chiefly  of  sand  and  gravel.  A large 
mound  a little  east  of  Decatur  covers  some  forty  acres  and  has  an 
elevation  of  eighty-five  feet.  These  and  other  similar  formations 
in  this  county  have  been  supposed  by  some  to  have  been  constructed 
by  the  mound-building  race  as  places  of  worship,  and  consequently 
to  belong  to  the  class  known  as  “ temple  mounds,”  of  which  the 
most  remarkable  representations  on  the  continent  are  situated  in 
the  vicinity  of  Cahokia  Creek  near  East  St.  Louis. 

RAILROADS- 

As  introductory  to  the  subject  of  railroad  facilities  in  Macon 
county,  a brief  summary  of  the  railroads  of  the  world  will  not,  it  is 
thought,  be  inappropriate.  The  locomotive  steam  engine,  as  is  well 
known,  was  invented  by  George  Stephenson,  of  England,  and  was 
first  successfully  operated,  September  27th,  1825,  on  a short  road 
built  from  Stockton  to  Darlington.  In  1830  there  were  only  twen- 
ty-three miles  of  railroad  in  the  United  States.  During  the  follow- 
ing year  a railroad  was  constructed  from  Albany  to  Schenectady, 
N.  Y.,  a distance  of  sixteen  miles,  and  put  in  successful  operation. 
From  the  latter  dates  the  introduction  of  railroads  in  the  United 
States  and  also  in  America.  To  show  what  rapid  progress  has  been 
made,  by  the  various  countries  on  the  globe,  in  this  great  system  of 
transportation,  which  has  already  revolutionized  the  world,  and 
rendered  the  Nineteenth  Century  famous  in  the  annals  of  time,  the 
following  official  statistics  of  1879  are  submitted  : 


COUNTRIES. 

MILES  OF  ROAD. 

TOTAL  COST.  COST  PER  MIRE. 

United  States 

81,814 

§ 4,319,145  669 

§ 52,774 

Canada 

4,929 

317,795,468 

64,474 

Mexico 

403 

38,816,154 

96,318 

Central  America  & West  Indies... 

618 

53,679,830 

87,022 

South  America 

5,967 

573  009,701 

96,029 

Europe 

93,791 

10,408,152,951 

110,971 

Asia 

7,930 

616,719,454 

77,774 

Africa 

2,106 

112,577,836 

53,456 

Australasia 

2,665 

183,273,154 

68,771 

Grand  total... 

197,617 

16, 4S5, 015,775 

83,419 

42 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


RAILROADS  OF  ILLINOIS. 

The  first  line  of  railroad  projected  in  Illinois  was  the  Northern 
Cross  Railroad,  extending  from  Quincy  to  Danville.  This  was 
chartered  in  1837,  and  upon  it  the  first  locomotive  that  ever  ap- 
peared in  Illinois,  was  placed  in  the  winter  of  1838-9,  running  from 
Meredosia  to  Jacksonville.  In  1842  the  road  was  completed  from 
Jacksonville  to  Springfield,  and  three  trips  were  made  per  week  from 
the  latter  place  to  Meredosia,  on  the  Illinois  River.  The  track  was 
of  the  old  flat-rail  style,  which  was  made  by  nailing  thin  strips  of 
iron  on  two  parallel  lines  of  timbers  placed  at  the  proper  distance 
apart,  and  running  lengthways  of  the  road.  The  engine,  as  well  as 
the  road,  soon  became  so  impaired  that  the  former  had  to  be  aban- 
doned and  mules  substituted  as  the  motor  power.  It  was  during 
this  incipient  state  of  western  railroad  development  that  the  writer, 
then  a mere  youth,  witnessed  one  of  these  mule-motor  trains  in 
transit  between  Jacksonville  and  the  Illinois  river,  and  was  duly 
impressed  with  the  grandeur  and  solemnity  of  the  occasion.  How- 
ever, such  locomotion  was  destined  to  be  of  short  duration ; for  the 
State  soon  afterwards  sold  the  entire  road  at  a nominal  sum,  and 
thus  for  a short  time  was  suspended  one  of  the  first  railroad  enter- 
prises in  Illinois.  But  in  the  West  a new  era — one  of  prodigious 
industrial  activity  and  of  far-reaching  results  in  the  practical  arts — - 
was  dawning,  and  within  thirty  years  from  the  temporary  failure  of 
the  road  mentioned,  this  State  had  outstripped  all  others  in  gigan- 
tic internal  improvements,  containing  at  present  as  shown  below, 
more  miles  of  railroad  than  any  other  State  in  the  Union.  Accord- 
ing to  the  official  report  of  1879,  Illinois  has  8,624  miles  of  railways, 
constructed  and  equipped  at  a cost  of  $380,779,971,  thus  surpassing 
Ohio  (the  next  greatest  railroad  State)  by  2,391  miles  of  road, 
New  York  by  2,800  miles,  and  Pennsylvania  by  2,941  miles.  It 
may  be  of  interest  to  the  reader  fifty  years  hence,  to  make  a similar, 
though  more  extended,  comparison. 

RAILROADS  OF  MACON  COUNTY. 

All  the  railroads  that  enter  this  county  converge  and  either  pass 
through,  or  terminate  at,  Decatur,  making  this  city  one  of  the  most 
important  railroad  centers  in  the  State.  The  first  railroad  built 
through  the  county  was  the 

GREAT  WESTERN, 

whose  name  has  since  been  successively  changed  to  Toledo,  Wabash 
and  Western,  Wabash,  and  Wabash,  St.  Louis  and  Pacific,  the 
last  of  which  it  still  bears.  The  Great  Western  was  an  extension 
of  the  Northern  Cross  Railroad,  which  has  been  previously  men- 
tioned. To  this  road,  whose  cars  first  entered  Decatur  in  April, 
1854,  more  than  to  any  other,  the  county  owes  the  subsequent  rapid 
development  of  its  agricultural  and  other  resources.  It  was  con- 
structed without  any  pecuniary  aid  from  the  county,  and  running 
through  some  of  the  finest  portions  of  Illinois,  Indiana  and  Ohio,  it 
soon  became  the  popular  highway  of  travel  and  traffic  between  the 
East  and  the  West.  Under  its  new  name — Wabash,  St.  Louis  and 
Pacific — and  management,  it  has  rapidly  extended  its  lines  east  and 
west  of  the  Mississippi  river,  comprising  at  present  two  great  di- 
visions, the  eastern  and  the  western,  whose  termini  and  lengths  of 
lines  are  as  follows  : 


EASTERN  DIVISION. 


Toledo,  Ohio,  to  St.  Louis,  Mo., 

436  miles. 

Decatur,  111.,  to  Quincy,  111., 

151  “ 

Bluffs,  111.,  to  Hannibal,  Mo., 

50  “ 

Maysville,  111.,  to  Pittsfield,  111., 

6 “ 

Clayton,  111.,  to  Keokuk,  Iowa, 

49  “ 

Logansport,  Ind.,  to  Butler,  Ind., 

93  “ 

Edwardsville,  111.,  to  Edwardsville  Crossing,  10  miles. 

Beinent,  111.,  to  Chicago,  151  “ 

Decatur,  111.,  via  Champaign  to  Havana,  111.,  131  “ 

Peoria,  111.,  to  Jacksonville,  83  “ 

State  Line,  111.,  to  Warsaw,  111.,  227  “ 


Total  miles  east  of  the  Mississippi  river,  1381 

WESTERN  DIVISION. 

St.  Louis  to  Kansas  City,  277  miles. 

Brunswick,  Mo.,  to  Council  Bluffs,  Iowa,  224  “ 

Roseberry,  Mo.,  to  Clarinda,  Iowa,  22  “ 

Moberly,  Mo.,  to  Ottumwa,  Iowa,  131  “ 

North  Lexington,  Mo.,  to  St.  Joseph,  Mo.,  76  “ 

Centralia,  Mo.,  to  Columbia,  Mo.,  22  “ 

Salisbury,  Mo.,  to  Glasgow,  Mo.,  15  “ 

Ferguson,  Mo.,  to  Biddle  street,  St.  Louis,  10  “ 


Total  miles  west  of  Mississippi  river,  777 

Grand  total,  2158  miles. 


The  “main  line”  of  the  Wabash,  St.  Louis  and  Pacific  Railway 
runs  nearly  on  an  east  and  west  line  through  the  county,  crossing 
the  townships  of  Niantic,  Harristown,  Decatur  and  Oakley.  The 
Decatur  and  St.  Louis  branch  bears  in  a south-westerly  direction  from 
Decatur,  passing  through  the  townships  of  Decatur,  South  Wheat- 
land,  Blue  Mound  and  Pleasant  View.  The  latter  road  was  chartered 
as  the  Decatur  and  St.  Louis  Railroad,  to  which  the  county  of  Ma- 
con, in  1870,  voted  $100,000  in  eight  percent,  bonds.  In  1873,  the 
county  voted  to  the  Decatur  and  Monticello  Railroad,  $25,000; 
Friends’  Creek  township  voted  to  the  same  road,  $20,000,  and  like- 
wise Decatur  township,  $25,000.  This  road  was  afterwards  called 
the  Champaign,  Havana  and  Western,  and,  in  August,  1880,  passed 
under  the  control  of  the  W abash,  St.  Louis  and  Pacific.  It  starts 
at  Decatur  and  runs  in  a north-easterly  direction,  crossing  diagonally 
the  townships  of  Whitmore  and  Friends’  Creek,  in  this  county,  and 
at  Champaign  making  important  connections,  east  and  west.  The 
engine-house  of  the  Wabash,  St.  Louis  and  Pacific,  located  at  De- 
catur, contains  twenty-two  stalls,  and  gives  employment  to  a large 
number  of  men.  The  receipts  of  the  road  from  freight  and  passen- 
ger traffic  at  Decatur  average,  at  present,  about  $25,000  per  month, 
and  are  constantly  increasing.  The  disbursements  to  employees  at 
this  point  amount  to  several  thousand  dollars  per  month.  The 
principal  lines  of  the  Wabash,  St.  Louis  and  Pacific  have  steel  rail 
tracks,  well  ballasted  road-beds,  and  altogether  constitute  one  of 
the  greatest  railroad  systems  in  the  West.  The  second  railroad 
built  through  this  county  was  the 

ILLINOIS  CENTRAL, 

Which  was  completed  in  1854.  By  an  act  of  Congress  in  1850,  a 
grant  of  public  lands  was  made  to  the  State  of  Illinois  to  aid  the 
construction  of  a railroad,  north  and  south,  through  the  central 
part  of  the  State.  In  1851,  the  Legislature  of  Illinois  incorporated 
the  Illinois  Central  Railroad  Company,  to  which  the  lands,  held  in 
trust  by  the  State,  were,  under  certain  restrictions  of  the  charter, 
transferred.  This  donation  consisted  of  every  alternate  section  of 
land  for  a distance  of  six  miles  on  each  side  of  the  proposed  road, 
and  the  company  in  consideration  of  the  gift  and  of  forever  being 
exempt  from  taxation  in  the  counties  through  which  the  road 
passed,  bound  itself  to  pay  into  the  State  treasury  perpetually  7 
per  cent,  of  its  annual  gross  earnings.  This  placed  the  company  at 
once  upon  a sound  financial  basis  which,  by  judicious  management, 
it  has  always  maintained.  The  Central  either  owns  or  controls  the 
following  lines: 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


43 


Main  line  from  Cairo  to  Dunleith,  456  miles. 

Chieago  branch  from  Centralia  to  Chicago,  252  “ 

Iowa  Division  from  Dubuque  to  Sioux  City,  327  “ 

Southern  Division  from  Cairo  to  New  Orleans,  548  “ 

Gillman,  Illinois,  to  Springfield,  (111.),  112  “ 

Minnesota  branch  from  Waterloo  to  Mono,  80  “ 

Making  the  total  number  of  miles  1775 

of  which  788  are  in  Illinois.  The  tracks  of  these  various  lines  are 
mostly  steel-rail,  the  road-beds,  especially  in  this  State,  arc 
ballasted  with  rock,  the  rolling-stock  is  excellent,  and  the  road 
throughout  is,  in  all  respects,  first-class.  The  maiu  line  passes 
through  the  richest  portion  of  the  State — as  does  also  the 
Chicago  branch — and  is  the  great  thoroughfare  of  travel  and 
traffic  between  the  North  and  the  South.  The  Central  passes 
almost  directly  north  and  south  through  the  central  part  of  Macon 
county,  crossing  the  townships  of  Maroa,  Hickory  Point,  Decatur, 
South  Wheatland,  and  South  Macon,  making,  in  all,  about  thirty 
miles  of  track  in  the  county.  Being  the  second  railroad  built  through 
the  county,  it  has  been  to  the  county  in  point  of  transportation 
facilities  north  and  south  what  the  Wabash  and  Pacific  has  been 
east  and  west — the  great  through  route — and,  like  the  latter,  has 
contributed  very  largely  to  the  development  of  the  county’s  re- 
sources. Remarkably  free  from  accidents  of  all  kinds,  the  Central 
justly  merits  the  reputation  it  has,  of  being  one  of  the  best  man- 
aged railroads  in  the  United  States. 

PEORIA,  DECATUR  AND  EVANSVILLE  R.  R. 

This  road  is  a consolidation  of  the  Pekin,  Lincoln  and  Decatur 
and  the  Decatur,  Sullivan  and  Mattoon  railroads.  The  former  of 
these  two  roads  was  chartered  in  1861,  and  the  charter  was 
amended  in  1865.  The  road  was  constructed  in  1871,  from 
Decatur  to  Pekin,  67  miles,  and  was  leased  by  the  Wabash,  St. 
Louis  and  Pacific.  In  October,  1871,  the  county  issued  to  this 
road  (P.  L.  and  D.)  $100,100  in  8 per  cent,  bonds.  The  latter 
(D  S.  and  M.)  was  chartered  the  same  year  (1861),  and  in  1872, 
was  completed  from  Decatur  to  Mattoon,  a distance  of  43  miles. 
In  1872,  Mt.  Zion  township  voted  to  this  road  $20,000  in  bonds 
and,  at  the  same  time,  the  township  of  Decatur  issued  to  the  road 
$25,000  in  8 per  cent,  bonds.  Subsequently  these  two  roads,  as 
before  stated,  were  consolidated,  and  now  form  the  Peoria,  Decatur 
and  Evansville  R.  R.  which  secures  to  the  county  a north-western 
and  south-eastern  line  of  transportation,  the  northern  terminus 
being  Peoria,  and  the  present  southern,  Parkersburg,  making  the 
road,  as  extended,  192  miles  in  length.  In  this  county,  it  runs 
through  the  townships  of  Illini,  Hickory  Point,  Decatur,  South 
Wheatland,  and  Mt.  Zion,  affording  to  each  excellent  railroad  fa- 
cilities. 

THE  INDIANAPOLIS,  DECATUR  and  SPRINGFIELD  R.  R. 

Was  chartered  in  1850  as  the  Indiana  and  Illinois  Central  R.  R., 
but  for  various  reasons,  its  construction  was  delayed  till  1872, 
when  it  was  finished  only  from  Decatur  to  Montezuma  on  the 
Wabash  River,  85  miles  from  the  former  jfiace.  It  has  since  been 
completed  to  Indianapolis,  distant  from  Decatur  152  miles,  this 
being  the  entire  length  of  the  road,  with  Decatur  as  its  western 
and  Indianapolis  as  its  eastern  terminus.  The  road-bed  is  well 
constructed  and  ballasted,  the  rolling-stock  of  excellent  quality, 
and  the  general  management  of  the  road  very  commendable.  It 
runs  in  a south-easterly  direction  from  Decatur,  crossing  diagonally 
Long  Creek  township  and  affording  rapid  transit  to  Indianapolis, 
Cincinnati  and  other  important  points  south-east.  In  1872,  Maroa 
township,  Macon  county,  issued  $75,000  in  bonds  to  the 


ILLINOIS  MIDLAND  R.  R. 

which  is  a consolidation  of  the  Peoria,  Atlanta  and  Decatur,  and 
the  Paris  and  Decatur  Railroads.  It  was  constructed  in  the  same 
year  (1872)  from  Peoria  via  Decatur  to  Terre  Haute,  Indiana, 
Peoria  and  Terre  Haute  being  the  termini,  and  the  entire  length  of 
road  176  miles,  of  which  168  are  in  Illinois. 

The  total  railroad  bonded  indebtedness  of  the  county  is,  at 
present,  $187,000  bearing  6 per  cent,  interest.  In  addition  to  this, 
there  is  a township  railroad  indebtedness  of  $145,  000,  distributed 
as  follows : 

Decatur,  $50,000 

Maroa,  75,000 

Mt.  Zion,  20,000 

To  Messrs.  A.  T.  Elder,  Cashier  of  the  Wabash,  St.  Louis  and 
Pacific  R.  It.,  and  II.  S Gray,  Passenger  Conductor  on  the  same 
road,  we  are  indebted  for  valuable  information  respecting  the 
railroads  mentioned  in  this  article. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

GEOLOGY* 

BY  J.  PIKE,  M A. 

ERE  is  little  of  scientific  interest  in  the  geological 
features  of  this  county.  Few  older  formations  than  the 
Drift  have  been  discovered,  and  even  in  the  Drift  the 
similarity  of  the  deposits  is  so  great  that  the  geolo- 
;t  finds  no  incentive  to  extended  investigation.  The  sur- 
face of  the  county  is  mostly  composed  of  black  prairie  soil,  from 
three  to  ten  feet  deep. 

Underlying  this  is  a subsoil  of  clay,  gravel  and  sand.  Still 
deeper,  occur  alternate  beds  of  clay,  quick-sand  and  gravel,  inter- 
mixed with  various  shales,  slate,  limestone,  sandstone  and  several 
thin  strata  of  coal.  As  may  be  seen  in  another  part  of  this  article, 
ten  strata  of  coal,  varying  in  thickness  from  a few  inches  to  three  and 
a half  feet,  have  been  found,  at  different  depths,  in  a bore  of  875 
feet. 

FORMATION  OF  PRAIRIES. 

This  is  a subject  that  has  provoked  much  scientific  discussion  in 
the  last  half  century ; but,  after  long  and  careful  investigation,  a 
majority  of  the  most  eminent  scientists,  including  Profs.  A.  H. 
Worthen,  State  Geologist  of  Illinois,  and  Lesquereaux,  who  has  pub- 
lished a most  excellent  paper  on  this  subject  in  the  first  volume  of 
the  Illinois  Geological  Reports,  have  reached  the  conclusion  that 
the  vast  treeless  plains,  or  prairies,  of  the  West,  with  their  peculiar 
surface  soil,  owe  their  origin  to  the  same  causes  that  are  at  present 
operating  to  form  prairies,  though  on  a less  extensive  scale.  The 
black,  rich  soil,  so  characteristic  of  prairies,  is  doubtless  due,  as  has 
already  been  stated  in  the  chapter  on  Geography,  to  the  growth 
and  decay  of  successive  crops  of  vegetation,  which  in  the  geological 
ages  of  the  past,  under  a far  higher  temperature  and  more  favorable 
atmospheric  conditions  than  now  exist,  grew  to  an  extent  unknown 
since  the  appearance  of  man  upon  the  earth.  These  prodigious 
crops  of  plants  and  grasses  were  from  year  to  year  submerged,  and 
becoming  decomposed,  contributed  their  annual  accumulations  to 
the  surface  of  the  country.  By  the  continuation  of  this  process  for 
untold  centuries  and  by  the  subsequent  recession  of  the  waters  that 
once  covered  the  entire  Mississippi  valley,  a black,  mucky  soil,  was 

* For  some  of  the  facts  contained  in  this  chapter  we  are  under  obligations  to 
the  State  Geological  Reports  of  Illinois. 


44 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


formed,  and  the  whole  region  emerged  as  vast  swamps,  or  swales, 
interspersed  with  hills  and  valleys,  mountains  and  table-lands. 

The  peaty  soil,  or  muck,  thus  produced  was  by  the  gradual  dis- 
appearance of  the  water  from  the  low  and  level  portions  of  the 
land,  converted  into  the  rich  vegetable  mold  of  the  prairies,  which 
in  course  of  time,  became  adapted  to  the  wants  of  men  and  animals. 
The  soil  in  such  a formative  state  as  has  just  been  described,  would 
be  unfavorable  to  the  growth  of  trees,  a practical  demonstration  of 
which  may  be  seen  nowadays  in  the  treeless  swamps  and  sloughs 
found  in  timbered  regions. 

Alluvium. — This  term  is  applied  to  the  recent  deposits  and 
formations  made  by  rivers,  creeks,  &c.  Alluvial  matter  is  usually 
composed  of  earth,  sand  and  gravel  that  originally  belonged  to 
the  great  Drift  Period.  The  banks  of  the  Sangamon  river  are 
from  eight  to  nine  feet  high,  and  composed  of  dark  clay,  vegetable 
mold,  with  sand  intermixed.  On  the  gravelly  shoals  numerous 
small  shells  are  found,  belonging  to  the  genera  Paludina,  Melania, 
Cijclas,  and  Unio.  In  portions  of  the  river-bed  where  the  current 
is  less  rapid,  Anodontas  are  common.  In  the  marshy  tracts  on  the 
flat  prairies  the  remains  of  old  shells  have  been  found,  belonging 
to  the  genera  Planorbis  and  Lymnea.  By  the  recent  tile-draining 
of  these  ponds  and  marshes,  their  beds  have  been  rendered  arable, 
and  the  calcareous  matter  of  these  shells  doubtless  adds  much  to 
the  productiveness  of  the  soil. 

Drift. — Geologically  this  name  is  applied  to  the  vast  collections 
of  loose  earth,  rocks,  boulders,  etc.,  that  are  widely  distributed  over 
the  surface  of  the  land,  and  that  were  transported  from  the  north 
by  the  agency  of  glaciers,  ancient  seas  and  ocean  currents.  At 
Decatur  there  are  from  six  to  ten  feet  of  mostly  yellowish-brown 
clay  ; then  similar  clay  with  boulders  and  pebbles  extending  down- 
wards several  feet,  and  this  in  turn  succeeded  by  blue  and  brown 
clay  and  pebbles.  “ On  Big  Creek,  sec.  4,  T.  15  N.,  B,  3 E.  the  drift 
appears  as  follows : 

“ (1).  Thirty  feet  of  drift  clays,  with  loose  pebbles,  sand  and 
clay;  at  lower  part  comminuted  sand  and  clay.  On  the  lower 
slope  of  this  is  an  abundant  growth  of  Equisetum,  or  scouring  rush, 
associated  with  Gentiana  alba  and  Pedicularis  lanceolata. 

“(2).  Eight  feet.  The  upper  part  dark  brownish- black ; lower 
part  black,  and  apparently  of  vegetable  origin ; no  pebbles  seen ; 
when  struck,  a hollow  sound  is  produced.  Debris  from  above  fall- 
ing over  unites  with  this,  and  forms  a marshy  talus,  on  which  were 
growing  Lobelia  syphilitica,  Sagittaria  variabilis  and  several  other 
marsh  plants.” — III.  Geol.  Pep. 

Large  boulders,  composed  of  quartz,  feldspar,  mica,  and  horn- 
blende, and  pebbles  of  granite,  quartzite,  sandstone,  porphyry, 
limestone,  chert,  spar,  &c.,  are  found  in  great  quantities  along  the 
streams  and  scattered  far  and  wide  over  the  prairies.  Several 
large  rounded  masses  of  granite  and  other  azoic  rocks  have  been 
observed  lying  here  and  there  over  the  country  south  and  east  of 
Decatur,  showing  conclusively  the  agency  of  glaciers  in  transport- 
ing these  huge  boulders  to  their  present  positions. 

Three  miles  north  of  Oakley  lies  a boulder  of  gray  granite,  ir- 
regular in  shape  and  measuring  eight  feet  across  in  two  directions, 
and  extending  four  feet  above  the  ground.  It  is  surrounded  with 
rich  prairie  soil,  and  is  entirely  isolated,  no  other  boulders  appear- 
ing in  the  vicinity. 

Wells. — On  the  flat  prairie  lands  south  of  Decatur  living  wells 
are  reached  at  a depth  of  from  twelve  to  fifteen  feet.  In  the  east 
part  of  the  county  water  is  found  at  a depth  of  from  twelve  to  sixty 
feet,  but  it  fails  in  dry  seasons.  Beneath  the  blue  clay,  in  beds  of 
sand,  from  twenty-seven  to  forty  feet  deep,  abundance  of  pure  cold 
water  is  obtained.  In  the  north-east  portion  of  the  county  water  is 


found  at  from  ten  to  twenty  feet  below  the  surface  ; near  Forsythe, 
from  sixteen  to  thirty  feet.  On  the  high  prairies,  in  the  western 
part  of  the  county,  water  is  reached  at  various  depths.  The  region 
of  Harristown  appears  to  be  the  continuation  of  a low  drift  ridge, 
where  a well,  dug  through  ten  feet  of  yellow  clay  and  seventy  feet 
of  blue  clay,  failed  to  yield  any  but  surface  water.  Two  miles 
north-west  of  that  place,  also  in  an  elevated  region,  water  was  struck 
at  thirty  feet,  and  an  abundant  supply  remains  throughout  the  year. 
There  are  some  excellent  springs  in  the  county  which  have  been 
mentioned  in  another  chapter. 

Gas-Wells. — In  1871  Wm.  A.  Wilson,  Esq.,  living  ten  miles  south 
of  Decatur,  struck  gas  in  a well  on  his  farm  at  a depth  of  forty-five 
feet.  It  issued  from  a formation  just  below  the  hard  pan,  and  was 
discovered  at  several  different  localities  on  the  place.  By  means  of 
pipes  he  conducted  the  gas  to  his  dwelling,  and  used  it  for  both  light 
and  fuel.  The  bed  of  quicksand,  out  of  which  the  gas  flows,  has 
been  penetrated  to  a depth  of  fifteen  feet  without  reaching  the  bot- 
tom. The  gas  continued  to  flow  uninterruptedly  for  several  years, 
and  the  supply  was  apparently  inexhaustible;  but  latterly  the  vein 
became  weaker,  and  at  the  present  time  the  gas  has  almost  ceased 
to  flow.  Another  boring  was  made  a quarter  of  a mile  east  of  this 
well,  and  at  a depth  of  fifty  feet,  passed  through  a bed  of  black 
peaty  soil  five  feet  thick,  but  without  striking  gas.  A second  gas 
well  was  struck  on  the  north-east  side  of  Decatur,  at  a depth  of  forty 
feet,  and  flowed  copiously  for  six  months,  when  the  well,  for  some 
reason,  was  filled  up.  Forty  rods  south  of  this  second  well,  and  at 
the  same  depth,  another  vein  of  gas  was  found,  but  after  flowing 
violently  for  some  time,  the  supply  failed,  and  the  well  was  closed 
up.  Thegas  from  these  wells  isa  light  carburetted  hydrogen,  usually 
called  “marsh  gas,”  and  burns  with  a bluish  flame,  emitting  intense 
heat.  It  is  highly  inflammable,  and,  when  pure,  is  perfectly  odorless 
and  usually  free  from  sulphur.  It  has  been  found  in  great  abun- 
dance at  several  places  in  the  State,  but  of  its  origin  little  is  yet 
definitely  known.  The  fact  that  it  is  generally  found  in  beds  of 
peat  and  decayed  vegetable  matter,  indicates  that  it  is  of  vegetable 
origin.  Numerous  wells,  affording  the  same  quality  of  gas,  have 
been  dug  to  a depth  of  from  sixty  to  seventy  feet,  near  Champaign, 
Illinois,  and  the  gas,  at  that  depth,  being  apparently  inexhaustible, 
has  been  utilized  for  illuminating  and  heating  purposes.  Doubtless 
this  gas,  as  well  as  petroleum,  when  it  comes  to  be  better  under- 
stood, will  be  found  to  exist  regularly  in  certain  geological  forma- 
tions belonging  to  the  Carboniferous  Age,  and  to  owe  its  origin  to 
the  same  cause  or  causes  that  produced  the  immense  coal  fields  of 
the  world. 

ECONOMICAL  GEOLOGY. 

Coal. — In  1875,  a boring  was  made  for  coal  at  Decatur  with  a 
diamond  drill,  by  the  Western  Coal  Mining  Company.  The  work 
was  abandoned  at  a depth  of  507  feet,  1 inch,  and  probably  at  from 
eighty-five  to  one  hundred  feet  above  the  level  of  the  Springfield 
and  Howlett  coal.  The  record  of  this  bore  is  as  follows: 


Ft.  In. 

Surface  soil,  clay,  gravel,  &c.,  (drift) 118 

Coarse  micaceous  sandstone 4 

Arenaceous  clay  shale 34 

Grayish  limestone 4 

Dark  clay  shale 6 G 

Light  clay  shale 12 

Micaceous  sandstone 18 

Clay  shale 24 

Dark  slaty  clay  with  fossils 2 

Light  slaty  clay 3 

Red  shale 10 

Brown  and  red  shale  with  shells 11  2 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


45 


Hard  conglomerate 3 

Coal,  with  red  clay  and  gravel 1 4 

Fire-clay 3 0 

Arenaceous  clay  shale 7 1 

Hard  lime  conglomerate 3 

Bluish  clay  shale 4 

Soft  micaceous  sandstone 21 

Dark  gray  shale,  with  ironstone 9 

Clay  and  quicksands 3 

Blue  limestone 1 0 

Gray  sandy  shale,  with  fossils 22  1 

Gray  limestone 11  6 

Black  and  gray  shale 7 

Mud  vein  (fire-clay) 2 

Blue  limestone 11  9 

Hard  conglomerate 2 1 

Blue  shale  and  rock 13  8 

Hard  gray,  sandy,  and  micaceous  shale 44  6 

Black  shale 2 

Coal,  hard  and  bright 1 2 

Fire-clay 9 9 

Bluish,  sandy,  clay  shale 8 4 

Mud  vein  (fire-clay) 2 1 

Dark,  slaty  clay,  with  fossils 17  4 

Hard  conglomerate  rock 1 4 

Dark  shale  with  fossils 4 8 

Sulphur  balls 6 

Lime  conglomerate 5 

Ked,  sandy  clay  shale 29 

Bluish  clay  shale  with  shells 8 3 


507  1 

The  eleven  feet,  nine  inch,  blue  limestone,  found  in  this  bore,  at 
the  depth  of  345  feet,  is  supposed  to  be  the  same  as  that  forming  the 
Carlinville  and  Shoal  Creek  bed,  which  is  usually  from  210  to  240 
feet  above  the  coal  beds  at  Springfield.  Since  the  foregoing  facts 
appeared  in  the  State  Geological  Report  another  boring  has  been 
made  at  Decatur,  and,  at  a depth  of  608  feet,  a stratum  of  coal, 
three  and  a-half  feet  thick,  believed  to  be  the  Springfield  vein,  has 
been  found. 

In  1875-6  this  second  and  deeper  boring  was  made  for  coal  just 
north  of  the  Rolling  Mill,  on  the  east  side  of  Decatur,  by  Mr.  J. 
Edward  Bering,  of  the  manufacturing  establishment  of  Chambers 
Bering  and  Quinlan,  and  to  his  kindness  we  are  indebted  for  the 


following  record  of  the  bore  : 

Ft.  In. 

Clay, 40 

Sand  and  water  (at  depth  of  40  feet) 

Hard  pan  and  sand, 35 

Sand  and  water, 4 

Hard  pan, 24 

Sand  and  water, 7 

Rock  (at  depth  of  110  feet), 

Argillaceous  shale, 52 

Bituminous  shale, 3 

Argillaceous,  bituminous  and  sandy  shale, 125 

Coal  6 in.  thick  (at  depth  of  290  feet), 

Argillaceous  shale, 33 

Hard  limestone, 9 

Argillaceous  shale, 16 

Hard  limestone, 8 

Argillaceous  and  sandy  shale, 66  6 

Coal  (at  depth  of  422 j ft.), 1 6 

Nodular  limestone  and  shale, 43 

Very  hard  limestone, 8 

Argillaceous  and  variegated  shale, 71 

Limestone,  coal  (8  in.),  and  shale 18 

Argillaceous  shale, 16 

Salt  water  (at  depth  of  580  feet), 


Shale  and  sandstone, 20 

Gray  slate  or  shale, 5 

Bituminous  shale, 3 

Coal  (at  depth  of  608  feet), 3 6 

Fire-clay,  2 

Sandstone, 48  6 

Bituminous  shale,  4 

Coal  (at  depth  of  663  feet) 2 

Fire-clay, 6 

Sandy  shale  and  slate, 52 

Coal  (at  depth  of  723  feet), 1 

Micaceous  sandstone, 21 

Coal  (at  depth  of  745  feet), 1 

Micaceous  sandstone, 32 

Bituminous  shale, 9 

Coal  (at  depth  of  787  feet), 2 

Sandstone, 11 

Bituminous  shale, 7 

Coal  (at  depth  of  807  feet), 2 6 

Sandstone, 21  6 

Bituminous  shale, 9 

Coal  (at  depth  of  840  ft.), 1 6 

Gray  shale, 3 6 

Limestone  (in  which  boring  stopped), 2 6 


Total  depth 857  6 


A shaft  7 by  14  feet  is  now  being  sunk  near  the  place  where  this 
boring  was  made.  A depth  of  130  feet  has  already  been  reached, 
and  it  is  intended  to  prosecute  the  work  to  the  stratum  of  coal  3} 
feet  thick  (shown  above  at  the  depth  of  608  feet)  which,  in  connec- 
tion Avith  the  adjacent  fire-clay  beds,  it  is  thought,  will  pay  for 
mining.  The  ten  distinct  strata  of  coal  found  in  the  bore  recorded 
above,  with  the  thick  beds  of  shale,  clay,  slate,  etc.,  intervening, 
show  that  the  lands  in  this  region,  during  the  formation  of  these 
coal  beds,  must  have  undergone  a similar  number  of  successive 
elevations  and  depressions.  Vegetation  grew  and  accumulated 
during  the  elevation  of  the  lands  above  the  water,  and  the  vegetable 
matter  thus  accumulated  was  converted  into  coal  during  the  sub- 
mergence of  the  lands.  The  beds  of  shales,  slates,  etc.,  were  also 
formed  under  water,  by  sedimentary  deposits.  It  is  estimated  that 
thirty  feet  of  vegetable  matter  would  be  required  to  form  one  foot 
of  coal.  If  so,  some  idea  may  be  gained  of  the  vast  growth  of 
vegetation  there  was  upon  the  earth  during  the  Carboniferous,  or 
Coal-growing,  Age,  to  form  the  coal  beds  of  the  world,  some  of 
which  are  forty  and  even  fifty  feet  in  thickness.  The  stratum  of 
coal  shown  above  as  being  3*  feet  thick,  must  according  to  this 
estimate  have  required  a layer  of  vegetable  matter  one  hundred 
feet  deep.  That  coal  is  of  vegetable  origin  is  shown  by  the  fact 
that  it  is  mainly  carbon,  w’hich  element  forms  from  one-fourth  to 
one  half  of  all  the  vegetation  on  the  globe.  Also  thin  slices  of  coal 
placed  under  the  microscope  show  distinctly  the  vegetable  structure 
which  may  sometimes  also  be  seen  with  the  naked  eye.  Our  com- 
mon peat-bogs,  as  has  been  well  said,  are  excellent  examples  of 
“incipient  coal  beds.”  In  conclusion  wTe  may  say  that  in  economi- 
cal geology  Macon  County  is  rather  unfortunate  in  having  neither 
a coal  mine  nor  a stone  quarry.  However,  there  is  an  abundance  of 
excellent  brick  and  tile  clay  and  beds  of  fire-clay,  deep  in  the  earth,  as 
shown  by  the  preceding  records.  As  we  are  closing  this  article, 
we  are  informed  by  Capt.  J.  S.  Post,  of  Decatur,  that  a huge 
molar  of  a mastodon  was  some  time  ago  found  in  the  bed  of  the 
Sangamon  a little  below  the  Wabash  and  Pacific  bridge  : also, 
that  the  tusks  of  a gigantic  animal  of  olden  times  were  exhumed 
from  a bed  of  quicksand  thirteen  miles  west  of  Decatur.  These 
tusks  are  said  to  measure  seven  feet  in  length.  They  are  now  in 
the  State  Museum. 


46 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

FAUNA. 

J.  PIKE. 

T may  be  remarked  in  the  outset,  that  this  article  is  not 
designed  to  be  an  elaborate  or  scientific  treatise  on 
Natural  History,  as  relating  to  animal  life,  or  a learned 
essay  upon  the  branches,  classes,  orders,  etc.,  into  which 
scientists  have  classified  the  animal  kingdom.  The  dis- 
cussion of  such  subjects,  however  interesting,  belongs  to  the  beauti- 
ful science  of  zoology,  and  transcends  the  scope  of  a miscellaneous 
county  history.  Our  object,  rather,  is  to  present,  with  some  of  their 
leading  characteristics,  a list  of  the  principal  animals  found  here  at 
the  time  of,  and  subsequent  to,  the  advent  of  civilized  man.  In 
doing  so  we  shall  omit  the  ordinary  domestic  animals,  and  also  the 
insects,  no  complete  classification  of  the  latter  having  ever  been 
made  for  this  locality,  and  the  time  for  the  compilation  of  this  work 
being  necessarily  too  brief  to  allow  such  classification  to  be  prepared, 
The  most  important  Order  of  animals,  indigenous  to  this  region,  is 
the 

UNGULATA,  OR  HOOFED. 

Of  the  hoofed  animals,  one  of  the  most  prominent  is  the  American 
Bison  (Bison,  or  Bos  Americanus,)  which  disappeared  from  the 
prairies  of  Illinois  before  the  arrival  of  the  white  man,  leaving,  as 
the  only  evidence  of  its  former  presence,  a few  “ buffalo  wallows  ” in 
certain  parts  of  the  State.  The  Bison  is  a large  animal,  with  thick, 
heavy  body,  short,  stout  legs,  short  black  horns,  and  black,  or 
brown,  shaggy  hair.  Large  herds  of  these  animals,  at  present,  roam 
over  the  plains  at  the  eastern  base  of  the  Rocky  Mountains.  Like 
the  Mastodon,  and  other  ancient  animals,  the  Bison  is  destined,  at 
no  distant  day,  to  become  extinct.  The  American  Elk  (Cervus 
Americanus ,)  next  to  the  Moose,  is  the  largest  deer  of  America.  It 
is  remarkable  for  the  size  of  its  antlers,  which  sometimes  grow  to 
the  height  of  six  feet,  and  weigh  from  forty  to  eighty  pounds.  The 
animal  itself  is  about  as  tall  as  an  ordinary  horse,  is  very  fleet,  and 
has  wonderful  powers  of  endurance.  It  long  ago  left  the  prairies  of 
Illinois,  and  is  now  found  in  the  northern  parts  of  the  United  States 
and  in  British  America.  The  deer  family  ( Cervidce ) has  had,  so 
far  as  is  known,  only  one  rejmesentative  in  this  region,  viz  : the 
common  American  deer,  (Cervus  Virginianus)  which  disappeared 
from  its  prairie  haunts  several  years  ago,  and  is  now  found  in  the 
mountainous  regions  of  Missouri,  and  the  unsettled  parts  of  other 
States.  Its  flesh  is  very  sweet  and  palatable,  and  is  highly  prized 
in  the  finest  markets,  where  it  commands  a ready  sale  at  the  highest 
price. 

CARNIVORA,  OR  FLESH-EATERS. 

The  most  ferocious  animal  of  the  carnivorous  Order,  common  to 
this  country,  is  the  wolf,  which  belongs  to  the  dog  family  (Canidcc). 
There  were  formerly  two  species  of  this  animal  in  Macon  county, 
viz:  the  prairie  wolf  (Cam's  latrans),  and  the  common  American, 
or  Gray  Wolf  (Canis  occidentalism.  The  former  is  small  with  long 
body,  elongated,  sharp  muzzle,  smooth  tongue,  and,  like  all  the  dog 
family,  had  five-toed  forefeet,  and  four-toed  hind  ones.  It  formerly 
inhabited,  in  large  numbers,  the  wild  prairie  regions,  but  latterly 
has  disappeared  from  this  part  of  the  State.  The  latter  is  large, 
with  long  slim  body,  long,  sharp  muzzle,  smooth  tongue,  and  straight, 
bushy  tail.  In  years  gone  by,  the  howling  of  these  wolves  was  the 
evening  serenade  of  the  pioneer  settlers,  and  foreboded  havoc  among 
the  flocks  of  those  times.  A few  cf  this  species  are  still  found  in 
dense  woodlands  and  unfrequented  thickets  on  the  prairies.  Two 
species  of  fox  ( Vulpes ) are  found  here,  the  common  or  Gray  Fox 


(Vulpes  vulgaris),  and  the  Red  Fox  ( Vulpes  julvus).  The  former 
are  still  numerous  in  this  region  ; the  latter,  rare.  Both  species  are 
noted  for  their  extreme  cunning,  and  their  predatory  habits.  Foxes 
are  readily  distinguished  by  their  slender,  pointed  muzzle,  long, 
bushy  tail,  and  the  elliptical  pupil  of  the  eye.  Of  the  cat  family 
(Felidcc)  the  only  two  indigenous  representatives  are  the  American 
Wild  Cat  (Lynx  rufus),  and  the  Canadian  Lynx  (Lynx  canadensis). 
The  former  was  very  common  during  the  early  history  of  this  coun- 
try. It  was  about  thirty  inches  long,  of  a pale,  rufous  color  dap- 
pled with  gray,  ears  black  on  the  outside,  tail  short  with  black 
patch  above  at  the  end.  It  was  very  destructive  to  lambs,  kids> 
poultry,  Ac.  It  has,  within  the  last  few  years,  almost  disappeared. 
The  Lynx  was  never  common  in  Illinois,  though  it  was  occasionally 
seen  thirty  years  ago,  and  even  later.  It  is  about  forty  inches  long, 
of  a grayish  color,  streaked  with  black  ; ears  tipped  with  a bunch  of 
black  hairs,  and  tail  very  short.  It  is  further  distinguished  by 
having  one  molar  less  than  the  true  cat,  in  each  side  of  the  upper 
jaw.  It  is  extremely  doubtful  whether  the  panther  (Felii  pardus), 
ever  inhabited  these  regions.  A few  individual  members  of  this 
genus  may  have  been  seen  here  during  their  migrations  from  one 
place  to  another ; but  that  this  animal  ever  had  any  permanent 
habitat  in  this  prairie  country,  is  highly  improbable.  The  com- 
mon Raccoon  (Procyon  lotor)  is  one  of  the  most  familiar  wild  ani- 
mals in  these  parts.  It  inhabits  the  timbered  regions,  generally 
near  some  stream  or  body  of  water,  to  which  it  resorts  for  food,  in 
the  shape  of  craw-fish,  frogs,  mussels,  Ac.  It  also  feeds  upon  roots, 
berries,  young  corn,  “roasting-ears,”  birds  and  other  small  ani- 
mals. This  animal,  from  the  end  of  its  nose  to  the  tip  of  the  tail, 
is  about  two  feet  long,  and  has  a pointed  muzzle,  five  toes  on  each 
foot,  and  a ringed  tail.  It  is  nocturnal  in  its  habits,  and  in  cold 
climates  passes  the  winter  in  a partially  torpid  state.  Its  fur  is 
valuable.  The  raccoon  belongs  to  the  family  of  Procyonidcc,  of 
which  it  is  probably  the  only  representative  in  this  region.  There 
is  no  evidence  at  hand  that  the  Bear  family  ( Ursid <e)  ever  had  any 
representatives  in  the  county. 

To  the  weasel  family  (Mustelidce)  belong  the  well-known  ani- 
mals, minks,  skunks,  otters,  common  weasels,  Ac.,  most  of  which 
have  long,  slender  bodies,  five-toed  feet,  and  glands  which  secrete  a 
liquid  of  very  disagreeable  odor.  Otters  and  minks  are  hunted  for 
their  furs,  which  are  very  valuable.  The  former  are  amphibious, 
and  are  at  present  rarely  seen.  The  costly  fur  called  ermine  is  ob- 
tained from  a weasel  which  inhabits  the  northern  parts  of  Europe 
and  Asia. 

Weasels  are  brown  in  summer  and  white  in  winter,  the  tip  of 
the  tail  being  black.  The  color  of  minks  is  dark-brown,  or  black, 
throughout  the  year.  The  otter,  (Lutra  canadensis,)  is  black,  and  is 
noted  for  its  size  and  strength.  Its  toes  are  webbed ; head  large 
and  flat ; ears  short ; tail  slightly  flattened,  and  nails  crooked. 
It  is  aquatic,  and  subsists  on  fish.  Minks  and  weasels  prey  on  birds, 
poultry  and  small  animals  of  various  kinds.  The  skunk  ^ Mephitis 
Americana)  has  a pointed  nose,  bushy  tail,  and  is  nocturnal.  It 
feeds  upon  beetles  and  other  small  animals.  It  is  also  fond  of  eggs. 
It  was  very  common  a few  years  ago,  but  like  most  of  the  wild  ani- 
mals, is  gradually  disappearing.  Of  the  opossum  family  (Didel- 
phididee),  the  only  species  here  is  the  common  opossum  (Didelphys 
Virginiana).  Opossums  are  small  animals,  about  twenty  inches 
long  to  the  tail,  which  is  from  twelve  to  fifteen  inches  in  length, 
nearly  bare,  and  prehensile.  Its  hair  is  whitish  with  dark-brown 
tips.  When  captured  and  wounded,  it  feigns  itself  dead.  It  is  a 
marsupial,  or  pouched  animal,  and  carries  its  young,  which  at  birth, 
weigh  only  a few  grains,  in  a ventral  pouch  situated  near  its  hind- 
legs. On  emerging  from  this  pouch,  which  occurs  four  or  five 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


47 


weeks  from  birth,  the  young  twine  their  tails  around  that  of  their 
mother,  and  thus  supported  ride  on  her  back.  The  opossum  lives 
on  birds,  eggs,  insects  and  other  small  animals.  This  animal,  like 
the  raccoon,  is  found  in  all  parts  of  the  United  States  and  through- 
out most  of  North  America. 

RODENTIA,  OR  GNAWERS. 

The  animals  of  this  order  are  easily  distinguished  by  their  teeth. 
In  the  front  part  of  each  jaw,  they  have  two  chisel-shaped  incisors, 
between  which  and  the  molars  is  a considerable  space,  without  teeth, 
these  animals  having  no  canines.  The  largest  representative  of  the 
rodents  ever  known  in  this  country  is  the  American  beaver  ( Castor 
canadensis ) and  it  is  very  doubtful  whether  it  at  any  time  had  per- 
manent habitat  in  this  county.  The  rats  and  mice  ( Murid ce ) 
constitute  the  most  numerous  family  of  the  rodents.  They  number, 
in  all,  aboutthree  hundred  species  in  the  world. 

Their  appearance  and  habits  are  too  well  known  to  require 
description  here.  The  black  rat  ( Mus  rattus ) was  formerly  very 
common,  but  of  late  years  it  has  been  almost  extirpated  by  the 
brown,  or  Norway  rat  ( Mus  decumanus ),  which  is  much  larger  and 
stronger. 

Of  the  mice  we  note,  as  found  here,  the  common  house-mouse 
( Mus  musculus ),  the  field-mouse,  the  meadow-mouse,  the  jumping- 
mouse  ( Jaculus  hudsonius,  of  the  family  Jaculidce), — which  has  a 
body  about  three  inches  long  and  a tail  six  inches,— and  the  tree- 
mouse.  The  musk-rat  ( Ondatra  zibethicus),  allied  to  the  beaver, 
has  but  one  species.  This  animal  is  about  the  size  of  a cat,  and  has 
a strong,  musky  smell.  It  is  amphibious,  building  its  mud  houses 
in  ponds  and  shallow  lakes.  It  is  a native  of  North  America, 
and  is  still  quite  common.  Its  fur,  like  that  of  the  beaver,  is  valu- 
able. The  fur  of  the  latter  is  used  for  making  the  finest  hats. 

The  squirrel  family  ( Sciuridce ) is  represented  here  by  the  red 
(fox)  squirrel  ( Sciurus  liudsonius'),  the  gray  squirrel  ( Sciurus 
Carolinensis),  the  flying-squirrel  ( Pteromys  volucella),  the  ground- 
squirrel  ( Tamias  striatus ),  the  gopher  ( Spermaphilus ),  the  prairie 
squirrel  and  the  woodchuck  or  groundhog  (Arctomys  monax ) all  of 
which  are  so  common  that  they  need  not  be  described. 

Of  the  hare  family  ( Leporidce ),  the  common  gray  rabbit  (. Lepsus 
cummins'),  is  the  only  representative  now  inhabiting  this  region. 
It  is  very  prolific,  and  is  destined  to  propagate  its  species  long  after 
some  of  the  animals  mentioned  shall  have  become  extinct. 

Bats  and  moles — the  former  belonging  to  the  order  of  animals 
( Chiroptera ,)  the  latter  to  the  order  ( Ivsedivora ) — are  still  very 
numerous.  Both  are  carnivorous  ( insectivorous ),  and  during  hiber- 
nation are  semi-torpid. 

CLASS  OF  AYES,  OR  BIRDS. 

In  the  following  list  of  birds  indigenous  to  the  county,  the  old 
system  of  groups,  or  orders,  is  used  rather  than  the  new  classifica- 
tion of  birds  adopted  provisionally  by  the  Smithsonian  Institute 
at  Washington.  The  former,  as  it  contains  fewer  and  less  difficult 
technical  terms,  will,  it  is  believed,  be  more  readily  understood  by 
the  general  reader.  The  chief  characteristics  of  all  the  birds  belong- 
ing to  each  order  are  given  first,  and  appended  thereto  are  the  names 
of  such  birds  of  the  order  as  are  indigenous  to  this  region. 

RAPTORES,  OR  BIRDS  OF  PREY. 

These  are  generally  of  large  size  and  stout  form ; bills  hooked 
and  very  strong;  claws  sharp  and  curved;  wings  extensive  and 
muscles  powerful ; females  larger  than  males  ; live  in  pairs  and 
choose  their  mates  for  life  (?).  Under  this  order  and  belonging  to 
the  hawk  family  ( Falconidcc ),  are  the  sparrow-hawk  ( Tinnunculus 
alandarius)  ; swallow-tailed  hawk  (Nauclerus  furcatus)  ; hen-harrier 


( Circus  cyaneus)  ; goshawk  (Falco  palambariue) ; sharp-skinned 
hawk,  red-tailed  hawk  ( Buteo  borealis ) ; red -shouldered  hawk, 
pigeon-hawk  ( Falco  Columbarum) ; white-headed  (“bald”)  eagle 
(. Halietus  leucocephalus ) ; ring-tailed,  or  golden  eagle  (Aquila  chry- 
ccetos). 

To  the  owl  family  ( Strigidce ) belong  the  great  horned  owl  ( Bubo 
Virginianue)  ; snowy  owl  (Strix  nisa) ; barred  owl  (Syrnium  nebu- 
losum,  or  “hoot-owl”);  American  barn  or  screech-owl  (Strix  jlaui- 
mce) ; spotted  owl,  marsh  owl  Kennicott’s  (?)  owl. 

Of  the  vulture  family  ( Vultu/ridoi),  the  only  representative  is  the 
turkey-buzzard  ( Cathartes  aura). 

RASORES,  OR  SCRATCHING  BIRDS. 

Birds  of  this  order  are  characterized  by  tbeir  stout  bodies,  strong 
legs  and  feet,  and  their  general  adaptation  to  living  on  the  ground. 
It  includes  the  wild  turkey  ( Meleagris  gallopavo),  prairie-hen 
( Tetrao  cupido),  ruffled  grouse,  or  “partridge”  ( Bonasa  umbellus), 
quail  ( Ortyx  Virginianus) , turtle-dove  (Turtur  auritus),  wild  or 
passenger  pigeon  ( Ectopistes  migratoria). 

GRALLATORES  OR  WADING  BIRDS. 

These  have  long  necks,  long  bills,  very  long  and  slender  legs, 
and  slender  bodies.  Their  general  form  is  well  adapted  to  wading. 
This  order  includes  the  plover  ( Charadrius ),  common  snipe 
( Scolopax  gallinago),  American  woodcock  ( Philohela  minor), 
Wilson’s  snipe  ( Gallinago  Wilsonii),  mud-hen  ( Fulica  Americana), 
kill-dee  (. Aegialites  vociferus),  red-breasted  snipe  ( Gambetta  melano- 
leuca),  tell-tale  snipe  ( Gambetta  jlavipes),  water-rail  (: Rallus  aquali- 
cus),  sand  hill  crane  ( Grus  Canadensis),  blue  crane  ( Grus  Ameri- 
canus),  yellow-legged  and  upland  plover,  white  crane  ( Grus  albus), 
and  heron  ( Ardea  cinerea). 

NATATORES,  OR  SWIMMING  BIRDS. 

These  are  broad  and  flat ; feathers  compact  and  well  oiled  ; legs 
wide  apart ; femur  short ; and  feet  webbed.  Under  this  order 
are  found  the  common  wild  goose  ( Anser  Americanus),  summer  or 
wood  duck  (Aix  sponsa),  Canada  goose  ( Bermicala  Canadensis ), 
American  Swan  ( Cygnus  Americanus),  brand-goose,  or  “ brant  ” 
(Anser  bernicla),  butter  ball  (Bucephala  albeola),  mallard  (Anas 
boschas),  blue-winged  teal  (Boschas  crecca),  American  widgeon 
(Mareca  Americana),  red-head  duck  (Aythaya  Americana),  canvass- 
back  duck  (?)  Aythaya  vallisneria),  green-winged  teal  (Nettion 
Carolinensis),  pintail  duck  (Dafila  acuta),  trumpeter  swan  (Cygnus 
buccinator). 

INSESSORES,  OR  PERCHING  BIRDS. 

The  perchers  differ  greatly  among  themselves ; all  have  three 
front  toes  and  a single  hind  one ; feet  well  adapted  to  perching. 
To  this  order  belong  the  majority  of  birds,  of  which  we  note,  as 
belonging  here,  the  wood  thrush  (Turdus  mustelinus),  mocking 
bird  (Mimus  polyglottus),  blue-bird  (Sialis  Wilsonii),  cat  bird 
(Mimus  Carolinensis),  robin  (Turdus  migratorius),  brown  thrush,  or 
“thrasher”  (Tardus  rufus),  titmouse,  or  chickadee  (Parus  atricap- 
pillus),  brown  creeper  (Certkia  jamiliaris),  nuthatch  (Sitta  Caroli- 
nensis), winter  wren  (Troglodytes  hyemalis),  cedar  bird  ( Ampelis 
cedrorum),  rose-breasted  grosbeak  (Guiraca  ludoviciana),  chew  ink 
(Pipilo  erythrophthalmus) , meadow-lark  (Sturnella  magna),  blue  jay 
(Cyanura  cristata ),  wren  (Ti'oglodytes  domestica),  warblers,  barn- 
swallow  (Hirundo  lwrdeorum),  bank-swallow  (Cotyle  riparia),  blue 
martin  (Progne  purpurea),  cardinal  red  bird  (Cardinalis  Virgin- 
ianus), field  sparrow  (Spizella  pusilla ),  indigo  bird  (Cyanospiza 
cyanea),  great  northern  shrike,  or  butcher  bird  (Collar  io  borealis), 
yellow,  or  thistle  bird  (Sylvitica  (estiva),  swamp,  or  red  winged  black 
bird  (Sturnus  predatorius) , cow  blackbird  (“cowbird  ”),  common 


48 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


blackbird  ( Merula  musicd),  king  bird,  or  bee  martin  ( Tyrannus 
Carolinensis),  Raven  ( Core  us  corax),  common  crow  ( Corvus  Ameri- 
canus),  Summer  red  bird  ( Pyrangra  ccstiva),  scarlet  tanager,  Balti- 
more oriole  {Icterus  Baltimore),  pewee,  or  Phoebe  bird,  ( Sayorius 
fuscus),  kingfisher  ( Ceryle  alcyon),  ruby-tliroated  humming-bird 
(Trochilus  colubris),  yellow-billed  cuckoo  {Cue ulus  canorus),  ruby- 
crowned  kinglet,  golden-crowned  kinglet,  whippoorwill  (Antrosto- 
mus  vociferus),  grass  sparrow,  or  black  throated  bunting,  lark 
sparrow,  or  finch,  snow  bird  ( Junco  hyemalis),  chipping  sparrow 
(Spizella  socialis),  night  hawk  ( Chordeiles  popetue). 

SCAXSORES,  OR  CLIMBING  BIRDS. 

Birds  of  this  order  have  their  toes  in  pairs,  two  in  front  and  two 
behind.  Under  this  order  and  indigenous  to  this  county  are  the 
swift,  or  chimney  swallow  ( Cypselus  pelasyius),  redheaded 
woodpecker  ( Melanerpes  erythrocephalus),  golden-winged  wood- 
pecker ( Calaptes  auratus),  Carolina  paroquet  ( Conurus  Carolinen- 
sis), sap  sucker  (Picas  pubescens). 

(class)  reptilia  or  reptiles. 

Under  this  class  we  find  represented  here  the  order  Testudi- 
nata,  or  turtles,  and  including  such  individuals  as  the  box  turtle 
(Cistudo  virginea),  snapping-turtle  ( Chelyara  serpentina),  wood  tor- 
toise (Glyptemys  insculpta),  and  soft-shelled  turtles  including  mud 
turtles.  Of  the  order  Lacertia  (lizards),  the  common  striped  lizard 
( Ameiva  scxlineata)  is  the  only  representative  we  have  found  here. 
Under  the  order  (Ophidia),  or  serpents,  we  note  the  common  black- 
snake  ( Bascanion  constrictor),  water  snake  (Serpens  aquaticus), 
rattlesnake  (crotalus  horridus),  moccasin  (Toxicophis  atrapiscus), 
copperhead  (Trigonocephalus  contortrix),  garter  snake  (Eutania 
eirtalis),  house  snake,  joint  snake,  blue  racer,  and  green  snake. 
Of  these,  the  rattlesnake,  copperhead,  and  moccasin  are  very 
poisonous,  and  therefore  most  to  be  dreaded.  The  blowing,  or 
hissing  adder,  a venomous  serpent,  is  rarely  seen  here. 

The  class  Batrachia,  or  frogs,  has  as  representatives,  the  leopard 
frog  ( Kana  hulecina),  bull  frog  (Rana  pipiens),  wood  frog,  tree 
frog  (“tree  toad”)  (Rana  hyla),  marsh  frog  (Rana  palustris), 
common  toad  (Bvfo  vulgaris),  tadpole,  salamander  (Amblystoma 
punctatum),  triton,  or  water  newt  (Diemidylus  viridescens) , and 
mud  puppy  (Menobranchus  lateralis). 

The  class  of  Pisces,  or  fishes,  is  represented,  in  the  streams  of  the 
county,  by  the  white,  the  black,  and  the  striped  bass,  cat-fish,  pike, 
sturgeon  (rare),  gar,  goggle-eyed  perch,  sun-fish,  chub,  white  perch 
(“  croppie  ”?),  white  and  black  suckers,  buffalo,  and  a few  others 
of  minor  importance. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

FLORA. 

BY  J.  PIKE,  M.  A. 

HIS  chapter,  like  that  on  the  Fauna  of  the  county,  and 
for  the  reasons  given  there,  is  not  intended  to  be  specially 
scientific  or  exhaustive.  Our  only  purpose  is  to  give,  in 
a succinct  form,  a catalogue  of  the  principal  native  trees, 
shrubs,  and  grasses,  found  within  the  limits  of  Macon 
county.  To  add  a detailed  botanical  description  of  each  plant,  or 
of  all  the  species,  genera,  or  even  families,  represented  here,  would 
fill  a large  part  of  this  volume,  to  the  exclusion  of  other  more  appro- 
priate matter.  By  way  of  preface,  it  may  be  stated  that  vegetation 
is  a sure  index  of  the  character  of  the  soil  in  which  it  is  growing. 
No  class  of  persons  realizes  this  fact  so  fully  as  does  the  practical, 
observant  farmer.  If  he  wishes  to  buy  uncultivated  land,  the  kinds 
of  trees,  shrubs,  or  grass  growing  in  the  locality  decide  for  him  the 


approximate  depth  and  fertility  of  the  soil,  and  the  consequent 
value  of  the  land  for  agricultural  purposes.  According  to  its  flora 
Illinois  has  been  divided  by  botanists  into  three  parts  ; the  heavily 
timbered  regions  of  the  south,  whose  dense  vegetation  is  remarkable 
for  its  variety ; the  central  portion,  which,  except  in  the  vicinity  of 
the  water-courses,  is  mostly  prairie,  and  noted  for  the  great  number 
and  variety  of  its  grasses,  and  other  endogenous  plants ; and  the 
northern  section,  which  is  about  equally  divided  between  woodland 
and  prairie.  This  county  lies  within  the  great  prairie  belt,  a region 
famous  for  the  fertility  and  depth  of  its  soil,  and  the  luxuriance  of 
its  flora.  Plants,  like  animals,  are  greatly  influenced  in  their 
growth  and  development  by  surrounding  circumstances.  As  man 
and  the  domestic  animals  have  driven  many  species  of  the  native 
animals  from  this  region  ; so  numerous  kinds  of  indigenous  plants 
have  disappeared  before  the  onward  march  of  civilization.  Hence, 
we  find  to  day  in  the  fields  and  meadows  few  of  the  grasses  and 
other  plants  that  flourished  in  their  native  beauty  here  fifty  years 
ago.  Thus,  under  the  great  laws  of  evolution  and  succession,  all 
animated  nature,  from  age  to  age,  moves  gradually,  but  grandly, 
forward  toward  the  eternal  destiny  which  the  Almighty,  in  the  be- 
ginning, ordained  for  all  His  creatures.  For  this  region,  the  fol- 
lowing is  a complete 


LIST  OF  NATIVE 
Acer  Saccharinurn,  Rock  Sugar  Maple 
A.  Nigrum,  Black 

A.  Dasycarpum,  Soft  Maple,  Silver 
Leaf  Maple 

A.  Negundo,  Box  Elder,  Ash  Leaf 
Maple 

ASsculus  Glabra,  Stinking  Buckeye 
A.  Serrulata,  Smooth  Leaf  Alder 
Amelanchier  Canadensis,  True  Ser- 
vice-Berry 

Amorpha  Fruticosa,  False  Indigo 
Shrub 

A.  Canescens,  Lead  Plant 
Arnpelopsis  Quinquefolia,  Virginia- 
Creeper 

Asimina  Triloba,  Papaw 
Betula  Nigra,  River  or  Red  Birch 
Carpinus  Americana,  Blue  Beach, 
Hornbeam 

Ceanotlnis  Americanus,  Red  Root 
C.  Ovalis,  Great  Red  Root 
Cercis  Canadensis,  Judas  Tree,  Red 
Bud 

Celastrus  Scandens,  BitterSweet,  Wax 
Work 

Celtis  Occidentalis,  Hackberry 
Cephalanthus  Occidentalis,  Button 
Bush 

Prunus  Virginiana,  Choke  Cherry 
P.  Serotina,  Black  Cherry,  Cabinet 
Cherry 

Cornus  Alternifolia,  False  Dogwood 
C.  Serieea,  Kinnikinic 
C.  Circinata,  Pigeon  Berry 
C.  Stolonifera,  “ Red  Osier 

C.  Paniculata  “ 

C.  Sanguinea,  “ 

Corylus  Americana,  Hazelnut 
Crataegus  Coccinea,  Hawthorn 
C.  Tomentosa  “ 

C.  Crus-gal  li 

Carya  Alba,  Shagbark  Hickory 
C.  Sulcata,  Thick  Shellbark  Hickory 
C.  Tomentosa,  White  Heart  Hickory 
C.  Glabra,  Pig-nut  Hickory 


WOODY  PLANTS. 

Dirca  Palustris,  Leather  wood 
Euonymus  Americanus,  Strawberry 
Tree 

Fraxinus  Americana,  White  Ash 
F.  Viridis,  Green  Ash 
F.  Sambucifolia,  Black  Ash 
F.  Quadrangtilata,  Blue  Ash 
Gleditschia  Tnacanthos,  Three 
Thorned  Acacia,  Honey  Locust 
Gymnocladus  Canadensis,  Kentucky 
Coffee  Tree 

Ilamamelis  Virginica,  Witch  Hazel 
Juglans  Cinerea,  Butter  Nut 
J.  Nigra,  Walnut 
Juniperus  Virginiana,  Red  Cedar 
Lonicera  Grata,  Woodbine 
Menisperinum  Canadense,  Moonseed 
Morus  Rubra,  Red  Mulberry 
Ostrva  Virginica,  Hop-Hornbeam, 
Iron- Wood 

P.  Angulata,  Cotton  Tree 
Platanus  Occidentalis,  Buttonwood 
Sycamore 

Populus  Tremuloides,  Quaking  Asp, 
Aspen 

P.  Monilifera,  Necklace  Poplar,  Cot- 
tonwood 

Prunus  Americana,  Wild  Plum 
Pyrus  Coronaria,  Crab  Apple 
Qnercus  Macrocarpa,  Burr  Oak 

Q.  Obtusiloba,  Post  Oak 
Q.  Alba,  White  Oak 

Q.  Prinus,  Swamp  Chestnut  Oak 
Q.  Bicolor,  Swamp  White  Oak 
Q.  Imbricaria,  Laurel  Leaf  Oak 
Q.  Nigra,  Black  Jack  Oak 
Q.  Tinctoria,  Yellow  Bark  Oak, 
Quercitron  Oak 
Q.  Coccinea,  Scarlet  Oak 
Q Rubra,  Red  Oak 

Q.  Palustris,  Swamp  Spanish  Oak, 
Pin  Oak 

Rhus  Glabra,  Sumach 

R.  Toxicodendron,  Climbing  Poison 
Ivy 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


49 


Iiibes  Cynosbati,  Prickly  Gooseberry 
R.  Hirtellum,  Smooth 
R.  Rotundifolium, 

R.  Lacustre,  Swamp 
R.  Floridum,  Black  Currant 
Rosa  Lucida,  Prairie  Rose 

R.  Blanda,  Wood  Rose 
Salix  Tristis,  Rose  Willow 

S.  Humilis,  Cone  Willow 

S.  Eriocephala,  Silky-head.  Willow 
S.  Nigra,  Black  Willow 
S.  Fragilis,  Joint  Willow,  Brittle 
Willow 

Sambucus  Canadensis,  Elderberry 
S.  Pubens,  Red  Fruit  Elderberry 
Sassafras  Officinale,  Sassafras 
Shepherdia  Canadensis,  Buffalo  Berry 
Smilax  Hispida,  Greenbrier 
Spirsea  Opulifolia,  Yinebark  Spinea 
Spinea  Tomentosa,  Hardback,  Willow 
Spinea 


Staphylea  Trifolia,  Rattle-box,  Wood- 
Bladder  Nut 

Symphoricarpus  V ulgaris, Coral  Berry 
Tecoma  Radicans,  Trumpet-Creeper 
Tilia  Americana, Bass-wood 
Ulmus  Fulva,  Red  Elm 
U.  Americana,  White  Elm 

U.  Racemosa,  Cork  Elm,  Hickory 
Elm 

Viburnum  Prunifolium,  Black  Haw, 
Arrow  Wood 

V.  Lentago,  Sheepberry 

Vitis  Aestivalis,  Summer  Grape 
V.  Cordifolia,  Frost  Grape 
Zanthoxylum  Araericanum,  Prickly 
Ash 

Lendera  Benzoin,  Spice  Bush 
Rubus  Strigosus,  Red  Raspberry 
“ Occidentalis,  Black  Raspberry 
“ Yillosus,  Blackberry 
Robenia  Pseudocacia,  Black  Locust 


that  tend  to  make  us  a nobler,  grander  and  better  people.  And 
this  is  well.  The  future  of  nations,  like  that  of  individuals,  is 
lighted  up  by  the  experience  of  the  past. 

The  memorable  deeds  of  our  ancestors  while  founding  in  this 
western  wilderness  the  great  Republic  of  the  world,  will  he  cherished 
and  admired  as  long  as  the  English  language  shall  be  used  as  a 
medium  of  communication.  To  collect  carefully  and  compile 
faithfully  the  records  of  the  most  important  facts  in  the  civil  his- 
tory of  this  county,  is  the  sole  purpose  of  this  chapter. 

Prior  to  1829  the  territory  included  within  the  present  boundaries 
of  Macon  county  formed  a part  of  the  county  of  Shelby.  Before 
the  assembling  of  the  Legislature  in  1829  a committee  of  three,  con- 
sisting of  Benjamin  R.  Austin,  Andrew  Smith  and  John  Ward,  had 
been  appointed  to  go  to  Vandalia,  then  the  capital  of  the  State,  and 
secure  the  passage  of  an  act  dividing  Shelby  county  and  creating  a 
new  county  out  of  the  territory  thus  divided. 

The  committee  succeeded;  and  during  the  session  the  following 
Act  establishing  the  county  of  Macon  * was  approved. 


Of  the  forest  trees  the  most  valuable  deserve  special  mention. 
Rock  Sugar  Maple  is  excellent ; the  Black  Cherry  is  used  by  cabi- 
net makers  and  is  a wood  of  good  color  and  grain.  The  Shag-bark 
hickory  is  perhaps  the  most  valuable  of  its  kind.  The  White  Oak 
is  much  used  in  making  furniture  and  agricultural  implements. 
The  Blue  Ash  is  capital  for  flooring.  The  Honey  Locust  is  a very 
durable  wood  and  shrinks  less  than  any  other  in  seasoning.  The 
Walnut  is  nearly  all  gone.  The  Plane  tree  or  Sycamore  is  used  by 
cabinet  makers.  Of  the  Oak  family  the  most  and  valuable  kinds 
are  the  Burr  oak,  Panel  Oak,  and  the  Pin  Oak. 

GRASSES. 

In  the  following  list  of  grasses,  the  common  grain  plants,  not 
being  indigenous  to  the  county,  are  omitted  Some  of  the  grasses 
given  are  not  native,  but  are  among  those  best  adapted  for  animals. 
Hence  we  include  them  : 


Phleum  Pratense,  Timothy 
Agrostis  Vulgaris,  Red-top 
Muhlenbergia  Diffusa,  Nimble  Will 
Calamagrostis  Canadensis,  Blue-joint, 
a native  grass  of  the  prairies,  where 
it  grew  from  ten  to  fifteen  feet  in 
height. 

Dactylis  Glomerata,  Orchard-grass 
Poa  Pratensis,  Kentucky  Blue-grass 
Poa  Compressa,  Wire  Grass 
Festuca  Elation,  Meadow  Fescue 
Bromus  Secalinus,  Common  Cheat 
Phragmites  Communis,  Common 
Reed 

Arundinaria  Macrosperma,  Large 
Cane 


Lolium  Perenne,  Darnel  Rye-grass 
Anthoxanthum  Odoratum,  Sweet- 
scented  Vernal-grass 
Plialaris  Aruudinacea,  Reed  Canary- 
grass 

P.  Canariensis,  Canary  Grass 
Panicum  Sanguinale,  Crab  Grass 
Panicum  Glabrum,  Smooth  Panicum 
Panicum  Capillare,  Witch  Grass 
Panicum  Crus-galli,  Barn-yard  grass 
Setaria  Glauca,  Common  Foxtail 
S.  Vi  rid  L,  Bottle  Grass 
S.  Italica,  Itallian  Millet 
Andropogon  Scoparius,  (?)  Brown- 
beard  grass 


CHAPTER  I X. 

CIVIL  HISTORY. 

E great  distinction  between  the  present  inhabitants  of 
this  country  and  the  “lost  race”  of  America  known  as 
“ Mound-Builders,”  who  far  back  of  the  Indian  race, 
occupied  portions  of  the  Mississippi  Valley  with  a dense 
population,  is  that  the  people  of  the  present  day,  with 
their  superior  intelligence,  preserve  and  transmit  to  their  posterity, 
in  permanent  form,  the  records  of  their  thoughts  and  deeds,  their 
progress  in  science  and  art,  and  in  all  the  humanizing  influences 
7 


“ AN  ACT  TO  ESTABLISH  A NEW  COUNTY  TO  BE  CALLED  THE 
COUNTY  OF  MACON. 

“ Section  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  people  of  the  State  of  Illinois 
represented  in  the  General  Assembly,  That  all  that  tract  of  country 
lying  within  the  following  boundaries,  to  wit:  beginning  at  the 
southwest  corner  of  section  numbered  eighteen,  in  township  num- 
bered fourteen  north,  of  range  numbered  one  east  of  the  third 
principal  meridian  ; thence  due  north  with  the  said  third  principal 
meridian  line  to  the  northwest  corner  of  township  numbered 
twenty  north,  of  range  numbered  one  east ; thence  due  east  with 
the  line  between  townships  numbered  twenty  and  twenty-one 
north,  to  the  northeast  corner  of  township  numbered  twenty  north, 
of  range  numbered  six  east;  thence  due  south  with  the  line  between 
ranges  numbered  six  and  seven  east,  to  the  southeast  corner  of 
section  numbered  thirteen,  in  township  numbered  fourteen  north,  of 
range  numbered  six  east ; and  from  thence  due  west  along  through 
the  middle  of  townships  numbered  fourteen  north,  to  the  place  of 
beginning,  shall  constitute  a county,  to  be  called  the  county  of 

* Macon  county  derived  its  name  from  Hon.  Nathaniel  Macon,  of  North 
Carolina,  whose  fame,  at  the  time  of  the  formation  of  the  county,  extended 
throughout  the  nation.  He  was  born  in  Warren  county,  N.  C.,  in  1757,  and 
died  in  the  same  county,  June  29th,  1837.  He  was  educated  at  Princeton, 
N.  J.,  and  was  there  at  the  opening  of  the  war  of  the  Revolution.  In  1777  he 
left  college,  and  served  for  a short  time  as  private  in  a company  of  volunteers. 
At  the  expiration  of  his  term  of  service,  he  commenced  the  study  of  law,  but 
soon  re-enlisted  in  the  army  under  his  brother  John.  He  continued  in  the 
service  until  peace  was  declared.  He  was  present  at  the  fall  of  Charleston. 
For  all  his  arduous  services  in  the  war,  he  steadily  refused  compensation,  nor 
would  he  accept  a pension  after  the  government  had  provided  one.  Before 
he  left  the  army  he  had  been  elected  to  the  State  Senate,  in  which  he  served 
until  1785.  When  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States  was  proposed,  he, 
like  Patrick  Henrv,  thought  ‘‘  it  squinted  too  much  in  the  direction  of  monar- 
chy,’’ and  therefore  opposed  its  adoption.  He  thought  the  general  govern- 
ment proposed  was  too  independent  of  the  States.  Mr.  Macon  was  elected  to  the 
lower  house  of  Congress  in  1791,  where  he  continued  to  serve  until  1815, 
serving  as  speaker  from  1801  to  1806.  From  the  lower  house  he  was  trans- 
ferred to  the  U.  S.  Senate,  in  1816,  where  he  remained  until  1828,  and  was 
President  pro  tem.  of  that  body  in  1825-27.  He  was  thirty-seven  years  in 
Congress  uninteruptedly— the  longest  continuous  service  of  any  one  man. 
Twice  during  Jefferson's  administration  he  declined  the  office  of  Postmaster 
General.  He  was  a Democrat  in  politics,  and  had  an  earnest  conviction  in 
the  ability  of  the  people  for  self-government.  Jefferson  said  he  was  “the 
last  of  the  old  Romans,’’  and  Randolph  called  him  “the  wisest  man  he  ever 
knew.”  In  his  temperament  he  was  a stoic,  disregarding  style  and  conven- 
tionalities, and  in  all  things  practiced  the  strictest  economy'. — Smith’s  History 
Macon  County. 


50 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


Macon ; and  the  seat  of  justice  therein,  when  located,  shall  be 
called  the  town  of  Decatur.* 

“Sec.  2.  For  the  purpose  of  locating  the  seat  of  justice  of  the 
said  county  of  Macon,  the  following  named  persons  are  appointed 
Commissioners,  to  wit : John  Fleming,  Jesse  Rhodes  and  Easton 
Whitton,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  meet  at  the  house  of  James 
Ward  in  said  county,  on  the  first  Monday  in  April  next,  or  within 
ten  days  thereafter,  and  after  being  duly  sworn  before  some  justice 
of  the  peace  of  this  State,  faithfully  and  impartially  to  discharge 
the  duties  imposed  upon  them  by  this  act,  shall  proceed  to  deter- 
mine upon  a place  for  thfi  location  of  the  said  seat  of  justice,  having 
due  regard  to  the  situation  of  the  settlements,  the  convenience  of 
the  people,  and  the  future  population  of  said  county. 

“ Sec.  3.  The  said  commissioners  are  hereby  authorized  to 
locate  the  said  seat  of  justice  on  the  land  of  any  person  or  persons 
who  may  be  the  fee  simple  owners  thereof,  if  the  proprietor  or 
proprietors  of  such  land  shall  donate  and  convey,  with  covenants 
of  general  warranty,  to  the  county  commissioners,  for  the  use  of 
said  county,  a quantity  of  land  not  less  than  twenty  acres,  in  a 
square  or  oblong  form,  upon  which  to  erect  the  public  buildings; 
or  otherwise,  the  said  commissioners  may,  in  their  discretion,  locate 
the  said  seat  of  justice  on  any  of  the  public  lands  in  said  county,  as 
may  seem  to  be  the  most  advantageous  to  the  future  interest  of  said 
county. 

“Sec.  4.  As  soon  as  said  service  shall  be  performed,  the  said 
commissioners  shall  make  a report  of  their  proceedings,  under 
their  proper  hands  and  seals,  to  the  first  county  commissioners’ 
court,  to  be  held  for  and  in  said  county,  designating  particularly 
the  place  selected,  and  a description  of  the  same.  And  if  the  situa- 
tion on  the  public  lands  shall  be  preferred,  after  examination  as 
aforesaid,  the  half-quarter  or  quarter  section  of  land  upon  which 
the  same  may  be  located  shall  be  stated  in  said  report ; and  in  that 
event,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  said  county  commissioners,  as  soon 
thereafter  as  they  may  be  enabled,  to  enter  and  purchase  the  same, 
at  the  proper  land  office,  in  their  respective  names,  as  county  com- 
missioners, for  the  use  of  the  county  of  Macon  ; all  of  which  said 
proceedings  the  county  commissioners’  court  shall  cause  to  be  en- 
tered at  large  on  their  books  of  record. 

“ Sec.  5.  As  soon  as  a suitable  site  shall  have  been  selected  for 
the  seat  of  justice,  and  a report  made  thereof,  as  aforesaid,  it  shall 
be  the  duty  of  the  county  commissioners  to  cause  such  donation, 
or  tract  of  land  (if  pub'ic  land  should  be  selected),  or  so  much 
thereof  as  they  may  deem  advisable,  to  be  laid  off  into  lots,  and  be 
sold  upon  such  terms  and  conditions  as  may  be  considered  most 
advantageous  to  the  interests  of  the  county,  and  the  proceeds  of 
such  sales  shall  be  applied  to  the  erection  of  a court-house  and  jail, 
and  such  other  public  works  as  may  be  necessary  for  the  use  of 
said  county.  And  as  often  as  any  lots  shall  be  sold  as  aforesaid,  it 
shall  be  the  further  duty  of  said  county  commissioners  to  make 
conveyances  for  the  same  to  the  purchasers  thereof,  in  their  own 
names,  as  commissioners  for  and  in  behalf  of  said  county. 

“Sec.  6.  Until  public  buildings  shall  be  erected  for  the  purpose, 
the  courts  shall  be  held  at  the  house  of  James  Ward,  in  said  county. 

“Sec.  7.  An  election  shall  be  held  at  the  house  of  James 
Ward,  on  the  second  Monday  of  April  next,  for  one  sheriff,  one 
coroner  and  three  county  commissioners,  for  said  county,  who 
shall  hold  their  offices,  respectively,  until  the  next  general  election, 
and  until  their  successors  are  qualified;  which  said  election  shall 
be  conducted  in  all  respects  agreeably  to  the  provisions  of  the  law 
regulating  elections:  Provided,  that  the  qualified  voters  present 

* In  honor  of  Commodore  Stephen  Decatur. 


may  elect  from  among  their  number  three  qualified  voters  to  act  as 
judges  of  said  election,  who  shall  appoint  two  qualified  voters  to  act 
as  clerks. 

*■  Sec.  8.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  clerk  of  the  circuit  court, 
who  may  be  appointed  for  such  county,  to  give  public  notice,  at 
least  fifteen  days  previous  to  said  election,  of  the  time  and  place, 
when  and  where  the  same  will  be  held,  and  the  officers  to  be 
elected  thereat ; and  in  case  there  should  be  no  clerk,  it  shall  be 
the  duty  of  the  recorder,  or  any  justice  of  the  peace  residing  within 
the  limits  of  said  county,  to  give  notice  of  the  time  and  place  of 
holding  the  same,  as  aforesaid. 

“Sec.  9.  The  commissioners  appointed  to  locate  the  seat  of 
justice,  as  aforesaid,  shall  receive  the  sum  of  one  dollar  and  fifty 
cents  per  day  for  each  day  by  them  necessarily  consumed  in 
discharging  the  duties  imposed  upon  them  by  this  act,  to  be  allowed 
by  the  county  commissioners’  court,  and  paid  out  of  the  treasury  of 
said  county. 

“Sec.  10.  Until  the  next  apportionment  of  members  of  the 
General  Assembly  shall  be  made,  said  county  of  Macon  shall  vote 
with  the  counties  of  Fayette,  Bond,  Montgomery,  Shelby  and 
Tazewell ; and  the  clerk  of  the  said  county  of  Macon  shall  meet 
the  clerks  of  the  said  counties  of  Fayette,  Bond,  Montgomery, 
Shelby  and  Tazewell,  at  Vandalia,  the  seat  of  justice  of  Fayette 
county,  to  compare  the  number  of  votes  given  for  Senator  and 
Representatives  to  the  General  Assembly,  and  sign  the  necessary 
certificate  of  election,  at  Vandalia,  and  deliver  the  same  to  the 
person  or  persons  entitled  thereto. 

“Sec.  11.  The  said  county  of  Macon  shall  be  and  is  hereby 
attached  to  the  first  judicial  circuit. 

“ This  Act  to  take  effect  from  and  after  its  passage.” 

Approved  January  19,  1829.  Ninian  Edwards,  Governor. 

* “ It  will  be  observed  by  the  foregoing  act  that  the  county,  so 
formed,  was  much  larger  than  it  is  at  present.  It  then  included 
all  of  what  is  now  DeWitt  county,  except  the  northern  tier  of 
townships;  all  of  Piatt  county,  except  one  township,  and  about 
half  of  Moultrie  county.  On  the  first  of  March,  1839,  DeWitt 
county  was  formed,  establishing  the  northern  line  of  this  county 
where  it  now  is.  On  the  following  day  an  act  was  passed  adding 
to  the  county  of  Macon  that  portion  now  known  as  Niantic  town- 
ship. It  may  be  remarked,  in  this  connection,  that  the  formation 
of  DeWitt,  and  the  losing  of  that  much  territory  to  this  county, 
was  a source  of  but  little  concern  to  our  people.  In  fact,  at  the 
time  it  was  urged  that  the  southern  line  of  DeWitt  should  be 
extended  far  enough  south  to  include  the  present  towns  of  Maroa, 
Austin  and  Friend’s  Creek.  This  tract  of  land,  now  rich,  highly 
productive,  and  as  finely  improved  as  any  other  portion  of  the 
county,  was  then  considered  a burden,  and  not  desired  by  Macon, 
and  not  wanted  by  DeWitt.  It  was  not  thought  possible  to  culti- 
vate the  soil,  or  that  it  would  ever  be  inhabited ; and  the  expense 
of  keeping  up  roads  through  it  was  considered  to  be  largely  in 
excess  of  the  income  to  be  derived.  At  that  day  there  were  but 
few  people  who  dreamed  even  of  the  large  prairies  becoming 
settled  and  put  into  cultivation.  The  most  that  was  claimed  was 
that  the  farms  would  extend  but  a short  distance  from  the  timber, 
and  the  prairies  remain  forever  wild,  and  used  for  grazing  purposes 
only.  Many  of  the  early  settlers  made  ‘clearings,’  and  started 
their  little  farms  in  the  timber,  as  they  had  been  accustomed  to  do 
in  the  States  from  which  they  came.  It  is  not  strange,  however, 
that  the  opinion  was  entertained  that  much  of  the  prairie  land 
was  absolutely  useless  and  valueless,  for  at  that  period,  for  the 

* Smith’s  History, 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


51 


greater  portion  of  the  year,  they  were  almost  submerged  with 
water.  Horses  and  cattle  would  mire  on  land  now  considered  dry, 
and  forming  some  of  the  best  farms  in  the  county.  It  is  asserted 
by  some  of  our  then  residents  of  the  county,  that  the  object  of 
securing  the  addition  to  the  county  of  the  present  Niantic  township, 
was  to  prevent  the  removal  of  the  county  seat  from  Decatur  to  a 
little  town  then  just  commenced  in  the  township  of  Friend’s 
Creek,  called  Murfreesboro.  It  will  be  remembered  that  Piatt 
county  was  then  a part  of  Macon,  and  the  proposed  new  county 
seat,  being  nearer  the  center  of  the  county  than  Decatur,  may 
have  actuated  Mr.  Gouge,  who  was  then  our  representative  in 
the  legislature,  in  procuring  this  addition  to  our  western  territory. 
The  assertion,  however,  that  any  such  notions  were  entertained  as 
to  the  proposed  change  in  the  county  seat,  is  denied  by  others  who 
were  residents  at  the  time.  It  is  very  probable,  however,  tliat 
there  was  a change  of  the  'seat  of  justice’  anticipated,  for  the 
Niantic  territory  was  considered  worthless,  except  as  so  much  bal- 
last to  counterbalance  the  eastern  portion  of  the  county.  And  the 
prospects  of  Murfreesboro,  it  seems,  were  blighted  about  that  time, 
and  it  has  long  since  ceased  to  be,  except  in  the  recollection  of  a 
very  few  of  our  oldest  residents. 

In  January,  1841,  Piatt  county  was  formed  from  portions  of 
DeWitt  and  Macon  counties,  and  in  February,  1843,  the  county  of 
Moultrie  was  formed  from  portions  of  Shelby  and  Macon  counties, 
each  by  acts  of  the  legislature.  Macon  county  now  remains  as  left 
after  the  passage  of  the  last  act,  forming  Moultrie  county.  It  now 
contains  an  area  of  five  hundred  and  seventy-seven  square  miles,  or 
369,280  acres.” 

REPORT  OF  COMMISSIONERS. 

The  Commissioners  appointed  by  virtue  of  the  second  Section  of 
the  foregoing  Act,  met  April  10th,  1829,  and  having  viewed  the 
several  locations  that  had  been  proposed  for  the  seat  of  Justice, 
made  the  following  report,  as  shown  by  the  official  record  of  the 
County  Commissioners’  Court: 

“We,  the  Commissioners  appointed  for  the  purpose  of  locating 
the  seat  of  justice  for  Macon  county,  after  being  duly  sworn  before 
John  Miller,  an  acting  justice  of  the  peace  for  said  county  of 
Macon,  having  carefully  and  impartially  viewed  and  examined  the 
situation  and  convenience,  likewise  the  advantages,  of  the  present 
and  future  population,  have  located  the  said  seat  on  the  fifteenth 
section  in  township  sixteen  north,  in  range  two  east,  northeast 
quarter  and  east  half  of  said  quarter,  the  southeast  corner  of  said 
above-named  half  quarter,  in  compliance  to  an  act  of  the  General 
Assembly  requiring  us  so  to  act.  Approved  January  19,  1829. 
Whereunto  we  have  set  our  hands  and  seals  this  tenth  day  of  April, 
in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  1829. 

“John  Fleming,  [Seal.] 

“Jesse  Rhodes,  [Seal] 

“Easton  Whitton.”  [Seal.] 

amount  paid  commissioners  for  locating  the  county  seat. 

At  the  June  term,  1829,  of  the  County  Commissioners’  Court,  it 
was  ordered  that  Easton  Whitton,  be  and  he  is  hereby  allowed  the 
sum  of  ten  dollars  and  fifty  cents  in  full  for  his  services  as  Commis- 
sioner to  locate  the  seat  of  Justice  of  Macon  county;  and  John 
Fleming  and  Jesse  Rhodes  are  allowed  seven  dollars  and  fifty 
cents  each  in  full  for  their  services  for  doing  the  same  business. 

LAYING  OFF  THE  TOWN  OF  DECATUR. 

The  site  for  the  county  seat  having  been  selected,  as  shown  by 
the  preceding  report,  an  order  directing  that  the  town  of  Decatur 
be  laid  off,  was  1n3.de  by  the  County  Commissioners,  June  1,  1829, 
as  follows : 


“ Ordered,  That  Benjamin  R.  Austin,  County  Surveyor  for  the 
county  of  Macon,  be  and  is  hereby  required  to  lay  off  the  town  of 
Decatur,  in  said  county,  after  the  form  of  Shelbyville,  and  make 
and  return  to  one  of  the  commissioners  of  this  court,  a complete 
plat  of  the  same  on  or  before  the  first  day  of  July  next.” 

Under  the  above  order  the  “ old  town  ” of  Decatur  was  laid  out 
and  platted,  which  contained  twenty  acres.  Its  boundaries  were: 
Prairie  street  on  the  north,  Water  street  on  the  east,  Wood  street 
on  the  south,  and  Church  street  on  the  west,  and  was  divided  by 
Main  street,  running  east  and  west,  and  by  North  Main  street,  run- 
ning north  and  south  The  ‘ old  town  ’’Remains  substantially  as 
platted,  “after  the  form  of  Shelbyville,”  with  the  exception  that 
Merchant  street  has  been  formed  since,  and  some  of  the  lots  are 
divided  so  as  to  run  north  and  south  instead  of  east  and  west,  as 
laid  out. 

By  the  act  creating  this  county,  the  land  upon  which  the  Com- 
missioners located  the  “ seat  of  justice  ” was  to  be  donated  to  the 
county.  The  land  on  which  the  county  seat  was  located  had  not, 
in  fact,  been  entered  from  the  government  at  the  time,  but  was 
afterwards  entered  by  Parmenius  Smallwood,  Easton  Whitton 
and  Charles  Prentice,  and  a deed  was  by  them  made  to  the  County 
Commissioners,  on  the  eighth  day  of  October,  1831. 

AMOUNT  PAID  COUNTY  SURVEYOR  FOR  LAYING  OFF  DECATUR. 

On  the  first  day  of  June,  1829,  the  County  Commissioners, 

“ Ordered  that  Benjamin  R.  Austin,  County  Surveyor,  be  and 
he  is  hereby  allowed  the  sum  of  twenty-four  dollars  for  laying  out 
the  town  of  Decatur,  the  County  Seat  of  Macon  County.  Accord- 
ing to  the  preceding  order  the  “old  town”  of  Decatur,  which 
covered  twenty  acres,  was  laid  out  and  platted.  The  boundaries 
were:  Prairie  street  on  the  north,  Water  street  on  the  east,  Wood 
street  on  the  south,  and  Church  street  on  the  west. 

SALE  OF  TOWN  LOTS. 

In  accordance  with  the  following  order  of  the  commissioners, 
a sale  of  town  lots  was  made  July  10th,  1829: 

“ Ordered,  That  a sale  of  lots  take- place  in  the  town  of  Decatur, 
in  this  county,  on  the  tenth  day  of  July  next,  on  the  following 
terms,  to-wit : A credit  of  twelve  months  will  be  given,  and  note 
with  approved  security  required,  and  that  the  clerk  of  this  court  is 
required  to  advertise  the  sale  in  the  paper  printed  in  Yandalia, 
until  the  day  of  sale.” 

ARTICLES  TAXED  AND  RATES  OF  TAXATION. 

On  this  subject  the  commissioners  made  the  following  order : 

“ Ordered,  That  for  the  purpose  of  raising  a revenue  to  defray 
expenses  of  the  county  for  the  year  1829,  a tax  of  one  half  per  cent, 
be  levied  upon  the  following  personal  property,  to-wit : On  slaves 
and  indentured  or  registered  negro  or  mulatto  servants  ; on  pleasure 
carriages;  on  distilleries;  on  stock  in  trade;  on  all  horses,  mares, 
mules,  or  asses,  and  neat  cattle  over  three  years  old  ; and  on  watches, 
with  their  appendages,  and  on  all  other  personal  property  except 
the  lawful  fire-arms  of  each  individual.”  The  total  amount  of  tax 
collected  under  this  order  was  $109,321. 

FIRST  TAVERN  LICENSE. 

At  the  same  term  of  the  commissioners’  court,  the  first  tavern  of 
Decatur  was  legally  established,  and  the  rates  of  charges  were  fixed 
by  the  following  orders: 

“ On  application  of  James  Renshaw  to  keep  a tavern  in  the  town 
of  Decatur,  it  is  ordered  that  license  be  and  is  hereby  granted  to  said 
Renshaw,  to  keep  a tavern  in  said  town  of  Decatur,  for  one  year 
from  the  twenty-sixth  day  of  October,  1829,  by  his  paying  four 
dollars  into  the  county  treasury,  which  is  done.1’ 


UNIVERSID  'll 
ILLINOIS  LIBRA"'1' 


52 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


“ Ordered,  That  the  tavern  rates  for  this  county  shall  hereafter 
be  as  follows,  to- wit:  For  breakfast  and  horse  fed,  37j  cents; 
keeping  man  and  horse  each  night  (the  man  to  have  supper  aud 
lodging),  62 2 cents  ; dinner  and  horse  fed,  37 J cents;  brandy,  rum, 
gin,  wine  or  cordial,  25  cents  per  half  pint ; whisky  or  cider  brandy, 
12b  cents  per  half  pint.” 

FIRST  FERRY  LICENSE. 

The  following  order  was  made  by  the  commissioners  at  the  De- 
cember term  of  court,  1829  : 

“On  application  of  John  Ward,  of  Macon  county,  to  keep  a ferry 
on  the  north  fork  of  the  Sangamon  river,  where  the  road  from 
Shelbyville  to  Decatur  crosses  the  same,  Ordered,  That  license  be 
granted  for  the  same  for  one  year  from  the  seventh  day  of  Decem- 
ber, 1829,  by  his  paying  into  the  county  treasury  oue  dollar,  he 
having  entered  into  bond  for  one  hundred  dollars,  with  John 
McMennamy  his  security,  which  was  examined  and  approved  by 
the  court.  Ordered,  That  the  following  ferry  rates  for  John  Ward’s 
ferry,  where  the  road  from  Shelbyville  to  Decatur  crosses  the  north 
fork  of  the  Sangamou  river,  in  said  county  of  Macon,  be  as  follows, 
to-wit:  Footman,  6}  cents ; man  and  horse,  121  cents;  one  horse 
carriage,  18f  cents  ; two  horse  carriage,  25  cents  ; four  horse  car- 
riage, 50  cents;  each  additional  person,  cents;  each  head  of 
swine,  sheep,  or  cattle,  3 cents.” 

FURTHER  PROCEEDINGS  OF  THE  FIRST  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS’ 
COURTS. — APPOINTMENT  OF  THE  FIRST  COUNTY  CLERK. 

At  the  first  county  commissioners’  court,  held  at  the  house  of 
James  Ward,  May  nineteenth,  1829,  the  first  county  clerk  was  ap- 
pointed as  follows : 

“ On  motion  Daniel  McCall  received  the  appointment  of  clerk  of 
said  county,  and  the  necessary  oath  required  by  law,  in  open  court, 
also  gave  bond,  conditioned  as  the  lawT  directs,  which  was  examined 
and  approved  by  the  court;  and  he  then  entered  upon  the  duties  of 
his  office.” 

APPOINTMENT  OF  THE  FIRST  COUNTY  TREASURER. 

On  motion  it  is  ordered  that  Benjamin  R.  Austin  be  and  he  is 
hereby  appointed  treasurer  of  Macon  county,  to  continue  until  the 
next  March  term  of  this  court;  v’hereupon  the  said  Benjamin  R. 
Austin,  together  with  John  Miller  and  William  King,  his  securities, 
entered  into  bond  in  the  penalty  of  two  hundred  dollars  conditioned 
as  the  law  directs,  which  was  examined  and  approved  by  the  court, 
and  the  said  Benjamin  R.  Austin,  thereupon,  filed  a certificate  of 
his  having  taken  the  oath  required  by  law. 

DISTRICTING  THE  COUNTY. — APPOINTMENT  OF  ELECTION  JUDGES, 

&C. 

“At  a county  commissioners’  court,  begun  and  held  at  the  house 
of  James  Ward,  on  Mouday,  the  first  day  of  June,  1829,  it  was 

‘ Ordered,  That  this  county  be,  and  is  hereby  laid  out  into  two 
districts  for  the  election  of  magistrates  and  constables,  to-wit : All 
north  of  the  north  fork  of  the  Sangamon,  in  this  coimty,  to  be 
called  Decatur ; aud  that  Philip  D.  William,  Henry  Florey  and 
Isaac  Miller,  are  appointed  judges  of  said  election,  who  are  required 
to  hold  an  election  at  the  house  of  Parmenius  Smallwood,  in  said 
district,  on  the  twentieth  day  of  this  month,  for  three  justices  of 
the  peace  and  two  constables.  All  south  of  said  river  shall  com- 
pose the  other  district,  to  be  called  Ward’s  district,  and  that  Robert 
Foster,  Michael  Myers,  and  James  Ward,  are  appointed  judges  of 
said  district,  who  are  required  to  hold  an  election  for  two  justices  of 
the  peace  and  two  constables  on  the  twentieth  iust.,  at  the  house  of 
James  Ward,  in  said  district.’  ” 


FIRST  ROAD  DISTRICTS,  ETC. 

On  May  29th,  1829,  the  county  commissioners  passed  the  follow- 
ing orders  : — 

Ordered,  That  the  county  of  Macon  be  and  is  hereby  laid  out 
into  the  following  road  districts  to  wit:  No.  1 to  include  all  of  said 
county  north  of  the  North  fork  of  the  Sangamon  River,  and  that 
William  Hanks  be  and  he  is  hereby  appointed  Supervisor  of  the 
same,  to  serve  until  the  next  March  term  of  this  court.  Aud  all 
south  of  said  river  to  be  included  in  district  No.  2,  and  that  John 
Me  Mennamy  be  and  he  is  hereby  appointed  supervisor  of  said  dis- 
trict No.  2,  to  serve  for  the  same  time  as  the  Supervisor  of  district 
No.  1. 

FIRST  ROAD  VIEWERS. 

Ordered,  That  William  Ward,  James  Ward  and  Robert  Smith 
be  and  they  are  appointed  Viewers  of  so  much  of  the  road  leading 
from  Paris  in  Edgar  county  to  Springfield  in  Sangamon  county,  as 
lies  between  the  house  of  Widow  Ward  and  the  Furrow  leading  in 
the  direction  from  Paris  to  Springfield,  aud  make  report  thereof  to 
this  court  at  their  June  term  next. 

Ordered,  That  John  Ward  be  and  he  is  hereby  allowed  seven 
dollars  and  fifty  cents  for  his  services  as  commissioner,  to  locate  a 
road  from  Shelbyville  to  the  mouth  of  the  big  Vermillion  on  the 
direction  to  Fever  River. 

FIRST  LEGAL  DOCUMENTS. 

Proprietors'  Bond  for  Deed  to  County  Commissioners. 

To  all  whom  it  may  concern.  Know  ye,  that  we  Parmenius 
Smallwood,  Easton  Whittou  and  Charles  Prentice  having  entered 
at  the  laud  office  iu  the  Vandalia  district  the  east  half  of  the  south- 
east quarter  of  section  fifteen,  township  sixteen  north,  range  two 
east,  containing  eighty  acres,  and  paid  for  the  same,  and  the  com- 
missioners for  locating  the  seat  of  Justice  for  Macon  county  having 
designated  the  above  named  land  as  a tract  proper  for  said  location, 
and  we  being  also  desirous  that  the  said  seat  of  justice  should  be 
located  thereon,  therefore  we  and  each  of  us  do  hereby  promise 
and  agree  to  make  and  execute  to  Elisha  Freeman,  Benjamin 
Wilson  and  Janies  Miller,  county  commissioners  in  and  for  said 
county  of  Macon,  or  to  their  successors  iu  office,  a deed  of  gift  with 
covenants  of  general  warranty  for  twenty  acres  of  said  tract  of  land 
comprising  that  part  of  the  same  which  has  been  designated,  sur- 
veyed and  marked  for  the  purpose  and  use  aforesaid,  as  soon  as  can 
be  conveniently  done  after  we  have  received  a patent  for  the  said 
tract  from  the  General  Land  Office  of  the  United  States,  which 
deed  for  the  said  twenty  acres,  shall  be  drawn  and  executed  in  all 
respects  conformably  to  the  requirements  of  the  third  section  of  the 
act  of  the  General  Assembly  of  Illinois,  entitled  an  act  to  establish 
a new  county  to  be  called  the  county  of  Macon,  approved  January 
19th,  1829.  For  the  true  aud  faithful  performance  of  which,  we 
hereby  bind  ourselves,  our  heirs,  executors,  administrators  and  as- 
signs. Witness  our  hands  aud  seals  this  20th  day  of  June,  1829. 

Witness  D.  McCall,  Parmenas  Smallwood,  [ seal.] 

John  Hall,  Easton  Whitton,  [seal.] 

Attest,  Benj.  R.  Austin,  Charles  Prentice.  [ seal.] 

COPY  OF  DEED  TO  COUNTY  FOR  TWENTY  ACRES  OF  LAND  ON 
WHICH  THE  TOWN  OF  DECATUR  WAS  LOCATED. 

This  Indenture  made  aud  entered  into  this  eighth  day  of  October 
in  the  year  of  our  Lord  One  Thousand  eight  hundred  and  thirty- 
one,  between  Parmenas  Smallwood,  Easton  Whitton  and  Charles 
Prentice,  of  the  State  of  Illinois  of  the  first  part,  and  the  county 
commissioners  of  the  county  of  Macon  and  state  aforesaid,  and  their 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


53 


successors  in  office  of  the  second  part  wituesseth  : That  the  said 
parties  of  the  first  part  for  and  in  pursuance  of  the  third  section  of 
an  act  to  establish  a new  county  to  be  called  the  county  of  Macon, 
approved  January,  1829,  do  hereby  give,  grant,  donate  and  convey 
unto  the  said  party  of  the  second  part  a certain  tract  or  parcel  of 
land,  lying  and  being  in  said  county  of  Macon  containing  twenty 
acres  off  the  south-east  corner  of  the  east  half  of  the  north-east 
quarter  of  section  fifteen  in  township  sixteen  north  and  in  range, 
two  east  comprising  that  part  of  the  same  which  has  been  designa- 
ted, surveyed  and  marked  for  the  seat  of  justice  for  Macon  county. 
To  have  and  to  hold  the  aforesaid  tract  or  parcel  of  land,  together 
with  all  the  rights,  profits,  tenements  and  appurtances  thereunto 
belonging  or  in  anywise  appertaining  to  the  only  proper  use,  ben- 
efit and  behoof  of  them  the  said  party  of  the  second  part  and  their 
successors  in  office  forever : and  the  said  parties  of  the  first  part, 
do  covenant  and  agree  with  the  said  party  of  the  second  part  that 
they  will  forever  warrant  and  defend  the  said  tract  of  land  from 
the  claim  of  themselves,  the  said  party  of  the  first,  part  their  heirs 
and  assigns,  and  against  the  claim  or  claims  of  any  other  person  or 
persons  whatsoever.  In  testimony  whereof  the  said  party  of  the 
first  part  have  hereunto  set  their  hands  and  seals  the  day  and  year 
first  above  written.  Signed  and  sealed  in  presence  of 

D.  McCall,  Parmenas  Smallwood,  [seal.] 

James  Whitlock,  Easton  Whitton,  [seal.] 

James  Renshaw,  Charles  Prentice.  [ seal.] 


State  of  Illiinois.  j ss. 

Before  me,  a justice  of  the  peace  in  and  for  said  county,  this  day 
came  Easton  Whitton  and  Charles  Prentice,  the  grantors  in  the  above 
deed  named,  personally  known  to  me  as  the  same  persons  who 
executed  the  said  deed,  and  they  severally  acknowledged  the  same 
to  be  their  act  and  deed  made  and  executed  by  them  in  pursuance 
of  the  act  of  the  Legislature  of  Illinois  approved  January  19th, 
1829,  entitled  an  Act  to  establish  a new  county,  to  be  called  the 
county  of  Macon. 

Given  under  my  hand  and  seal  at  Yandalia,  this  eighth  day  of 
October,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and 
thirty-one. 

James  Whitlock,  J.  P.  [seal.] 

State  of  Illinois, 

Fayette  county. 

I,  James  Berry,  clerk  of  the  county  commissioners’  court  within 
and  for  said  county,  do  hereby  certify  that  James  Whitlock,  before 
whom  the  above  acknowledgment  was  made,  and  who  has  certified 
the  same  as  above,  is  a justice  of  the  peace  in  and  for  said  county  of 
Fayette,  duly  elected  by  the  commissioners  and  sworn  into  office 
according  to  law. 

In  testimony  whereof  I have  hereunto  subscribed  my  name  and 
affixed  the  seal  of  said  court  at  Yandalia,  this  the  eighth  day 
of  October,  A.  D.  1831. 

James  W.  Berry,  Clerk. 

State  of  Illinois, 

Macon  County. 

This  day  came  before  me,  the  clerk  of  the  circuit  court  of  said 
county,  Parmenius  Smallwood,  personally  known  to  me  to  be  one 
of  the  grantors  of  the  within  deed,  and  acknowledged  the  same  to 
be  his  free  act  and  deed  made  and  executed  by  himself,  Easton 
Whitton,”  and  Charles  Prentice,  in  pursuance  of  an  act  of  the 
Legislature  of  Illinois  approved  January  19th,  1829,  entitled  an 
Act  to  establish  a new  county  to  be  called  the  county  of  Macon. 


Given  under  my  hand  and  private  seal  this  22d  day  of  Novem- 
ber, A.  D.  1831.  D.  McCall, 

Clerk  Circuit  Court  Macon  County. 

UNITED  STATES  PATENT  TO  PART  OF  THE  PRESENT  SITE  OF 

DECATUR. 

The  United  States  of  America. 

Certificate  j 

No.  214.  j 

To  all  whom  these  Presents  shall  come,  Greeting. 

Whereas  David  L.  Allen,  of  Shelby  county,  Illinois,  has  de- 
posited in  the  General  Land  Office  of  the  United  States,  a certifi- 
cate of  the  register  of  the  Land  Office  at  Vandalia,  whereby  it 
appears  that  full  payment  has  been  made  by  the  said  David  L. 
Allen,  according  to  the  provisions  of  the  act  of  Congress  of  the 
24th  of  April,  1820,  entitled  “An  Act  making  further  provision 
for  the  sale  of  the  public  lands,”  for  the  west  half  of  the  northwest 
quarter  of  section  fourteen,  in  township  sixteen  north,  of  range  two 
east,  in  the  district  of  land  ottered  for  sale  at  Vandalia,  Illinois,  con- 
taining eighty  acres  according  to  the  official  plat  of  the  survey  of 
said  lands  returned  to  the  General  Land  Office  by  the  Surveyor 
General,  which  said  tract  has  been  purchased  by  the  said  David 
L.  Allen. 

Now  know  ye : That  the  United  States  of  America,  in  considera- 
tion of  the  premises,  and  in  conformity  with  the  several  acts  of 
Congress  in  such  case  made  and  provided,  have  given  and  granted, 
and  by  these  presents  do  give  and  grant  unto  the  said  David  L. 
Allen  and  to  his  heirs  the  said  tract  above  described,  to  have  and 
to  hold  the  same,  together  with  all  the  rights,  privileges,  immu- 
nities and  appurtenances  of  whatsoever  nature  thereunto  belonging, 
unto  the  said  David  L.  Allen  and  to  his  heirs  and  assigns  forever. 

In  testimony  whereof,  I Andrew  Jackson,  President  of  the 
United  States  of  America,  have  caused  these  letters  to  be  made 
patent,  and  the  seal  of  the  General  Land  Office  to  be  hereunto 
affixed. 

Given  under  my  hand  and  seal  at  the  City  of  Washington,  the 
sixteenth  day  of  March,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand 
eight  hundred  and  twenty-nine  and  of  the  Independence  of  the 
United  States  the  fifty -third. 

By  the  President,  Andrew  Jackson,  [seal.] 

G.  W.  Graham,  Commissioner  Gen’l  Land  Office. 

FIRST  DEED  RECORDED. 

This  Indenture  made  this  nineteenth  day  of  December,  in  the 
year  of  our  Lord,  one  thousand,  eight  hundred  and  twenty-nine, 
between  John  Ward  and  Jane,  his  wife,  of  the  county  of  Macon, 
State  of  Illinois,  of  the  one  part,  and  Benjamin  Wilson  of  the  same 
place  of  the  other  part.  Witnesseth  that  the  said  John  Ward  and 
Jane,  his  wife,  for  and  in  consideration  of  the  sum  of  two  hundred 
and  fifty  dollars,  to  them  in  hand  paid,  the  receipt  whereof  is  hereby 
acknowledged,  hath  granted,  bargained  and  sold,  and  by  these 
presents  doth  grant,  bargain,  sell  and  conform  unto  the  said  Benja- 
min Wilson,  his  heirs  and  assigns,  all  that  tract  of  land  being 
in  the  county  and  State  aforesaid ; E i N.  E.  qr.  sec.  33  T.  16 
north,  range  one  east,  together  with  all  and  singular  the  premises 
with  the  appurtenances  thereunto  belonging  or  in  any  wise  apper- 
taining, to  have  and  to  hold  the  land  hereby  conveyed  with  the 
appurtenances  unto  the  said  Benjamin  Wilson,  his  heirs  and 
assigns  forever,  and  the  said  John  Ward  and  Jane,  his  wife,  for 
themselves,  their  heirs,  executors,  and  administrators,  the  aforesaid 
tract  of  land  and  premises  unto  the  said  Benjamin  Wilson,  his  heirs 
or  assigns  against  the  claim  or  claims  of  all  and  every  person  or 


54 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


persons  whatsoever,  the  said  John  Ward  and  Jane,  his  wife,  doth 
and  will  warrant  and  forever  defend  by  these  presents.  In  witness 
whereof  the  said  John  Ward  and  Jane,  his  wife,  have  hereunto  set 
their  hands  and  seals,  the  day  and  date  first  above  written. 
Signed,  sealed  and  delivered  in  the  presence  of 

James  Ward,  John  Ward,  [seal.] 

Daniel  McCall,  Jane  Ward,  [seal.] 

State  of  Illinois,  ) 

Macon  county,  j ss' 

This  day  came  before  me,  Daniel  McCall,  Notary  Public  for  the 
county  of  Macon,  John  Ward  and  Jane,  his  wife,  and  acknowledged 
the  above  deed  to  be  their  free  act  and  deed  for  the  purposes  there- 
in mentioned,  and  the  said  Jane  Ward,  being  examined  by  me, 
separate  and  apart  from  her  said  husband,  acknowledged  that  she 
relinquished  her  said  right  of  dower  freely,  willingly,  and  volun- 
tarily without  either  persuasion  or  threats  from  her  said  husband. 

Given  under  my  hand  and  private  seal,  as  no  official  seal  is  yet 
provided,  this  nineteenth  December,  1829. 

Daniel  Me  Call,  N.  P.  M.  C.  [seal.] 

FIRST  WILL  ON  RECORD. 

August  first,  1830. — Be  it  remembered  that  I,  Christopher  Whit- 
man, of  Macon  county,  Illinois,  seem  weak  in  body  but  sound  in 
mind  and  memory,  do  make  this,  my  last  will  and  testament : That 
every  thing  remain  as  it  is  until  my  just  debts  are  all  paid,  then  my 
property  to  continue  in  the  possession  of  my  wife  so  long  as  she  • 
remains  unmarried,  and  none  of  the  property  sold  only  in  case  of 
buying  land  ; but  if  my  wife  should,  in  the  course  of  life,  marry, 
the  property  to  be  sold,  she  to  have  one  equal  part  with  the  heirs, 
and  a horse  and  saddle  to  her  part,  and  the  balance  divided  amongst 
my  heirs ; that  my  wife  should  administer  on  the  estate  with  the 
assistance  of  James  Miller,  until  Richard  Whitman  comes  to  this 
State,  then  he  shall  be  the  administrator ; but  if  he  should  not  come 
my  wife  shall  have  the  liberty  of  choosing  of  an  adminstrator. 

Test:  William  Miller,  Christopher  Whitman. 

Seth  C.  Murphy. 

FIRST  MURDER  TRIAL. 

The  trial  of  Samuel  Huffman  for  the  murder  of  Wesley  Bohrer 
occurred  on  Friday,  May  29,  1846,  and  the  following  was  the  ver- 
dict of  the  jury  : 

The  People,  1 

vs  >-  For  Murder. 

Samuel  Huffman.  ) 

This  day  came  the  people,  by  the  Attorney-General,  and  the  defend- 
ant in  his  proper  person  ; and  the  defendant,  being  furnished  with 
a copy  of  the  indictment  and  a list  of  the  jurors  and  witnesses,  says 
that  he  is  not  guilty  as  charged  in  the  indictment,  and  thereupon 
puts  himself  upon  his  country  for  trial,  and  the  people  “ do  the 
likes;”  and  thereupon  came  a jury,  to-wit:  Anderson  Froman, 
Jacob  Garver,  Christian  Garver,  David  Morris,  Wesley  Smawley, 
Micajah  S Oxley,  John  Hanks,  John  Stickel,  Andrew  W.  Ilad- 
dick,  Isaac  Howell,  Samuel  Widick  and  A.B  Gilleland,  who  being 
duly  sworn,  well  and  truly  to  try  the  issues  joined,  after  hearing  the 
various  proofs  and  allegations,  for  verdict  say,  they  find  the  de- 
fendant, Samuel  Huffman,  guilty  of  man-slaughter,  and  sentenced 
him  to  confinement  in  the  penitentiary  for  the  period  of  five  years, 
and  that  he  pay  the  costs  of  this  prosecution.  It  is  further  ordered 
that  the  sheriff  of  Macon  county  convey  the  said  defendant  to  the 
penitentiary,  and  deliver  him  to  the  proper  officer  in  charge  thereof. 

FIRST  DIVORCE  CASE. 

The  following  decree  of  the  court,  in  the  first  trial  for  divorce 
held  in  the  county,  was  made  October  3,  1837  : 


William  Stuart 

vs. 

Susan  Stuart. 

This  day  came  the  complainant,  by  his  solicitor,  Emerson,  and 
the  defendant,  Susan  Stuart,  being  three  times  called,  came  not, 
but  makes  default,  and  it  appearing  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  court 
that  notice  of  the  pendency  of  this  suit  had  been  given,  by  publish- 
ing the  same  in  the  Sangamon  Journal  a newspaper  printed  in  the 
State,  for  four  weeks  successively,  the  first  publication  being  made 
at  least  six  weeks  before  the  first  day  of  the  present  term  of  the 
court,  and  the  defendant  having  failed  to  enter  her  appearance  and 
answer  said  bill  of  complainant:  it  is,  therefore,  ordered  and 
decreed,  That  the  said  bill  of  complainant  be  and  the  same  is 
hereby  taken  for  confessed,  and  the  court  having  heard  the  proofs 
and  allegations  of  said  bill,  and  being  satisfied  of  the  truth  thereof 
and  that  the  said  Susan  had  absented  herself  from  her  said  husband 
for  more  than  the  space  of  two  years  before  the  filing  of  this  bill, — 
it  is,  therefore,  further  ordered  and  decreed  by  the  court,  that  the 
bonds  of  matrimony  heretofore  existing  betwen  the  said  William 
Stuart  and  Susan  Stuart  be,  and  the  same  are,  hereby  dissolved,  and 
that  the  marriage  contract  between  them  be,  and  the  same  is,  hereby 
canceled,  annulled,  and  wholly  vacated,  and  that  the  complainant 
pay  the  cost  of  this  suit. 

FIRST  GRAND  JURORS. 

At  a county  commissioners’  court  begun  and  held  at  the  house  of 
James  Ward  (blacksmith  shop  four  miles  south  of  Decatur)  on 
Monday,  the  3d  day  of  August,  1829,  it  was  ordered  that  the  fol- 
lowing named  persons  appear  before  the  circuit  court  to  be  held  at 
the  house  (blacksmith  shop)  of  James  Ward  in  said  county  on  the 
first  Thursday  succeeding  the  first  Monday  after  the  fourth  Monday 
at  the  hour  of  eleven  o’clock,  A.  M.,  to  serve  as  grand  jurors, 
to-wit:  Benjamin  R.  Austin,  Francis  G.  Hill,  Robert  Foster, 
William  Freeman,  Lambert  G.  Bearden,  James  Ward,  Jeremiah 
Ward,  William  D.  Baker,  Michael  Myers,  William  Wheeler,  Ed- 
mund McDaniel,  William  Miller,  John  Miller,  sr.,  James  Hanks, 
Isaac  Miller,  David  Miller,  Samuel  Miller,  William  King,  T.  Cowan, 
Luther  Stevens,  John  Miller,  John  Hanks  and  Jonathan  Miller. 

FIRST  PETIT  JURORS. 

At  the  same  term  of  court  the  following  persons  constituted  the 
petit  jury  : David  Miller,  Dorus  Stevens,  Hubbell  Sprague,  Par- 
menas  Smallwood,  James  Owens,  Winkfield  Everett,  William 
Ward,  John  Widick,  Samuel  Widick,  James  Taylor,  James  A. 
Ward,  James  Myers,  John  Mowry,  Horace  McMertery,  James 
Finly,  James  McGinas,  George  Widick,  Elisha  Moore,  Dempsey 
Pope,  Jones  Edwards,  Berry  Rose,  John  Ward,  Smith  Mounce,  and 
Henry  Carter. 

THE  SECOND  GRAND  AND  PETIT  JURORS. 

At  the  county  commissioners’  court  held  in  March  1830,  it  was 

‘ Ordered , That  the  following  named  persons  appear  before  the 
circuit  court,  to  be  held  at  Decatur  on  the  sixth  day  of  May  next, 
at  the  hour  of  eleven  o’clock,  a.m.,  to  serve  as  grand  jurors,  to-wit : 
Benjamin  R.  Austin,  Francis  G.  Hill,  Robert  Foster,  William 
Freeman,  Lambert  G.  Bearden,  James  Ward,  Jeremiah  Ward, 
William  D.  Baker,  Michael  Myers,  William  Wheeler,  Edmund 
McDaniel,  William  Miller,  John  Miller,  sr.,  James  Hanks,  Isaac 
Miller,  David  Miller,  (2d),  Samuel  Miller,  William  King,  Thomas 
Cowan,  Luther  Stevens,  John  Miller  (2d),  John  Hanks,  and  Jon- 
athan Miller  ; and  that  the  following  named  persons  appear  at  the 
circuit  court,  at  the  time  and  place  above  mentioned,  to  serve  as 
petit  jurors,  to-wit:  David  Miller,  Doras  Stevens,  Matthias 

Anderson,  Parmenas  Smallwood,  James  Owens,  Winkfield 


| For  Divorce. 


Places  of  Public  Interest  in  and  around  Decatur  Illinois 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


Everett,  William  Ward,  John  Widick,  Samuel  Widick,  James 
W.  D.  Taylor,  James  A.  Ward,  James  Myers,  John  Mowry, 
Henry  Ewing,  James  Finly,  James  McGinas,  George  Widick, 
Landy  Harrell,  Peter  Walker,  William  Cox,  Berry  Hose,  Ran- 
dolph Rose,  David  Davis  and  John  Waruick.” 

COUNTY  BUILDINGS. 

THE  FIRST  COURT-HOUSE. 

Was  a log  structure  about  20x20  feet  and  a story  and  a half 
high.  It  contained  two  rooms  one  above  the  other  and  was  heated 
by  an  old-fashioned  fire-place.  The  building  stood  on  the  west  half 
of  lot  four  (4)  in  block  four  (4)  of  the  original  town  of  Decatur. 

It  was  built  in  the  latter  part  of  the  year  1829  and  spring  of  1830, 
and  continued  to  be  used  as  a court-house  till  1838,  when  it  was 
moved  to  what  is  known  as  the  “ Robert  Allen  Farm,”  where  it  is 
now  used  as  a barn. 

SECOND  COURT-HOUSE. 

The  second  court-house  was  a brick  building  about  40x40  feet, 
erected  in  1838,  on  the  southwest  corner  of  the  public  square.  As 
the  population  of  the  county  became  larger  and  the  legal  business 
increased,  this  temple  of  justice  like  its  predecessor  was  at  length 
found  to  be  too  small  and  the  count}'  in  1870  leased  a part  of 
Powers’  Block  which  constitutes  the  present  court-house.  The 
second  story  is  used  as  the  court-room  : the  first  floor  contains  most 
of  the  county  offices,  which,  as  well  as  the  court-room,  are  pleas- 
antly situated,  spacious  and  commodious. 

THE  FIRST  JAIL. 

The  first  jail  of  Macon  county  erected  in  November,  1832,  was  a 
log  structure  built  with  hewed  logs  about  twelve  inches  square. 
The  building  was  about  twelve  feet  square  at  the  base,  and  contain- 
ed two  rooms,  one  above  the  other.  It  was  situated  on  the  north- 
west corner  of  Water  and  Prairie  Streets.  About  the  year  1836,  it 
was  moved  to  the  north-west  corner  of  Wood  and  Church  Streets, 
where  four  years  later  it  was  burned  down. 

SECOND  JAIL. 

From  the  burning  of  the  first  jail  to  1843,  the  county  was  with- 
out a jail.  Iu  the  latter  year  a brick  jail  two  stories  high  and  con- 
taining two  cells  was  erected  on  the  site  of  the  old  one — corner  of 
Wood  and  Church  Streets — and  was  used  for  jail  purposes  till  1868, 
since  which  time  it  has  been  the  city  calaboose. 

PRESENT  JAIL. 

The  present  jail,  which  is  fifty  feet  long  by  forty  wide,  was  erected 
in  the  year  1868,  on  the  south  side  of  Wood  Street  between  Water 
and  Franklin  Streets.  Its  walls  are  stone,  and  its  interior  is  lined 
with  wood  and  boiler  iron.  It  contains,  in  all,  twenty-four  cells, 
two  of  which  are  on  the  second  floor,  and  used  to  confine  persons 
guilty  of  minor  offences.  Joined  to  it  is  the  residence  of  the  sheriff, 
which  is  32x42  feet,  and  has  two  stories.  The  residence  is  of  brick, 
with  four  rooms  below  aud  five  above,  besides  a commodious  base- 
ment. The  jail  has  all  the  modern  improvements  common  to  such 
iustitutions. 

The  original  cost  of  the  entire  building  was  forty-five  thousand 
dollars.  There  were  in  all  one  hundred  and  seventy-two  prisoners 
confined  in  this  jail  during  the  year  1879.  The  present  number  is 
ten.  Through  the  courtesy  of  Martin  Forstmeyer,  Esq.,  present 
sheriff,  we  are  able  to  give  the  expenses  of  the  jail  for  one  year  from 
June  1,  1879,  to  June  1,  1880,  as  follows  : 

Boarding,  Washing  and  Miscellaneous  Expenses, $ 2540.52 

For  Blankets  and  Mattresses, 150.00 

Total, $2690.52 


55 


COUNTY  rOOR-IIOUSE  AND  FARM. 

This  institution  is  located  on  the  south  half  of  section  25,  in  town- 
ship 17,  N.  R.  2 east,  of  the  third  principal  meridian.  The  farm  it- 
self contained  206  acres.  The  main  building  was  completed  in 
1873,  and  was  connected  with  another  house  built  by  the  county; 
the  two  together  having,  in  all,  thirty  rooms. 

The  cost  of  the  poor-house,  including  the  old  and  the  new  build- 
ings, was  upwards  of  seven  thousand  dollars.  The  original  building 
purchased  with  the  farm  has  been  detached,  repaired,  and  at  present, 
has  eight  apartments  for  insane  persons.  The  outbuildings,  such 
as  barn,  crib,  hog  stable,  &c.,  cost  an  additional  sixteen  hundred 
dollars.  The  farm  is  divided  into  three  fields,  besides  the  small  lots 
and  yards  about  the  building. 

Belonging  to  the  farm  at  present  are  six  head  of  horses,  ten  head 
of  cattle,  and  one  hundred  and  fifty  head  of  hogs.  Everything 
connected  with  the  farm  is  in  excellent  repair,  showing  superior 
care  and  management.  Ou  the  part  of  the  authorities  in  charge. 

ASSESSMENTS  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  FOR  THE  YEAR  1880,  SHOWING 

TOTALS. 


Horses 

Cattle 

Is  umber. 

...  5,079 

482 

Value. 

§213,300 

125,739 

23  265 

Sheep  

Hogs 

Carriages  and  wagons 

Clocks  and  watches 

Pianos 

...  16,723 

...  1,633 

31 

4,007 

35,109 

45,821 

3 395 

Goods  and  merchandise 

- * 

110,065 

Bankers,  brokers,  and  stock  jobbers’ 

property, 

10,500 

Capital  stock,  &c.,  of  incorporated  banks 

34,000 

Manufactured  articles 

Moneys  and  credits 

Bonds,  stocks,  joint  stock  companies 

Unen  lime  rated  property 

112,330 

Total 

Deductions  

Total  value  of  taxable  personal  property §322,827 

Railroad  property 110,505 

Lands 1,970,955 

Town  lots 703,535 


Grand  total  of  real,  personal  and  railroad  property §3,614,122 


Agricultural  Statistics  of  Macon  county  for  the  year  ending  December 
31st,  1879  ; as  appears  from  the  Assessors’  returns,  filed  in  the 
Clerk's  office. 

NO.  BUSHELS. 


FARM  CROPS,  Etc. 

Corn  

Winter  Wheat 

Spring  Wheat 

Oats 

Apple  Orchard 

Peach  Orchard 

Pear  Orchard 

Vineyards 

Timothy  Meadow 

Clover  Meadow 

Prairie  Meadow  

Hungarian  and  Millet. 

Ryh 

Earley 


NO.  ACHES  1879. 

..  133,055 
. 15,895 

..  2,344 

. 20,403 
..  3,408 

46} 
8f 

24J 

..  17,761 
494 
472 
64  J 

1,756 

86 


PRODUCED  1879. 

4,663,785 
341,994 
23,249 
840,743 
83,000 
1,065 
14 

GALLS.  WINE  MADE. 

2,457 

TONS  PEODVCID. 

19,313 

550 

606 

98 

BUSHELS  PRODUCED. 

51,471 

1,583 


56 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS . 


FARM  CROPS,  etc. 

Buckwheat 

Castor  Beans 

Beans 

Peas 

Irish  Potatoes 

Sweet  Potatoes 

Tobacco 

Broom  Corn 

Hemp  (Fibre)  

NO.  ACRES,  1879. 

i 

18 

H 

i 

101 

178 

BUSHELS  PRODUCED. 

439 

6 

390 

45 

73,849 

955 

POUNDS  PRODUCED. 

720 

5,317 

111,500 

Flax  (Fibre) 

28,9175 

GALLS.  SYRUP  MADE. 

Sorgo 

115 

23,705 

VAL.  CROPS  PRODUCED. 

Turnip  and  other  Root  Crops 

16 

1,810 

Other  Fruits  and  Berries 

1,230 

Other  Crops  not  named  above 

40 

Pasture 

54,297 

Woodland  

14,450 

Uncultivated  Land 

11,129 

Area  City  & Town  Real  Estate  (not  included  above)  2,416 

Total  No.  of  Acres  in  County 

280,891 

LIVE  STOCK,  Etc.  Quantity  or  Value 

No.  Sheep  killed  by  dogs  1879 52 

Total  Value  Sheep  killed  by  dogs  1879 195 

Number  Pounds  Wool  Shorn  1879 40,218 

Number  Fat  Sheep  Sold  1879 1,293 

Total  Gross  Weight  Fat  Sheep  Sold  1879 128,744 

Cows,  Number  Kept  1879 4,041 

Pounds  Butter  Sold  1879 145,443 

Pounds  Cheese  Sold  1879  

Gallons  Cream  Sold  1879  

Gallons  Milk  Sold  1879 325 

Number  Colts  Foaled  in  1879  819 

Number  Horses,  any  age,  Died  in  1879 405 

Number  of  Fat  Cattle  Sold  1879 5,806 

Total  Gross  Weight  Fat  Cattle  Sold 5,788,872 

Number  Fat  Hogs  Sold  1879 37,894 

Total  Gross  Weight  Fat  Hogs  Sold  1879 8,214,020 

Number  Hogs  and  Pigs  died  of  Cholera  1879  .. 4,433 

Total  Gross  Weight  of  Swine  died  of  Cholera  1879 302,814 

Number  Bushels  Timothy  Seed  Produced  1879 1,712 

Number  Bushels  Clover  Seed  Produced  1879 458 

Number  Bushels  Hungarian  and  Millet  Seed  Produced  1879 150 

Number  Bushels  Cotton  Seed  Produced  1879  

Number  Bushels  Flax  Seed  Produced  1879 12,992 

Number  Pounds  Grapes  Produced  1879 74,408 


ASSESSMENT  OF  REAL  ESTATE , PERSONAL  PROPERTY,  PRINCIPAL  ARTICLES,  &c„  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS,  FOR  THE  YEAR  1880. 


TOWNS. 

Improved  Lands. 

Unimproved 

Lands. 

Total  Lands. 

As  Equalized  and  Cor- 
rected by  Town  Board. 

Total  Lots. 

As  Equalized  k Cor- 
rected by  T.  Board. 

Horses. 

Neat  Cattle. 

Mules,  Asses 

Sheep. 

Hogs. 

acres. 

VALUE. 

acres 

VALLE. 

ACRES. 

VALUE. 

LOTS. 

VALUE. 

NO. 

VALUE. 

NO. 

VALUE. 

NO.  VALUE. 

NO. 

VALUE. 

NO. 

VALUE. 

290 

77885 

7 

890 

297 

78775 

3601 

1209070 

499 

19395 

351 

5530 

55  2225 

251 

578 

Decatur  Tp 

15051 

327683 

1097 

20490 

16148 

338334 

97 

9235 

354 

13725 

548 

7078 

61  2125 

70 

90 

1417 

2905 

Mt.  Zion 

25036 

443289 

1780 

23308 

26816 

466597 

56 

13980 

645 

18061 

1933 

31585 

107  4115 

672 

683 

2611 

5490 

South  Wheatland. 

18542 

322650 

595 

7025 

19137 

329375 

31 

4322 

594 

16962 

1020 

13498 

128  4800 

949 

1565 

3694 

7202 

Hickory  Point 

22326 

365118 

22326 

365118 

108 

7643 

795 

20535 

1007 

12467 

92  3420 

356 

356 

3000 

7596 

15140 

199900 

15140 

199900 

422 

107  so 

305 

3649 

98!  3245 

84 

86 

1326 

2803 

Blue  Mound  . 

17880 

288267 

2042 

21287 

19922 

309554 

100 

3030 

529 

14745 

936 

11211 

145  4535 

321 

321 

3103 

6385 

Whitmore 

21168 

337005  1937 

21540 

23105 

358545 

68 

5985 

728 

23930 

876 

11898 

112  4175 

185 

309 

2682 

6749 

A not! *-» 

23331 

379909 

23331 

379999 

714 

19645 

1103 

11745 

150:  4855 

360 

540 

3187 

7625 

Harristovvn  

16518 

355815  1308 

12400 

17826 

368215 

92 

14545 

539 

14320 

754 

14821 

88  2590 

490 

1955 

2654 

7104 

30529 

415290 



30529 

415290 

208 

7094 

760 

29455 

1276 

22259 

77  2940 

1351 

2083 

3713 

11927 

22610 

397986 

22610 

397986 

198 

12329 

731 

21555 

892 

10952 

194  7750 

752 

752 

3174 

7742 

Niantic 

17252 

277900  1332 

4491 

18584 

282591 

342 

14760 

626 

17105 

696 

8380 

77  2905 

629 

591 

1973 

3293 

Oaklev  

13794 

233887  4482 

44481 

18276 

278368 

71 

2898 

467 

11528 

1080 

10967 

76  1940 

176 

176 

2866 

4788 

23988 

510260 

581 

9260 

24569 

519520 

722 

18730 

1 4>9 

15403 

701 

098 

2976 

4234 

‘>1337 

356099 

21337 

356099 

501 

41235 

672 

22078 

1 280 

17549 

121  4270 

817 

1629 

2330 

5702 

Pleasant  View 

19577 

286155 

446 

4800 

20023 

290955 

388 

47120 

587 

14407 

1094 

13624 

140  3845 

308 

377 

2620 

6215 

Maroa 

26177 

433535 



26177 

433535 

520 

78287 

947 

29035 

1133 

13025 

147  4900 

1057 

2655 

2948 

5975 

6008723 



6168856 

6381 

1471533 

11361 

335941 

17704 

2356441907  67400 

9284  14926 

46585 

104313 

S. Engines  Fire  and 
including  Burglar 
Boilers,  j P.  Safes. 

Billi’d 

k OTHER 

Tables. 

no 

VALUE. 

NO 

val’e 

no 

VAL 

6 

2850 

54 

3020 

20 

860 

i 

5 

1100 

i 

40 

4 

950 

i 

10 

2 

700 

i 

15 

"} 

300 

1 

150 

2 

400 

i 

20 

1 

350 

3 

500 

1 

110 

2 

375 

2 

160 

3 

590 

3 

1 15 

6 

2775 

13 

54-5 

3 

60 

38 

11150J7 

3950 

23 

920 

TOWNS. 

Carriages 
and  Wagons 

Watches 
and  Clocks. 

SOWING  AND 

Knit’g  Ma- 
chines. 

Piano 

Forte. 

M KLODE- 

ONS  AND 

Organs. 

Goods  & 
Mdse. 

II 

Materials  j 
Manuf'd  1 
Articles 

Manufac- 
1 tur’s  Tls. 
1 & Mchry. 

Agricult'l 
Tools  & 
Mchry. 

J a 
5 E' 

* *3  * 
2 £< 
CP 

Diamonds 
& Jlry. 

« S m . 

Kao 

§ 

i IM 

s 

a ‘S  « . 

r.  X O 

° 

a 2 a"  J 
u 

Prop’y  op  j 
1 Saloons  & 

| Eat.  Hou. 

Q H 1 

J ^ « 

a S * . 

w '**  PS  w 

™°  P * 
o £ 

X 

i&si 

S :c>jw 
uX  £ w 

3 5 2 ? 

fa  . 
O GO 

2 5 

no. 

VALUE. 

no. 

VALUE. 

no. 

VAI  UE. 

NO. 

VAL. 

NO. 

VAL. 

dollars 

_ 

DOI  LS. 

DOLLS. 

DOLLS. 

DOLLS. 

DOL. 

DOLLS. 

DOLLS. 

VALUE. 

VALUE. 

VALUE. 

VALUE. 

Decatur  City 

389 

15065 

436 

4879 

490 

4910 

157 

1215 

33 

1005 

21071036330 

4190 

20 

1400 

365 

57480 

41870 

4690 

87450 

1080 

1300 

147 

3240 

41 

329 

66 

665 

9 

440 

180 

200 

1497 

10 

3200 

7390 

7300 

835 

074 

3052 

1 80 

368 

124 

917 

2050 

40 

15 

2505 

1896 

26624 

4700 

4929 

South  Wheatland.. 

258 

4568 

128 

394 

108 

1134 

6 

262 

20 

420 

810 

10 

330 

5897 

695 

18040 

5693 

345 

7745 

317 

4229 

376 

115 

870 

350 

18 

420 

1515 

150 

7037 

2885 

5542 

14505 

127 

1 955 

41 

42 

59 

610 

5 

105 

2515 

692 

6131 

235 

3793 

177 

253 

107 

1193 

16 

570 

2400 

840 

3341 

8 

37 

1350 

4850 

3604 

10998 

252 

4053 

166 

461 

1 12 

1204 

4 

160 

23 

665 

2050 

40 

180 

5565 

850 

5360 

2703 

16932 

262 

3965 

33 

430 

90 

900 

6 

230 

4892 

3315 

2680 

14480 

Harristown 

260 

3589 

123 

521 

91 

877 

10 

570 

15 

520 

3550 

750 

150 

4184 

6253 

20570 

4350 

10750 

240 

4040 

214 

412 

139 

1929 

4 

250 

28 

700 

2469 

6218 

15 

2840 

2270 

5430 

680 

15735 

Ulini 

340 

6108 

194 

502 

118 

686 

8 

345 

27 

930 

3370 

30 

165 

4330 

5020 

4235 

15715 

949 

2579 

179 

314 

111 

671 

6 

165 

29 

435 

30 

4165 

10750 

4158 

9340 

178 

91X1 

1Q1 

200 

98 

694 

9 

280 

930 

190 

205 

231 1 

5910 

3322 

6822 

274 

3XX9  1 4 

72 

122 

1214 

2 

60 

22 

400 

430 

25 

3702 

805 

600 

3873 

5222 

South  Macon 

279 

5535 

157 

555 

154 

1514 

10 

605 

40 

485 

10725 

30 

105 

3911 

30 

2670 

9300 

6392 

5450 

Pleasant  View 

256 

5289 

242 

608 

174 

1736 

4 

180 

31 

700 

16595 

380 

420 

3931 

30 

2500 

18032 

100 

4161 

21317 

Maroa 

422 

8850 

287 

1860 

232 

2350 

17 

710 

51 

1380 

19500 

1565 

3090 

6640 

305 

48105 

6725 

340 

9865 

1500 

22475 

Total... 

4752 

85973 

2960  125762570 

I 1 

21074 

244 

1312370 

1 

9125  232384  39365  10795 
1 1 1 

72661 

1788 

153209 

164916 

5130  170650 

1 

3605 

190681 

| All  other 
Prop,  not 
oth’rwise 
1 Listed 

Shakes  of 
Stock  of 
State  or 
Nat.  Bks. 

< « a 
> c 

.a.  £ 

NO. 

DOGS. 

value. 

value. 

VALUE. 

3725 

40000 

563672 

13 

400 

51609 

94 

552 

107582 

121 

580 

90975 

74 

3375 

86768 

162* 

4050 

36613 

125 

540 

71934 

45 

625 

93184 

217 

2870 

78172 

161 

225 

97949 

100 

111802 

236 

25 

90632 

142 

70781 

138 

82 

53026 

190 

62225 

231 

1488 

105978 

1(»4| 

3823 

118975 

200 

3040 

204880 

202 

25400 

40000  i2096757 

2559} 



HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


57 


LEGISLATORS. 


The  following  is  a list  of  the  members  of  the  General  Assembly 
of  Illinois  from  Macon  county  since  its  organization. 


Names.  When  served. 

R.  K.  McLaughlin,  1830-31. 

Win.  Williamson,  1832-3-4-5-6. 
James  Allen,  1836-7-8-9. 

John  Moore,  1840-41. 

Robert  F.  Barnett,  1842-3. 

George  W.  Powers,  1844-5-6-7. 
Edwd.  O.  Smith,  1849. 

Asahel  Gridley,  1851  to  1853. 

G.  R.  Jernegan,  1855. 

Joel  I.  Post,  1857  to  1859. 


Names.  When  served. 
R.  J.  Oglesby,  1861. 

Isaac  Funk,  1863  to  1865. 
W.  H.  Cheeney,  1867. 

John  McNulta,  1869. 

John  McNulta,  -> 

Michael  Donahoe, ) 

Michael  Donahoe, 

Jesse  F.  Harrold,  187  1. 
William  F.  Moffett,  1879. 


REPRESENTATIVES. 


Names.  When  served. 


John  F.  Posey.... 

1830-1 

Geo-  H.  Beeler  ... 

Thomas  B.  Tower. 

Thomas  B.  Tower 

Wm.  G.  Reddick. 

1836-7 

Jesse  W.  Gonge.... 

1838-9 

Robert  F.  Barnett. 

1840-1 

Samuel  G.  Nisbitt. 

1842-3 

Kirby  Benedict.... 

1844-5 

William  Cantrell. 

1846-7 

Reuben  B.  Ewing.. 

1849 

Charles  Emmerson 

1851 

Henry  Prather 

Harvey  C.  Johns.. 

1855 

Jerome  R.  Gorin.. 

Daniel  Stikel 

1859 

Lawrence  Weldon 

James  Elder,  ■] 

William  Coler, 

(■ 1863 

Isaac  C.  Pugh, 

L.  J.  Bond,  J 

* 1868 

Names. 

Clark  R.  Griggs, 

A.  B.  Bunn, 

W.  M.  Stanley, 

John  W.  Scroggs, 

Wm.  E.  Nelson, 
Wm.  T.  Moffit, 

Job  A.  Race, 
Tillman  Lane, 

Wm.  T.  Moffett, 

Shaw  Pease, 

John  H.  Tyler, 
Samuel  S.  Jack, 

Samuel  S.  Jack, 
Thomas  I.  Able, 
Wm.  L.  Chambers, 

John  H.  Tyler, 

Geo.  K Ingham, 
Bradford  K.  Durfee, 


When  served. 


1837 


1869 


1871 


1873 


1875 


1876 


1879 


COUNTY  OFFICIALS. 

THE  FIRST  BOARD  OF  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS. 
Benjamin  Wlison, 

Elisha  Freeman,  j-  Served  during  the  year  1829-30. 
James  G.  Miller,  J 

SECOND  BOARD. 

Elisha  Freeman,  -» 

James  Miller,  !■  Served  during  the  year  1830-31. 

Isaac  C.  Pugh,  J 


THIRD  BOARD. 


James  Miller, 


Isaac  C.  Pugh,  l Served  during  the  year  1831-2. 
David  Davis,  J 


FOURTH  BOARD. 


Hugh  Bowles, 

Elisha  Freeman,  l Served  during  the  year  1832-3. 
Phillip  D. Williams,  J 


FIFTH  BOARD. 


Hugh  Bowles,  -i 

Elisha  Freeman,  t Served  during  the  year  1833-4. 

Phillip  D.Williams,  J 


SIXTH  BOARD. 


Benjamin  Wilson,  v 

Wm.  Muirhead,  j-  Served  during  the  year,  1834-35. 
James  A.  Piatt,  J 


SEVENTH  BOARD. 


Benjamin  Wilson,  \ 

Wm.  Muirhead,  ^Served  during  the  year  1835-6. 
James  A.  Piatt,  J 


EIGHTH  BOARD. 


James  A.  Piatt, 
Josiah  Clifton, 
Win.  Muirhead, 

Hiram  Chapin, 
Wm.  Muirhead, 
James  A.  Piatt, 


| Served  during  the  year  1836-7. 


NINTH  BOARD. 


1 


Served  during  the  year  1837-8. 


TENTH  BOARD. 


Elisha  Freeman, 
Hiram  Chapin, 


> Served  during  the  year  1838-9. 
Benjamin  Wilson,  J 

ELEVENTH  BOARD. 

Elisha  Freeman,  -j 

Benjamin  Wilson,  J- Served  during  the  year  1839-40. 
John  Rucker,  J 

TWELFTH  BOARD. 

Elisha  Freeman,  -i 

John  Rucker,  >•  Served  during  the  year  1840-1. 

Abrah'm  H.  Keller,  J 


THIRTEENTH  BOARD. 

John  Rucker,  \ 

Abrah’m  H.  Keller,  J- Served  during  the  year  1841-2. 
Leonard  Ashton,  ‘ 


FOURTEENTH  BOARD. 

John  Rucker,  \ 

Leonard  Ashton,  J- Served  during  the  year  1842-3. 
And’w  W.  Smith,  ) 


FIFTEENTH  BOARD. 


John  Rucker, 
And’w  W.Sm 
James  D.  Tait, 


And’w  W.  Smith,  j-  Served  during  the  year  1843-4. 


SIXTEENTH  BOARD. 

And’w  W.  Smith,  i 

James  Tait,  j-  Served  during  the  year  1844-5. 

Elisha  Freeman,  J 

SEVENTEENTH  BOARD. 

Elisha  Freeman,  \ 

Samuel  Rea,  i Served  from  1845  to  1849. 

James  D.  Campbell,  ‘ 

PROBATE  JUDGES. 

Daniel  McCall,  appointed  Probate  Judge  in  1830,  served  until 
1835  ; Charles  Emmerson  elected  in  1835,  served  until  1837 ; Kirby 
Benedict  elected  in  1837,  continued  in  office  until  1843;  John  G. 
Speer  elected  in  1843,  served  until  1846 ; Thomas  H.  Read  elected 
in  1846,  served  until  1849. 

COUNTY  JUDGES. 

In  1848  the  new  Constitution  of  the  State  made  a change,  organ- 
izing a County  Court  with  one  Judge,  having  a probate  jurisdiction 
and  providing  for  two  Associate  Justices,  all  to  hold  office  for  four 
years.  Under  this  law  there  were  elected  : 

William  Prather,  County  Judge, elected  in  1849,  Jacob  Hostettler 
and  John  Rucker,  Associates,  elected  in  1849,  and  served  until 
1857 ; John  Pricketts,  County  Judge,  elected  in  1857,  Jacob 
Spangler  and  W.  G.  Cameron,  Associates,  elected  in  1857,  and 
served  until  1860.  In  1859  Township  organization  was  adopted, 
making  another  change  in  the  county  court,  vacating  the  office  of 
Associate  Justices.  Under  this  law  there  was  elected,  Samuel  F. 
Greer,  County  Judge,  elected  iu  1861,  re-elected  as  follows:  in 
1865,  1869,  1873,  and  1877,  whose  term  will  expire  in  1881. 


8 


58 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


COUNTY  CLERKS. 


D.  McCall,  appointed 

in 

1S29 

served  until 

1837. 

H.  M.  Gorin,  elected 

(t 

1837 

a 

1841. 

N.  W.  Peddecord,  “ 

“ 

1841 

a 

1847. 

E.  B.  Hale, 

u 

1847 

a 

1851. 

W.  W.  Oglesby, 

ti 

1851 

u 

1857. 

Samuel  Rea,  “ 

ti 

1857 

a 

1865. 

I.  C.  Pugh,  “ 

u 

1865 

a 

1869. 

II.  W.  Waggoner,  “ 

tt 

1869 

tt 

1880. 

CIRCUIT 

CLERKS. 

D.  McCall,  appointed 

in 

1829 

served  until 

1834. 

H.  M.  Gorin,  elected 

ti 

1834 

n 

1841. 

N.  W.  Peddecord,  “ 

a 

1841 

tt 

1848. 

William  Prather,  “ 

tt 

1848 

a 

1856. 

J.  Q.  A.  Odor, 

tt 

1856 

a 

1860. 

W.  L.  Hammer, 

u 

1860 

a 

1869. 

E.  McClellan, 

a 

1869 

a 

1880. 

SHERIFFS  OF 

THE  COUNTY. 

Wm.  Warnick,  appointed 

in 

1829 

served  until 

1835. 

John  McMennamy,  elected 

“ 

1835 

<< 

1838. 

James  Stevens,  “ 

ti 

1838 

a 

1840. 

Wm.  Warnick,  “ 

tt 

1840 

“ 

1842. 

Wm.  Wheeler,  ‘‘ 

a 

1842 

it 

1850. 

Samuel  Rea,  “ 

tt 

1850 

n 

1852. 

Wm.  Wheeler,  re-elected 

a 

1852 

a 

1854. 

S.  M.  Whitehouse,  elected 

a 

1854 

u 

1856. 

J.  Q.  A.  Odor, 

ti 

1856 

a 

1858. 

W m.  Wheeler,  re-elected 

a 

1858 

it 

1860. 

George  Goodman,  elected 

ti 

1860 

tt 

1862. 

John  W.  Bear, 

ti 

1862 

tt 

1864. 

A.  A.  Murray,  “ 

a 

1864 

it 

1866. 

John  E.  Jones, 

a 

1866 

a 

1868. 

James  Travis,  “ 

a 

1868 

a 

1870. 

George  M.  Wood,  “ 

it 

1870 

it 

1872. 

I.  D.  Jennings, 

a 

1872 

a 

1876. 

Martin  Forstmeyer,  “ 

n 

1876 

it 

1880. 

COUNTY  TREASURERS. 


B.  R.  Austin,  appointed  1829, 

served 

until 

1830 

John  Miller, 

it 

1830 

tt 

a 

1831 

B.  R.  Austin, 

it 

1831 

it 

ti 

1832 

James  Johnson, 

it 

1832 

it 

a 

1834 

Joseph  Hostettler, 

U 

1834 

a 

“ 

1835 

Joseph  Stevens, 

a 

1835 

a 

ti 

1837 

J.  Renshaw, 

t.t 

1837 

resigned, 

1837 

D.  Davis, 

tt 

1837 

served  until 

1839 

Henry  Snyder, 

a 

1839 

tt 

“ 

184-5 

Thomas  H.  Read, 

it 

1845 

resigned, 

1846 

George  W.  Powers, 

a 

1846 

served 

until 

1848 

S.  C.  Allen,  elected 

1848 

a 

il 

1853 

I.  C.  Pugh, 

ti 

1853 

tt 

a 

1858 

William  Cantrell, 

a 

1858 

tt 

a 

1863 

Ira  B.  Curtis, 

tt 

1863 

ti 

ti 

1869 

Wm.  M.  Boyd, 

a 

1869 

Li 

a 

1873 

R.  II.  Park, 

tt 

1873 

it 

“ 

1875 

George  M.  Wood, 

a 

1875 

ti 

a 

1880 

and  is  the  present  incumbent. 

Coroners. — David  Manley,  elected  in  1830;  Samuel  B.  Dewees, 
elected  1831 ; Jacjb  Hornback,  1834  ; John  Miller,  1836  ; Parmen- 
as  Smallwood,  1840;*  M.  Y.  Givler,  1862,  and  re-elected  in  1864; 
Isaac  D.  Jennings,  1866;  M.  Y.  Givler,  1870 ; Daniel  Aungst,  1874 ; 
Cassidy  Chenoweth,  1876;  John  Dinneen,  1878. 

County  Surveyors. — James  R.  Austin,  appointed  in  1829;  E. 
McClellan,  elected  in  1S38;  R.  P.  Wren,  1840  ; Auson  Packard — ; 
James  P.  Boyd,  1853  ; J.  B.  K.  Shirrick,  1854  ; A.  T.  Risley,  1857  ; 
W.  S.  Lawrence,  1865 ; G.  V.  Loring,  1869,  and  is  the  present 
incumbent. 

*We  are  unable  to  give  all  the  coroners,  as  the  records  are  uncertain  up  to 
1862. 


We  subjoin  a list  of  the  first  board  of  supervisors,  elected  in  1860 
on  adoption  of  township  organization  : 

Hickory  Point  Township J.  Y.  Braden. 


Austin  “ James  Parker. 

Oakley  “ G.  W.  Forest. 

Long  Creek  “ John  Rucker. 

Maroa  ‘‘  Wm.  Crawford. 

Friends’  Creek  “ D.  K.  Wilson. 

Decatur  ‘‘  H.  B.  Durfee. 

“ “ John  W-  Koehler,  (Assistant.) 

Niantie  “ J-  H.  Hughes. 

South  Wheatland  ‘‘  I.  S.  Boardman. 

Whitmore  “ James  Lichtenberger. 

Harristown  “ Abraham  Eyman. 

Mt.  Zion  “ W.  C.  Myers. 

South  Macon  “ W.  D.  Hamilton. 

Blue  Mound  ‘‘  J.  C.  Armstrong. 

CONCLUSION. 


The  history  of  Macon  county  includes  only  about  half  a century. 
Beginning  with  its  birth  just  fifty-one  years  ago  we  have  followed 
its  upward  career  until  the  present  (1880.)  We  have  made  men- 
tion of  those  who  assisted  at  its  formation,  and  have  since  been  hon- 
orably connected  with  its  history  ; we  have  wandered  together  by 
the  stream  of  history  as,  for  over  half  a century,  it  has  meandered 
through  old  Macon,  receiving  its  affluents  here  and  there,  and  de- 
positing in  its  banks  relics  of  the  past,  which  patiently,  and  we 
trust  successfully,  we  have  exhumed  and  brought  before  your  vi- 
sion, recalling  the  olden  time  and  placing  it  in  contact  with  the  new. 
Standing  on  some  jutting  headland,  we  view  the  pauorama  as  it 
slowly  passes  by,  unfolding  the  scene  time  has  £>enciled  thereon. 
Here  coming  up  out  of  the  misty  past,  is  the  Indian  in  full  chase  of 
the  bounding  deer.  He  passes,  and  before  his  form  dies  away  in 
the  distance  we  see  the  first  settlers  moving  forward  with  the  slow- 
paced oxen,  bearing  their  household  treasures  into  the  openings  of 
the  Sangamon.  A cabin  of  rude  logs  rises  ; the  pioneer’s  axe  rings 
through  the  woods,  the  cumbersome  plow  turns  the  furrows  ; the 
pioneer  mill  rises,  and  a new  life  has  taken  possession  of  the  wilder- 
ness, and  the  hunting-grounds  of  the  red  man  are  no  more  before 
us,  but  have  moved  westward  toward  the  setting  sun.  Another 
scene  unfolds  before  us,  and  the  rude  school-house  and  chapel  are 
seen,  wherein  gather  the  children  of  the  pioneer  for  instruction, 
even  amid  the  solitudes  of  the  border ; and  we  hear  the  song  of 
thanksgiving  and  the  voice  of  melody  rise  upon  the  air  and  blend 
with  the  song  of  birds  and  the  rustle  of  leaves  as  the  summer 
zephyrs  move  the  foliage  of  the  woods.  The  stage-coach  rumbles 
up  to  the  door  of  the  log  hostelry,  notes  of  the  driver’s  horn  mak- 
ing merry  echoes  through  the  old  parks  and  startling  the  quail  and 
partridge  from  their  coverts  by  the  wayside ; houses  of  more  pre- 
tentious appearance  begin  to  dot  the  landscape,  which  is  fast  as- 
suming the  aspect  of  a prosperous  community.  Church  spires,  sure 
indices  of  civilization  and  refinement,  point  heavenward,  as  if  to  lift 
the  thoughts  of  the  dwellers  of  the  land  from  the  soil,  wherefrom 
hitherto  their  chief  substance  has  been  drawn,  to  other  sources  of 
life  rather  than  “ bread  alone.”  Another  picture  comes  before  us 
as  the  parallel  bands  of  iron  converging  into  one  in  the  dim  dis- 
tance expand  into  the  railway  track,  along  which  thunders  the  cars 
of  the  several  lines  of  road  passing  through  the  county,  carrying  its 
products  to  the  outer  world.  The  telegraph  brings  the  news  from 
the  sea-board,  and  the  days  of  slow-moving  trade  are  numbered  and 
laid  to  rest ; magnificent  school-houses,  wherein  the  youth  are  fitted 
for  life’s  business,  professionally  or  otherwise,  stand  before  us,  mon- 
uments to  the  wisdom  of  the  founders  of  the  system  which  has  made 
them  possible.  Another  series  of  scenes  comes  before  us,  and  we 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


50 


see  in  dim  and  shadowy  outline  the  pioneer  shouldering  his  trusty 
rifle,  and  bidding  wife  and  children  good-by,  going  westward  to 
intercept  the  approach  of  the  savage  before  his  bloody  trail  shall 
strike  his  own  settlement.  This  moves  on,  and  in  its  place  we  see 
the  sons  of  these  pioneers  forming  by  squad  and  company  and  bat- 
talion and  regiment,  and  going  forth  by  hundreds,  yes,  thousands, 
to  defend  the  flag  of  the  country  which  has  given  them  a govern- 
ment, under  whose  fostering  care  all  these  later  scenes  have  been 
made  accomplished  facts.  We  look  upon  the  serried  ranks  as  they 
move  forward,  shoulder  to  shoulder,  against  the  deadly  blast  of  war. 
The  cannon  and  musketry  of  traitors  in  arms  thin  their  ranks,  but 
forward  they  bear  the  colors  of  the  Union,  reflected  in  their  blood- 
stains every  step  of  the  weary  way  from  Bull  Run  to  Appomattox. 
Homeward  they  turn  when  victory  is  secure  and  the  Union  has 
triumphed,  their  columns  gaping  from  the  havoc  of  shot  and  shell 
and  the  disease  of  the  camp  and  prison-pen,  and  their  colors  rag- 
ged and  torn,  but  proud  and  defiant  as  ever.  One  grand  ovation 
to  the  living,  a sad  wailing  requiem  for  the  dead,  and  the  rem- 
nant left  of  the  brave  thousands  who  went  forth  to  do  battle  for 
the  right  settle  back  into  the  busy  routine  of  the  private  citizen, 
and  the  war-clouds  pass  away  and  gentle  Peace  covers  all  with  her 
wings.  Well  has  the  poet  said  : — 

And  step  by  step,  since  time  began, 

We  see  the  steady  gain  of  man  !” 


CHAPTER  X. 

THE  BENCH  AND  BAR. 

BY  JAS.  H.  BROWNLEE,  M.  A. 

AWYERS  have  in  all  ages  formed  an  influential  body  of 
men,  animated  by  the  spirit  and  love  of  liberty;  and 
the  student  of  history  finds  that  much  of  the  freedom 
which  men  enjoy  to-day  has  been  won  and  preserved 
by  their  efforts.  When  bold  blows  were  needed  for  the 
right,  and  against  oppression,  they  have  ever  been  foremost  in  the 
battle. 

It  was  Ulpian,  the  Roman  lawyer,  who  lost  his  life  in  aiding  his 
prince  to  put  the  army  below  the  law.  D’Aguesseau,  the  French- 
man, facing  an  enraged  king  unflinchingly  in  behalf  of  his  country, 
and  recalling  the  noble  words  of  his  wife,  “ forgot  that  he  had  a 
family  to  ruin,  and  remembered  only  that  he  had  France  to  save.” 
“ Coke  flung  the  language  of  eighty  years  in  the  face  of  the  first 
Stuart  in  defence  of  the  people.”  Who  has  not  heard  the  motto  of 
the  great  Selden  : “ Before  all  things  else,  liberty.”  It  was  Lord 
Chief  Justice  Mansfield  who  declared:  “ Slaves  cannot  breathe  in 
England ; if  their  lungs  receive  our  air,  that  moment  they  are 
free.”  It  was  the  eloquence  of  the  great  advocate,  Erskine,  that 
in  “ spite  of  the  III.  George  made  it  safe  to  speak  and  print  in  Eng- 
land. ”In  our  own  country  the  part  taken  by  the  lawyers  has  been 
equally  honorable.  It  was  the  silver-tongued  eloquence  of  James 
Otis  of  Boston  that  first  breathed  into  the  colonists  an  heroic  spirit 
of  resistance  to  British  oppression.  The  clarion  voice  of  Henry,  of 
Virginia,  gave  courage  and  hope  for  the  contest.  Jefferson’s  hand 
drafted  the  “Great  Charter”  of  our  liberties,  the  Declaration  of 
Independence.  John  Adams  was  the  colossal  spirit  of  the  Revolu- 
tion. Alexander  Hamilton,  it  was,  who  “touched  the  dead  corpse 
of  Public  Credit  and  caused  it  to  spring  upon  its  feet.”  In  a later 
day,  the  matchless  Webster  expounded  the  Constitution  to  his 
countrymen,  and  gave  to  that  great  instrument  the  national  inter- 
pretation. The  eloquent  Clay,  by'  his  efforts  to  promote  har- 


mony between  the  North  and  the  South,  won  the  proud  title  of  the 
“Great  Pacificator.”  It  was  an  Illinois  lawyer,  Abraham  Lincoln, 
who  was  called  to  save  his  country  from  anarchy  and  dissolution. 
And  the  names  that  have  conferred  the  greatest  and  most  lasting 
glory  upon  this  great  state  are  those  of  two  lawyers,  Abraham 
Lincoln  and  Stephen  A.  Douglas. 

THE  BENCH. 

A glance  over  the  list  of  judges,  who  have  presided  over  the 
courts  in  Macon  county,  will  show  a great  array  of  talent. 
The  first  court  was  held  in  Decatur  in  May,  1830,  at  which 
Samuel  D.  Lockwood,  of  the  Supreme  bench  presided.  Until 
1835,  the  judges  of  the  Supreme  bench  were  required  to  do  circuit 
duty.  In  that  year  a law  was  enacted  severing  the  duties  of 
Supreme  and  Circuit  judges.  Judge  Lockwood  presided  from  1830 
until  the  change  in  the  law.  This  distinguished  jurist  came  to 
Illinois  at  an  early  period,  and  was  a prominent  actor  in  its  history 
for  many  years.  He  was  a man  of  stainless  purity  of  character, 
and  in  ability  the  peer  of  the  ablest  of  his  associates  on  the  bench. 

Stephen  T.  Logan  of  Springfield,  on  the  change  in  the  law  being 
made,  was  elected  ju'dge  of  this  circuit  by  the  legislature,  and 
succeeded  Mr.  Lockwood  in  the  circuit.  He  has  one  of  the  most 
brilliant  legal  intellects  in  the  entire  West,  and  has  won  a high 
reputation  in  law  and  politics.  This  county  then  constituted  a 
part  of  the  first  judicial  district.  Thomas  Ford,  afterwards  gover- 
nor of  the  State,  at  Logan’s  request,  held  the  September  term  of 
1835. 

Judge  Logan  resigned  his  seat  on  the  bench  early  in  1837,  and 
William  Brown  of  Jacksonville  was  appointed  to  the  vacancy  by 
Gov.  Duncan.  Judge  Brown  was  a native  of  Kentucky,  and  a 
man  of  culture  and  agreeable  manners,  and  at  the  time  of  his  ele- 
vation to  the  bench  was  about  twenty-five  years  of  age. 

He  was  followed  on  the  bench  by  Jesse  B.  Thomas,  for  whom  he 
held  the  October  term  of  1837.  Justin  Harlin  held  the  May 
term  for  him.  Judge  Harlin  was  a large,  fine-looking  man  of 
polished  bearing.  He  was  courtly  and  dignified,  and  it  was  a treat 
to  a young  lawyer  to  hear  him  deliver  the  opinion  of  the  court. 
Judge  Thomas  was  on  the  bench  but  a short  time,  being  succeeded 
in  his  office  by  S.  H.  Treat,  who  presided  from  1839  till  the  adop- 
tion of  the  new  constitution  in  1848.  This  eminent  man  has, 
during  the  greater  part  of  his  life,  sat  upon  the  bench.  He  is  now 
the  Judge  of.  the  United  States  District  Court  at  Springfield,  and 
by  his  great  legal  learning  and  impartiality  ornaments  that  high 
office,  and  his  judicial  ermine  is  free  from  stain. 

David  Davis,  of  Bloomington,  wTas  his  successor,  and  presided 
from  1849  to  1853,  inclusive.  The  career  of  Judge  Davis  is  famil- 
iar to  all,  and  is  honorable  to  himself  and  his  state.  In  all  public 
trusts,  as  Judge  of  Circuit,  as  one  of  the  justices  of  the  Supreme 
Court  of  the  United  States,  as  U.  S.  Senator  from  111.,  he  has 
proved  himself  able,  worthy,  and  high-minded.  The  May  term  of 
his  last  year  in  this  Circuit  was  held  for  him  by  Charles  Emmerson, 
who,  in  1854,  became  his  successor  in  office. 

Charles  Emmerson,  the  first  resident  lawyer  of  Macon  county, 
was  a native  of  New  Hampshire.  He  came  to  Illinois  in  1833;  for 
one  term  attended  Illinois  College,  and  then,  removing  to  Spring- 
field,  began  the  study  of  law  under  Judge  Keys.  On  being  ad- 
mitted to  practice  he  settled  in  Decatur,  in  the  spring  of  1834.  In 
1841  he  married  Nancy  Harrell,  who  died  in  1866.  From  ’47 
to  ’50  he  resided  in  Paris,  Illinois.  On  his  return  to  Decatur  he 
was  elected  to  the  legislature,  and  on  the  expiration  of  his  term 
was  re-elected.  In  June,  1853,  he  was  elected  Circuit  judge,  and 
held  the  office  till  1867.  In  1869  he  was  elected  to  the  constitu- 


GO 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


tional  convention.  He  attended  the  early  part  of  the  convention, 
but  was  then  suffering  from  a severe  cold,  which,  settling  on  his 
lungs,  ended  his  life  in  April,  1870. 

“ As  to  his  judicial  career  his  memory  needs  no  comment;  his 
mind  was  evenly  balanced,  and  he  held  the  scales  of  justice  so  im- 
partially that  few  dared  to  question  the  correctness  of  his  decisions ; 
he  seemed  absolutely  unbiased.  * * * His  mind  was  broad 

and  grasping;  the  intricacies  of  the  law  he  could  comprehend 
readily,  and  solve  the  most  difficult  questions  of  law  and  fact  with 
scarcely  a moment’s  reflection.  He  had  the  power  of  presenting 
his  views  succinctly  and  in  such  a way  that  those  who  heard  him, 
in  making  a decision,  at  once  acknowledged  the  justness  and 
correctness  of  his  position  in  the  matter  in  question.  He  was 
charitable,  modest  and  unaffected,  and  possessed  not  one  particle 
of  personal  vanity;  he  had  no  desire  for  display,  and  no  ambition 
for  admiration.” 

He  was  a man  of  the  highest  intellectual  powers,  combined  with 
singular  simplicity  of  deportment  and  dress.  In  his  public  and 
private  life  he  was  a worthy  model  for  imitation.  He  loved  his 
profession,  aud  honored  it  by  his  vast  ability  and  hiseutire  rectitude 
of  life. 

“ His  life  was  gentle  ; 

And  the  elements  so  mixed  in  him 

That  nature  might  stand  and  say  to  all  the  world, 

This  was  a man.” 

He  had  seven  children,  only  one  of  whom,  Leora  M.,  of  Decatur, 
lives  in  the  county  which  is  so  proud  of  his  memory. 

Judge  Arthur  J.  Gallagher,  who  succeeded  Judge  Emmerson,  on 
this  circuit,  was  a native  of  Ireland.  He  came  to  America  when  a 
boy,  and,  with  his  relatives,  first  settled  at  Philadelphia.  He  soon 
left  there,  and  coming  west,  attended  for  a time  the  Catholic  College 
at  St.  Louis.  On  the  outbreak  of  the  Mexican  war,  he  threw  aside 
his  books  and  enlisted  as  private  in  the  2d  Illinois  volunteers, 
Col.  Bissel  commanding.  He  served  out  his  term  of  enlistment — 
one  year — and  participated  in  the  battle  of  Buena  Vista.  Return- 
iug  to  the  States  in  the  spring  of  1847,  he  began  the  study  of  law 
in  the  office  of  Lyman  Trumbull  at  Belleville,  Illinois.  In  1848  he 
was  admitted  to  practice,  and  opened  an  office  in  Vandalia.  In 
1 852  he  was  elected  to  the  legislature  from  his  district,  and  was  after, 
wards  appointed,  by  President  Pierce,  register  of  the  U.  S.  Land  Office 
at  Vandalia,  which  position  he  filled  until  his  removal  to  Decatur 
in  1856,  where  he  soon  took  high  rank  at  the  bar,  and  rose  in  time 
to  its  head.  He  formed  a co-partnership  with  R J.  Oglesby  and 
Sheridan  Wait,  and  the  firm  had  a large  and  lucrative  practice. 
In  1862  he  raised  a company — of  which  he  was  made  captain — for 
the  7th  Illinois  cavalry,  Col.  Wm.  Pitt  Kellogg  (now  Senator  from 
Louisiana)  commanding.  Ill  health  compelled  him  to  resign  after 
a year’s  service.  He  married,  in  1865,  Miss  Rachel  Smith,  eldest 
daughter  of  Hon.  E.  O.  Smith.  In  1867  he  was  elevated  to  the 
bench  of  the  old  sixteenth  circuit,  without  opposition,  serving  till 
1873,  when  he  resumed  practice.  He  died  suddenly  in  the  summer 
of  1879. 

Judge  Gallagher  was  a man  of  towering  intellect  and  remark- 
able perceptive  faculties.  His  grasp  of  legal  questions  wTas  intuitive, 
and  he  possessed  the  power  of  exact  and  luminous  statements.  Though 
not  an  orator,  in  the  po'pular  acceptation  of  the  term,  no  man  surpassed 
him  in  his  ability  to  make  his  meaning  clear  to  a jury  on  the  most 
intricate  points  of  law.  He  was  peculiarly  fitted  for  the  office  of 
judge.  “ He  was  a fair  man.”  “-No  judge  ever  held  the  scales  of 
justice  more  evenly  poised  than  he.”  He  was  honorable  and 
upright  in  all  relations  of  life,  affectionate  in  his  family,  and  had 
hosts  of  friends,  who  were  drawn  and  bound  to  him,  as  by  hooks  of 
steel. 


Judge  Gallagher  was  succeeded  by  C.  B.  Smith,  of  Champaign. 
Judge  Smith  is  a native  of  Western  Virginia,  but  was  brought  by 
his  parents  to  Bellefbntaine,  Ohio,  when  a year  old.  When  reach- 
ing early  manhood  he  chose  the  legal  profession,  and  pursued  the 
study  of  law  in  the  office,  and  under  the  tuition,  of  Gov.  Benjamin 
Stanton.  In  1860  he  was  admitted  to  practice  and  opened  an  office 
in  Bellefontaine,  where  he  remained  one  year.  He  then  removed  to 
Illinois  and  settled  in  Newton,  Jasper  county,  where  he  practiced 
three  years,  at  the  end  of  which  period  he  removed  to  Champaign, 
where  he  has  since  resided.  He  enjoyed,  before  his  elevation  to  the 
bench,  a large  practice.  He  was  elected  circuit  Judge  in  1873,  and, 
in  1879,  was  re-elected.  Judge  Smith  is  a man  of  fine  social  and 
conversational  powers,  of  excellent  knowledge  of  the  law,  and  of 
untiring  industry,  aud  worthy  of  his  high  office. 

In  1877  the  legislature  changed  the  law  governing  circuits, 
(which  heretofore  had  been  single  circuits)  consolidating  two  into 
one,  aud  providing  for  the  election  of  a new  judge,  in  addition  to 
the  two  holding  over.  One  of  the  three  judges  of  the  circuit  is 
selected  by  the  Supreme  court  as  judge  of  the  appellate  court, 
created  by  the  same  act,  and  he,  in  addition  to  hisdutiesas  appellate 
judge,  performs  circuit  duty. 

Judge  Smith  and  O.  L.  Davis,  of  Danville,  being  judges  of 
adjoining  circuits  at  the  time  of  the  passage  of  the  act  above  men- 
tioned, held  over,  and  William  E.  Nelson,  of  Decatur,  was  chosen 
by  the  people  as  third  judge  of  the  enlarged  circuit.  Wm.  E. 
Nelson  was  born  in  Sparta,  White  county,  Tennessee,  on  June  4, 
1824.  He  read  law  in  the  office  of  his  father,  and,  after  thorough 
preparation,  was  admitted  to  practice  in  1844.  He  moved  to  Illi- 
nois in  1857,  and  in  June  of  that  year,  settled  in  Decatur,  where  he 
has  since  lived.  In  1869  he  was  appointed  one  of  a commission  to 
revise  the  statutes  of  the  state,  and  discharged  the  duties  of  that 
office,  until  he  took  his  seat  as  member  of  the  27th  General  Assembly 
in  1871.  In  August,  1877,  he  was  elevated  to  the  bench  as  one  of 
the  judges  of  the  fourth  judicial  circuit,  and  filled  the  entire  term  of 
his  office,  after  which  he  resumed  the  practice  of  his  profession. 
Judge  Nelson  is  a man  of  education,  and  possesses  a fine  command 
of  language ; of  great  industry  and  irreproachable  morality.  He 
has  been  a hard  student  and  knows  the  law.  He  has  a large  prac- 
tice, and  the  interests  of  his  clients  are  carefully  guarded  by  him. 
His  legal  ability  and  uprightness  have  won  the  respect  and  esteem 
of  all  who  know  him. 

The  general  election  for  the  three  judges  in  1879  resulted  in  the 
re-election  of  C.  B.  Smith  and  O.  L.  Davis,  and  the  election  of  J. 
W.  Wilkin,  of  Marshall. 

PROSECUTING  AND  COUNTY  ATTORNEYS. 

1830-35 John  H.  Pugh. 

• 1836-40 D.  H.  Campbell. 

1840-44  Josiali  Lamborn. 

1844-48  John  A.  McDougall. 

1848-52 David  Campbell. 

1852-56 Elam  Rust. 

1856-60 J.  R.  Eden. 

1860-63  *J.  P.  Boyd. 

1863-68 D.  L.  Bunn. 

'1868-72 M.  B.  Thompson. 

1872-76 C.  C.  McComas. 

1876 J.  A.  Buckingham. 

THE  BAR. 

NON-RESIDENT  LAWYERS. 

In  early  times,  owing  to  an  almost  entire  absence  of  litigation, 
attorneys  found  it  necessary,  if  they  would  gain  support  from  their 

* Resigned  and  D.  L.  Bunn  appointed. 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


61 


practice,  to  travel  with  (lie  court  from  one  county  seat  to  another. 
The  terms  of  the  court  began  usually  on  Monday  in  one  county 
and  on  Thursday  in  the  adjoining  county  ; thus,  as  the  courts  held 
ordinarily  but  one  or  two  days,  it  gave  the  court  and  attorneys 
ample  time  to  ride  from  one  county  to  another. 

It  is  a mistake  to  suppose  that  the  lawyers  of  that  day  were  lack- 
ing in  legal  or  intellectual  ability.  This  is  far  from  the  truth.  On 
the  contrary,  the  bar  comprised  men  whose  names  are  now  house- 
hold words.  Abraham  Lincoln,  “the  world’s  most  illustrious  son,” 
who  began  the  study  of  law  in  Macon  county,  and  Stephen  A. 
Douglas,  “the  little  giant,”  both  destined  to  be  life-long  political 
opponents,  came  regularly  to  Decatur  in  the  practice  of  the  law. 
Here,  too,  was  heard  the  surpassingly  eloquent  voice  of  E.  D.  Baker, 
who  commanded  an  Illinois  regiment  in  the  Mexican  war,  was  after- 
wards a Senator  from  Oregon,  and  fell  in  his  country’s  service  at  Ball’s 
Bluff  early  in  the  great  war  for  the  Union.  Then  also  came  U.  F. 
Linder,  witty  and  eloquent  in  a marvelous  degree,  and  won  high 
reputation  in  criminal  law  and  politics.  Here,  too,  practiced 
Josiah  Lamborn,  at  one  time  State’s  attorney  for  the  district.  An 
able  lawyer,  and  in  the  estimation  of  lawyers  who  conducted  a 
defence,  a very  dangerous  prosecutor.  Another  lawyer  who  came 
regularly  to  Decatur  in  practice  of  his  profession  was  Benjamin  S. 
Edwards,  of  Sangamon,  who  had  high  legal  ability  and  reputation. 
Still  another  was  Johu  A.  McDougall,  who  held  the  office  of 
State’s  attorney  from  1844  to  1847  inclusive,  a man  of  varied  and 
brilliant  attainments.  He  went  west  and  became  a United  States 
Senator  from  California.  Still  others  were  Leonard  Swett,  the 
friend  of  Lincoln,  who  now  stands  at  the  head  of  the  Chicago  bar ; 
and  Hon.  O.  B.  Ficklin,  of  Coles,  who  represented  his  district  in 
Congress  for  many  years ; a well-read  lawyer,  whose  mind  is  a vast 
storehouse  of  recollection  and  anecdote  of  the  early  history  of  the 
state  and  of  her  mighty  dead.  Yet  another  was  Hon.  John  T. 
Stewart,  a native  of  Kentucky,  and  a lawyer  of  first-class  ability. 
He  ran  against  Douglas  in  1830  for  Congress,  and  defeated  him. 
William  L.  I).  Ewing,  of  Vandalia,  was  another  attendant.  He 
was  a good  lawyer  and  a very  accomplished  gentleman,  of  fine  social 
qualities,  and  of  unusual  grace  and  dignity  of  demeanor.  Still 
another  was  Judge  Horatio  Vandeveer,  of  Christian  county.  He 
had  a large  practice,  and  inherited  a vigorous  and  capacious  intellect 
Judge  Davis  was  another  attorney  who  practiced  here,  but  of  him 
we  have  spoken  in  another  section  of  this  chapter. 

FORMER  RESIDENT  LAWYERS. 

Kirby  Benedict  came  from  the  state  of  his  nativity,  Connecticut, 
in  March,  1836,  and  settled  in  Decatur  and  opened  a law  office. 
He  was  the  second  resident  attorney  in  the  county,  Charles  Emmer- 
son  being  the  first.  He  lived  here  until  1849,  when  he  removed  to 
Paris,  Illinois.  In  the  fall  of  1853  he  was  appointed  one  of  the 
associate  justices  of  the  territory  of  New  Mexico,  in  which  capacity 
he  served  for  three  years,  when  he  was  made  chief  justice,  which 
place  he  held  until  removed  by  Andrew  Johnson  in  1866.  He  then 
engaged  again  in  the  practice  of  the  law,  and  also  was  editor  and 
proprietor  of  the  New  Mexico  Union,  until  his  death  in  1874.  He 
was  a man  of  ability,  and  wTas  distinguished  for  his  fine  literary  taste, 
and  for  his  great  power  as  a popular  orator. 

George  W.  Powers  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1843,  and  died  in  the 
fall  of  1848.  He  possessed  a superior  literary  education,  and  was 
exceedingly  polished  in  his  bearing  ; both  honorable  and  cultured 
in  the  highest  degree.  He  came  from  Mobile,  Alabama,  and  w’as  a 
member  of  the  Illinois  Senate  before  he  began  practice. 

Sheridan  Wait  in  1852  became  a resident  of  Decatur,  and  formed 
a co-partnership  with  Charles  Emmerson,  and  afterward  with 


Richard  J.  Oglesby.  He  was  well  read,  and  a very  safe  counsellor, 
lie  was  General  Oglesby’s  Adjutant-General  during  the  war,  and 
had  held  the  office  of  canal  commissioner.  He  died  in  Leadville, 
Colorado,  and  was  buried  in  Decatur. 

Col.  Nathan  W.  Tupper  was  born  in  Washington  county,  New 
York.  When  about  twenty  years  of  age  he  moved  with  his  father 
to  Wisconsin,  where  he  taught  school  and  engaged  in  farming.  He 
read  law  in  that  state,  and  in  1854  removed  to  Decatur,  where  he 
at  once  took  high  rank  at  the  bar. 

In  1862  the  116th  Regiment  of  Illinois  Volunteers  were  raised 
and  mustered  into  the  service,  and  Mr.  Tupper  was  commissioned 
its  colonel.  The  record  of  Col.  Tupper ’s  regiment,  which  consisted 
almost  entirely  of  Macon  county  boys,  is  exceptionally  brilliant ; 
and  its  gallant  commander  won  high  reputation  for  capability  and 
bravery  as  its  officer.  Col.  Tupper  died  of  disease,  induced  by  hard- 
ship and  exposure,  at  Decatur,  March  10th,  1864.  Col.  Tupper  was 
a very  strong,  able  lawyer,  had  no  superior  at  the  bar,  and  was  a 
high-minded  and  honorable  gentleman  in  all  things. 

Ansil  Tupper  was  a brother  of  Col.  Tupper,  whom  he  equalled  in 
intellectual  power  and  knowledge  of  law.  He  was  hasty  and  im- 
pulsive in  temper  and  disposition,  and  his  passions  were  strong; 
but,  nevertheless,  he  was  highly  popular.  He  entered  the  army, 
and  was  Lieut.-Col.  of  the  41st  Illinois  Volunteers,  and  fell  at  the 
head  of  his  regiment  at  Shiloh. 

Eleazar  Thorpe,  now  a resident  of  Chariton,  Iowa,  was  a well- 
read  lawyer  of  strong  native  talent  for  his  profession.  He  was  ad- 
mitted to  practice  in  1854. 

James  P-  Boyd  was  a native  of  Ohio,  and  his  early  manhood  was 
spent  in  teaching.  He  was  well-educated,  and  a man  of  pure  cha- 
racter. He  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  this  state.  He  became  a 
resident  of  this  county  in  1855,  and  was  soon  after  his  arrival 
elected  county-surveyor.  In  1860  he  was  elected  prosecuting  attor- 
ney, and  served  as  such  until  1862,  when  he  resigned  to  enter  the 
service  as  Lieut.-Col.  of  the  116th  Regiment  of  Illinois  Volunteers. 
At  the  siege  of  Vicksburg  he  was  shot  through  the  lungs,  but  re- 
covered. He  went  to  New  Orleans  at  the  close  of  the  war  and 
practiced  his  profession  there.  He  returned  to  Decatur,  where  he 
died  from  the  effects  of  his  wound  in  1869.  He  was  a diligent  stu- 
dent of  law. 

Hon.  Jolm  R.  Eden,  of  Sullivan,  resided  in  this  county  for  a 
short  time.  He  is  a strong  man  and  an  able  lawyer,  widely  known 
in  political  circles,  and  has  represented  his  district  in  Congress  a 
number  of  times. 

John  W.  Smith,  now  a member  of  the  bar  in  Chicago,  was  born 
in  this  county,  February,  1843.  He  graduated  at  the  Albany  Law- 
School  in  New  York,  and  began  practice  here  as  junior  member  of 
the  firm  of  Emmerson  & Smith.  He  is  well  known  in  the  county 
as  the  author  of  a history  of  Macon  county.  He  is  a man  of  fair 
education  and  versatility  of  talent,  and  a wrell-read  lawyer. 

PRESENT  MEMBERS  OF  THE  BAR. 

Undiscriminating  praise  is  worthless,  and  empty  adulation  is  out 
of  place  in  speaking  of  the  dead,  much  more  when  speaking  of  the 
living.  Refined  and  sensible  men  place,  justly,  a light  estimate 
upon  either.  It  can  be  truthfully  said,  however,  that  the  Macon 
county  bar  is  able  and  worthy.  It  comprises  young  men  of  promise 
and  ambition,  and  those  who  have  attained  great  eminence  in  a 
difficult  and  honorable  profession,  and  whose  history  is  an  incen- 
tive to  those  who  are  to  follow  them.  We  speak  of  the  members 
of  the  bar  as  nearly  as  possible  in  the  order  of  time  they  began 
practice  in  this  county. 

Capt.  Joel  S.  Post,  the  oldest  practitioner  of  the  Macon  county 


62 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


bar,  was  born  in  Wayne  county,  New  York,  April  27th,  1816.  In 
1828  his  father  emigrated  to  Michigan  territory.  Here  Mr.  Post 
remained  with  his  father  until  his  twenty-third  year.  In  1839  he 
removed  to  Decatur,  and  in  the  next  year  began  the  study  of  law  in 
the  office  of  Charles  Emmerson,  and  in  1841  he  was  admitted  and 
began  practice.  In  1846  he  enlisted  for  the  Mexican  war  in  the  4th 
Regiment  Illinois  Volunteers,  Col.  E.  D.  Baker  commanding.  He 
was  soon  appointed  quartermaster,  with  the  rank  of  captain.  In 
1856  he  was  elected  to  represent  his  district  in  the  State  Senate, 
and  served  two  sessions.  During  his  term  of  service  he  was  mainly 
instrumental  in  securing  the  passage  of  the  law  establishing  the 
State  Normal  University  at  Normal,  Illinois. 

Caj)t.  Post  is  noted  for  his  kindness  of  heart,  and  few  men  have 
more  warm  friends  than  he.  His  kindness  to  young  attorneys  be- 
ginning practice  is  proverbial.  He  has  the  respect  and  esteem  of 
the  community  in  which  he  has  lived  so  long  ; is  a good  lawyer, 
safe  as  a counsellor,  and  strong  as  an  advocate ; and  has  enjoyed  a 
good  practice.  His  assistance  in  the  preparation  of  this  chapter,  as 
well  as  other  parts  of  the  work,  has  been  of  especial  value  and  is 
gratefully  appreciated. 

A.  B.  Bunn  is  a native  of  Ohio.  In  1844  he  came  to  Illinois, 
and  settled  at  Mt.  Pulaski.  After  residing  there  four  years  he  went 
to  Iowa  city,  and  in  ’49  began  there  the  study  of  the  law  in  the 
office  of  Gilbert  Folson.  In  July,  1850,  he  moved  to  Decatur, 
and  entering  the  office  of  Capt.  Joel  S.  Post  continued  his  prepara- 
tion for  his  profession,  frequently  conducting  cases  in  the  courts  of 
justices  of  the  peace.  In  September,  1851,  he  went  to  Bloomington 
and  applied  for  examination  to  Judge  David  Davis,  circuit  judge. 
Judge  Davis  appointed  Charles  Emmerson,  C.  H.  Moore,  and 
David  Campbell  as  a committee  to  examine  him.  Mr.  Emmerson, 
who  had  frequently  contested  law  points  with  him  in  the  justices’ 
courts,  and  who  held  a high  opinion  of  his  ability,  gave  it  as  his 
belief  that  the  young  man  was  worthy  of  his  license,  and  thus 
vouched  for,  he  was  granted  his  license  to  practice  without  exami- 
nation. Mr.  Bunn  was  elected  to  the  legislature  in  1866.  He  has 
held  the  office  of  assessor  of  internal  revenue,  which  he  resigned, 
and  has  also  served  the  city  of  Decatur  as  its  attorney  and  clerk. 
He  is  a thoroughly  educated  lawyer,  and  one  of  the  best  special 
pleaders  ever  at  the  bar.  Master  of  his  profession,  he  is  equally 
strong  before  a jury  and  the  court.  His  standing  for  many  years 
in  his  profession  has  been  high. 

S.  G.  Malone,  a native  of  Ohio,  studied  for  his  jjrofession  in  In- 
diana, where  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1848.  He  pursued  the 
practice  of  law  in  Vermilion  county  of  that  state  for  seven  years, — 
four  years  of  that  period  filling  the  office  of  prosecuting  attorney. 
He  came  to  Macon  county  in  1856,  and  settled  in  Decatur,  forming 
a co-partnership  with  William  S.  Freese,  a highly  respected  and 
popular  young  man.  Judge  Prather  was  not  long  after  taken  into 
the  firm,  and  Mr.  Freese  soon  thereafter  retired  Mr.  Malone  is  a 
careful,  pains-taking  lawyer,  and  a very  safe  counsellor. 

Hon.  Richard  J.  Oglesby,  was  born  in  Kentucky  in  1824.  He 
came  to  Decatur  with  his  uncle,  Willis  Oglesby,  in  1836.  In  1844 
he  began  the  study  of  law  in  Springfield,  and  in  1845  was  admitted 
to  the  bar.  He  opened  an  office  in  Sullivan  and  remained  there 
until  the  spring  of  1846,  when  he  volunteered  in  the  Mexican  War, 
and  was  commissioned  1st  Lieutenant  in  Company  C.  4th  regt.  111. 
volunteers.  On  his  return  he  resumed  practice,  this  time  in 
Decatur,  but  in  1849  went  to  California  in  search  of  a fortune.  In 
1852  he  returned  and  again  resumed  his  profession.  In  1856  he 
made  a tour  of  Europe,  Asia  and  Africa,  and  returning,  became 
one  of  the  firm  of  Gallagher,  Wait  and  Oglesby.  In  1860  he  was 
elected  to  the  State  Senate.  In  1861  he  was  elected  Colonel  of  the 


8th  Illinois  infantry.  At  the  battle  of  Ft.  Donelson  he  was  in 
command  of  a brigade.  He  received,  at  Corinth,  as  a memento  of 
rebel  affection,  an  ounce  ball  in  his  body  which  he  still  retains. 
He  had  been  promoted  Brigadier-general  in  April.  After  partial 
recovery  he  was  promoted  to  major-general,  for  valiant  services,  his 
commission  dating  from  Nov.  1862.  Owing  to  inability  to  perform 
the  duties  of  his  position  from  the  effect  of  his  wound,  he  tendered 
his  resignation  in  July,  1863,  which  was  not  accepted,  and  he  was 
detailed  on  court-martial  duty  at  Washington.  In  May,  1864,  he 
returned  home  and  was  elected  Governor  of  Illinois.  In  1872  he 
was  re-elected  to  that  office,  but  resigned  on  being  elected  to  the 
Senate  of  the  United  States  in  1873. 

Senator  Oglesby  is  a man  of  great  natural  ability,  and  had  he 
devoted  himself  exclusively  to  the  law  there  is  no  question  but 
that  he  would  have  attained  as  great  eminence  in  that  profession  as 
he  has  reached  in  military  and  political  circles.  His  popularity  is 
great,  and  his  oratorical  powers  are  of  a high  order.  His  fame  as 
a soldier  and  orator  and  statesman  is  national,  and  the  citizens  of 
Macon  county,  irrespective  of  party,  are  proud  of  his  achievements. 

D.  L.  Bunn  was  born  in  McLean-  county,  111.,  in  1837,  and  in 
1855  became  a citizen  of  Macon  county.  He  read  law  in  the 
office  of  Capt.  Post,  in  Decatur,  and  in  the  fall  of  1862  was 
granted  license  to  practice.  The  same  year  he  was  appointed  pros- 
ecuting attorney  by  Gov.  Yates,  to  fill  out  the  unexpired  term  of 
James  P.  Boyd.  In  1864  he  was  elected  by  the  people  to  the  same 
office,  and  served  out  his  term  of  four  years.  He  received  his 
literary  education  at  Lombard  University. 

Hugh  Crea,  one  of  the  leading  members  of  the  Macon  county 
bar,  was  born  near  Port  Hope,  Canada  West.  His  father  was  a 
man  of  education,  and  was  influential  in  the  establishment  of  a 
good  system  of  schools  in  Canada.  Mr.  Crea  left  home  before  he 
reached  his  majority,  and  came  to  the  United  States.  He  subse- 
quently read  law  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  Indiana,  but  on 
account  of  poor  health  made  no  attempt  till  1860  or  1861,  when 
he  came  to  Illinois.  He  opened  an  office  in  Decatur  in  the  fall  of 
1862,  and  soon  acquired  a large  and  profitable  practice.  Among 
his  prominent  characteristics  as  a lawyer  is  a thorough  knowledge 
of  the  common  law.  He  possesses  a mind  of  superior  logical 
powers.  For  the  last  few  years  in  connection  with  a general  practice, 
he  has  devoted  considerable  attention  to  railroad  law,  in  which  he 
has  been  very  successful. 

Iv.  H.  Roby  was  born  in  the  State  of  New  Hampshire,  and  came 
to  Illinois  in  1858.  He  first  made  his  home  at  Salem,  Marion  co. 
There  he  became  a student  of  law  in  the  office  of  Bryan  and 
Shaffer.  He  removed  to  Decatur  in  1860,  and  continued  his 
preparation  for  practice  in  the  office  of  Tupper  and  Nelson.  He 
passed  the  required  examination,  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in 
1862.  After  Col.  Tupper  went  into  the  army,  he  was  associated  in 
practice  with  Judge  Nelson,  and  remained  in  partnership  with  him 
until  his  elevation  to  the  bench.  Mr.  Roby  is  unassuming  and 
gentlemanly  in  his  bearing,  and  is  an  able  lawyer  and  safe  coun- 
sellor. 

Samuel  F.  Greer,  who  has  filled  the  office  of  county  judge  con- 
tinuously since  1861,  is  a native  of  Ohio.  He  came  to  Decatur  in 
1854,  and  studied  his  profession  here.  He  was  admitted  to  practice 
in  January,  1862,  but  his  time  has  been  mostly  occupied  with  his 
official  duties.  He  has  been  a member  of  the  board  of  education 
and  has  represented  his  ward  in  the  city  council.  Mr.  Greer  is 
honest  and  upright,  and  discharges  the  duties  of  his  office  most 
creditably.  His  knowledge  of  real  estate  law  is  very  thorough. 

J.  A.  Buckingham,  the  present  prosecuting  attorney,  was  born  in 
Hamilton  county,  Ohio,  in  July,  1840.  He  attended  Farmer’s 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS . 


G3 


College,  Ohio,  and  then  read  law  in  the  office  of  Tilden  and 
Caldwell,  in  Cincinnati.  He  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  April, 
1863,  and  in  September  of  the  same  year  came  to  Decatur.  He 
entered  into  a co-partnership  with  Capt  J.  S.  Post,  and  has 
practiced  his  profession  here,  since.  He  has  held  the  office  of  city 
attorney  for  four  years,  and  in  1876  was  elected  to  the  office  he  now 
fills.  Mr.  Buckingham  possesses  a strong  intellect,  and  is  conceded 
to  be  a very  able  lawyer.  He  has  by  study  and  untiring  applica- 
tion won  his  way  to  the  front  in  his  profession. 

Brice  I.  Sterrett,  of  Decatur,  was  born  in  Pennsylvania,  and  was 
educated,  classically,  at  Dickinson  College,  at  Carlisle,  graduating 
in  class  of  ’67.  In  July  of  that  year  he  began  the  study  of  law  in 
Carlisle,  and  in  the  fall  of  the  same  year  moved  West,  and  settled 
in  Decatur.  Here  he  entered  the  office  of  Emmerson  and  Smith,  and 
continued  his  studies  until  Aug.  1868,  when  he  was  granted  license 
to  practice.  Since  that  time  he  has  been  a member  of  this  bar. 
After  the  death  of  Judge  Emmerson  he  was  associated  for  two  years 
with  John  W.  Smith.  He  belongs  yet  among  the  junior  members 
of  the  bar ; is  a well-read  lawyer,  and  an  honorable,  high-minded 
gentleman. 

Thomas  Lee  is  a native  of  county  Limerick,  Ireland,  and  emi- 
grated therefrom  in  1855.  Until  1860  he  lived  in  New  Jersey. 
In  that  year  he  removed  to  Springfield,  Illinois,  and  graduated  in 
the  High  School  of  that  city.  He  studied  law  in  Decatur,  in  the 
office  of  Hon.  F.  S.  Murphy,  and  in  Aug.  1869,  was  admitted  to 
the  bar.  Mr.  Lee  is  a man  of  great  industry  ; manages  his  cases 
skillfully,  and  is  a successful  practitioner. 

C.  A.  Ewing  Avas  born  in  “ old  Kentucky,”  and  moved  to  Illinois 
in  1850.  He  attended  the  Albany  Law  School,  graduating  in 
1869.  The  same  year  he  began  his  career  at  this  bar.  He  is  one 
of  the  law  firm  of  Crea  and  Ewing,  and  devotes  himself  exclusively 
to  the  practice  of  his  profession.  He  is  well-educated,  and  is  an 
able  lawyer  and  upright  man. 

A.  G.  Harris,  of  Macon,  was  born  in  New  York  in  1847.  He 
attended  law  school  at  Bloomington,  Indiana,  and  afterwards  read 
in  the  office  of  Nelson  & Roby,  of  Decatur.  He  was  admitted  to 
practice  in  1870,  and  opened  an  office  in  Macon.  His  education  is 
fair  and  his  natural  abilities  are  good,  and  he  has  read  law  to  good 
purpose. 

Edwin  Park  is  a native  of  New  York.  He  emigrated  to  Illinois 
in  1856,  and  settling  in  Bellville,  began  in  1857  the  study  of  law. 
He  was  admitted  in  1858,  but  engaged  in  teaching  for  a year  in  St. 
Clair  county.  In  1860  he  came  to  Macon  county,  and  taught  in 
the  Decatur  schools  until  elected  county  superintendent,  which 
office  he  filled  for  six  years.  It  Avas  in  January,  1870,  that  he  be- 
gan practice  in  this  county.  Mr.  Park  is  an  honorable  man,  well- 
read  in  the  books,  and  a safe  lawyer. 

W.  C.  Johns  was  born  in  Ohio,  but  came  to  Illinois  in  1849, 
when  very  young.  He  was  graduated  from  the  literary  depart- 
ment of  Michigan  University  in  1869  and  from  the  Albany  Law 
School  in  1870.  In  the  fall  of  the  same  year  he  opened  an  office 
in  Decatur  and  began  practice.  Mr.  Johns  possesses  energy  and 
pluck.  He  is  intellectual,  ambitious,  and  successful  in  practice 

E.  K.  Eldridge  was  born  in  Indiana  and  moved  to  Illinois  in 
1856,  settling  first  in  Tazewell  county.  He  attended  Eureka  Col- 
lege and  completed  the  course  of  study  in  1869.  He  began  the 
study  of  law  in  Livingston  county,  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar 
at  the  January  term,  1870.  His  first  experience  in  practice  was 
gained  in  Fairbury,  Livingston  county.  In  May,  1870,  he  removed 
to  Decatur,  and  has  since  been  a member  of  the  Macon  county  bar. 
Mr.  Eldridge  has  a vigorous  mind,  and  ranks  among  his  brethren 
as  a good  lawyer. 


William  T.  Coussins  is  a native  of  Ohio,  and  was  prepared  for 
college  at  Miller  Academy  of  that  state.  In  the  fall  of  1862  he 
came  to  Illinois.  In  the  fall  of  next  year  he  entered  Eureka  Col- 
lege and  was  graduated  in  the  classical  course  in  June,  1869. 
The  same  year  he  began  in  the  office  of  Bunn  & Bunn,  in  Decatur, 
the  study  of  law,  and  at  the  spring  term  of  the  supreme  court  1871, 
he  was  duly  licensed  to  practice.  He  first  opened  an  office  in 
Maroa,  hut  after  six  months  returned  to  Decatur.  He  has  done 
service  in  the  schools  of  the  state,  having  been  principal  of  the 
Bement  public  schools.  He  was  tutor  of  Latin  during  his  last  two 
years  at  college,  and  one  year  was  in  charge  of  Harristown  Aca- 
demy. He  has  been  a diligent  student  of  the  principles  of  law. 

Josiah  M.  Clokey  is  an  Ohioan  by  birth,  and  in  1869  came  to 
Aledo,  Mercer  county,  111.  He  studied  law  previously  in  Spring- 
field,  Ohio,  and  attended  lectures  in  the  law  department  of  Michi- 
gan University.  He  was  admitted  to  practice  at  March  term, 
1868,  and  after  one  year’s  practice  in  his  native  state,  came,  as 
above  stated,  to  Illinois.  In  September,  1873,  he  became  a mem- 
ber of  the  bar  of  Macon  county.  Mr.  Clokey  understands  the  law, 
and  is  a gentleman  of  capacity  and  character  and  enjoys  a fair 
share  of  the  practice. 

I.  D.  Walker  was  born  in  Ohio,  and  in  1861  came  to  Illinois, 
settling  first  in  McDonough  county.  From  thence  he  removed  to 
Piatt  county.  He  was  a member  of  the  first  class  (that  of  ’75)  that 
graduated  at  the  Bloomington  Law  School.  He  came  to  Macon 
county  the  same  year  and  began  practice  at  Maroa,  but  the  next 
year  became  a resident  of  Decatur.  A few  days  before  his  gradua- 
tion at  the  law  school  he  had  been  admitted  to  the  bar  on  examination 
before  the  supreme  court.  He  is  in  partnership  with  Thomas  Lee. 
Mr.  Walker  is  upright  and  ambitious.  His  ideal  of  what  a lawyer 
should  be  is  high,  and  he  understands  the  value  of  time  and  the 
necessity  of  labor. 

J.  C.  Hostettler  is  a native  of  Indiana,  who  moved  to  Decatur  in 
1857.  He  was  educated  at  Union  College,  New  York,  graduating 
in  the  class  of  1871.  He  read  law  in  the  office  of  Eden  & Odor, 
and  was  on  examination  by  supreme  court,  found  worthy,  and 
admitted  to  practice  in  January,  1875.  He  formed  a copartnership 
with  Mr.  E.  K.  Eldridge,  and  at  once  entered  upon  the  practice  of 
his  profession. 

These  gentlemen  associated  the  distinguished  Judge  Thornton 
with  them  in  November,  1879.  Mr.  Hostettler  has  good  intellectual 
ability  and  is  considered  a safe  and  good  business  lawyer. 

U.  C.  Outten  is  a native  of  this  state.  He  came  from  Cass  to 
Macon  county  in  1853,  and  since  has  resided  here.  He  was  gra- 
duated from  the  law  department  of  Michigan  University  in  1875, 
was  granted  license  the  same  year,  and  began  practice  in  Decatur. 
He  is  promising  and  determined  to  rise  high  in  his  profession,  to 
which  he  devotes  all  his  energies. 

John  A.  Brown  was  born  in  Massachusetts.  He  came  to  Macon 
county  in  1865  and  engaged  in  school-teaching.  Afterwards  he 
was  for  a period  of  three  years  connected  with  the  press.  Mr. 
Brown,  after  due  preparation,  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1876.  In 
1873  he  was  appointed  master-in-chancery,  which  office  he  still 
holds,  having  been  appointed  for  three  consecutive  terms.  He 
makes  the  chancery  branch  of  the  law  a specialty.  He  possesses  a 
keen,  incisive  intellect,  and  has  studied  his  profession  diligently. 

Edward  P.  Yail  Avas  born  in  this  state,  and  studied  for  his  pro- 
fession at  Rushville  during  the  years  ’68  and  ’69,  and  his  license  to 
practice  Avas  granted  him  the  next  year.  After  admission  to  the 
bar  he  began  practice  at  Rushville,  Avhere  he  remained  for  seven 
years,  four  years  of  which  time  he  held  the  office  of  public  prose- 
cutor for  Schuyler  county.  In  1877  his  name  AA7as  enrolled  on  the 


64 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


list  of  attorneys  of  this  county.  His  perceptive  faculties  are  excel- 
lent ; his  command  of  language  first-rate ; and  he  is  an  honorable 
gentleman  in  all  things. 

Albert  G.  Webber  is  of  German  extraction,  having  been  born  in 
Wurtemburg.  He  emigrated  to  this  country  in  1863.  He  read 
law  for  four  years  at  Keokuk,  Iowa,  and  then  applying  for  exami- 
nation was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  November,  1879.  He  is  in  part- 
nership with  Mr.  A.  Brown,  and  is  especially  fond  of  the  common-, 
law  practice.  Mr.  Webber  has  a strong  intellect,  and  is  bound  to 
rise  in  his  calling.  He  is  highly  energetic  and  ambitious. 

A.  R.  Arbuckle,  whose  name  yet  remains  on  the  list  of  attorneys, 
but  who  has  decided  to  abandon  the  law  for  journalism,  is  a native 
of  Ohio  ; studied  law  in  the  office  of  Gen.  Ira  J.  Bloomfield,  and  in 
June,  1871,  became  a member  of  the  Macon  county  bar.  He  is 
now  engaged  in  editing  The  Tomahawk.  Mr.  Arbuckle  when  in 
practice  was  known  as  a logical  reasoner  and  an  effective  advocate. 

Zach.  T.  Hundley  was  born  in  the  Old  Dominion,  came  to 
Illinois  in  1869,  and  became  a resident  of  Macon  county  in  1871. 
He  is  a graduate  of  the  law  dejiartment  of  Wesleyan  University, 
class  of ’77.  He  was  admitted  to  practice,  on  his  diploma,  at  the 
June  term  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  same  year,  and  in  July 
opened  an  office  in  Maroa.  He  removed  to  Decatur  in  June,  1879> 
and  in  October  of  the  same  year  formed  a co-partnership  with  the 
eminent  lawyer,  Judge  Nelson.  Mr.  Hundley  has  good  intellectual 
ability,  and  attends  carefully  to  business  intrusted  to  his  care.  He 
promises  to  become  an  excellent  lawyer. 

I.  R.  Mills  is  a native  of  Illinois.  He  attended  Lincoln  Univer- 
sity, and  graduated  at  that  institution  in  1876.  He  read  law  in 
Chicago  in  the  office  of  Dent  & Black.  In  May,  1879,  he  was  ad- 
mitted to  practice.  He  is  in  partnership  with  Josiah  M.  Clokey. 
Mr.  Mills  is  well-educated  and  attentive  to  business. 

David  Hutchison  was  brought  up  in  Andover,  Mass.,  and  was 
prepared  for  college  at  Phillip’s  University  in  that  place.  He  came 
west  in  1870  ; attended  the  Albany  Law  School,  from  which  he  was 
graduated  May  15th,  1877.  On  July  25th  of  the  same  year  he 
began  practice  as  an  attorney  at  the  Macon  county  bar.  Mr.  Hut- 
chison is  yet  a young  man,  being  but  twenty-six  years  of  age.  He 
possesses  legal  ability  and  scholarship. 

Judge  Anthony  Thornton,  of  Decatur,  one  of  the  ablest  and  most 
widely  known  lawyers  and  jurists  in  Illinois,  was  born  in  Kentucky 
in  1815.  He  attended  college  at  Danville  for  a time,  and  then  be- 
came a student  at  Miami  College,  Ohio.  From  this  institution  he 
was  graduated  in  1835.  He  began  the  study  of  law  at  Paris,  Ken- 
tucky, and  received  his  license  from  the  Court  of  Appeals  in  1836. 
The  next  year  he  moved  to  Illinois,  settled  in  Shelby  county,  and 
began  practice.  He  was  a member  of  the  Constitutional  Conven- 
tion of  1848.  In  1850  he  was  elected  a member  of  the  legislature. 
Three  or  four  sessions  were  held  of  this  body,  it  being  a period  of 
great  excitement  about  railroads,  and  charters  were  granted  to  the 
Illinois  Central  and  to  east  and  west  lines.  In  1864  Mr.  Thornton 
was  elected  to  the  39th  Congress,  and  at  the  close  of  his  term  de- 
clined a proffered  renomination.  In  July,  1870,  he  was  elected  to 
the  Supreme  Court  of  this  state,  and  served  until  the  first  Monday 
in  June,  1873,  when  he  resigned  his  seat.  He  removed  to  Decatur 
in  November,  1879.  Judge  Thornton  is  a man  of  great  indepen- 
dence of  spirit,  of  vast  and  accurate  knowledge  of  the  law,  a strong 
advocate,  and  one  of  the  ablest  jurists  that  ever  sat  upon  the 
Supreme  Bench  of  Illinois.  His  practice  is  very  large  and  lucra- 
tive, and  he  is  conceded  to  be  the  ablest  lawyer  in  this  section  of  the 
state.  He  is  unaffected  in  manner,  and  in  all  things  gentlemanly. 

Charles  A.  Shirley,  now  practicing  at  Blue  Mound,  is  a native  of 
Logan  county,  Illinois.  He  entered  Lincoln  University  in  the  fall 


of  1869,  and  graduated  June  5th,  1873,  as  bachelor  of  science.  In 
August,  1873,  Mr.  Shirley  began  the  study  of  law  in  the  office  of 
Hon.  William  B.  Jones,  of  Lincoln,  Illinois,  where  he  continued 
until  the  summer  of  1875.  In  the  autumn  of  ’75  he  became  a stu- 
dent at  the  Albany  Law  School  at  Albany,  N.  Y.,  and  graduated  as 
LL.  B.  May  8th,  1876,  the  class  numbering  97.  On  the  18th  of 
the  same  month  he  was  licensed  to  practice  by  the  Supreme  Court 
of  New  York,  and  on  the  3d  of  February,  1877,  he  was  granted  a 
license  by  the  Supreme  Court  of  Illinois.  Mr.  Shirley  does  a gen- 
eral law  and  collection  business,  devoting  special  attention  to  settle- 
ment of  estates,  war  claims,  and  chancery  practice. 

D.  C.  Corley  received  his  literary  education  at  Wesleyan  Univer- 
sity, Bloomington,  where  he  was  graduated  in  due  course.  He  read 
law  for  a time  in  Shelbyville,  and  then  moving  to  Decatur  completed 
his  preparatory  studies  in  the  office  of  A.  B.  Bunn.  He  was  admitted 
in  June,  1880,  and  is  one  of  the  promising  young  men  of  the  bar. 

Harry  B.  Durfee  was  born  in  Decatur,  and  is  a graduate  of  its 
High  School.  He  read  law  in  the  office  of  Clay  & Ewing,  and  at 
the  June  term  of  the  Supreme  Court  was  admitted  to  the  bar.  He 
possesses  energy  and  ambition,  and  will  succeed. 

W.  H.  Williamson,  of  Maroa,  studied  for  his  profession  first  in 
Ohio,  where  for  one  year  he  was  a student  in  the  office  of  Charles 
W.  Anderson,  of  Greeneville,  Darke  county.  He  then  attended 
the  law  department  of  Michigan  University,  where,  on  the  27th  of 
March,  1879,  he  received  the  degree  of  L L.B.  The  same  spring  he 
became  a member  of  the  bar  of  Michigan.  On  the  14th  of  January, 
1880,  he  was  admitted  to  practice  in  Illinois.  He  attended  school 
for  nearly  three  years  at  Lebanon,  Ohio,  before  studying  law,  and 
in  1877  took  the  degree  of  B.  S.  His  favorite  branches  are  crimi- 
nal and  real-estate  law.  He  is  well-read  and  unassuming. 

Harvey  Pasco  became  a resident  of  this  county  in  1862.  He 
began  the  study  of  law  in  an  office,  and  then  entered  as  a student 
the  Chicago  Law  School.  He  afterwards  entered  the  law  depart- 
ment of  Michigan  University,  was  graduated  in  1871,  and  shortly 
thereafter  opened  an  office  in  Decatur.  Mr.  Pasco  is  an  enterpris- 
ing and  diligent  lawyer. 

Harry  Crea,  who  has  lately  been  admitted  to  practice,  is  the  son 
of  Hugh  Crea.  He  is  young,  but  promises  to  make  a good  lawyer. 

J.  C.  Lake  and  E.  S.  McDonald,  members  of  the  bar,  residing  in 
Decatur,  have  failed,  although  requested  so  to  do,  to  furnish  any 
materials  for  a sketch,  and  hence  can  only  be  mentioned. 

This  completes  the  chapter  on  the  Bench  and  Bar.  It  has  been 
the  object  and  wish  of  the  publishers  to  make  it  full  and  accurate, 
and  to  do  justice  to  all. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

TIIE  PRESS. 

BY  D.  MACKENZIE. 

THE  WEEKLY  GAZETTE,  CHRONICLE,  DEMOCRAT,  HERALD,  MAGNET  TRI- 
BUNE, MAGNET  AND  TRIBUNE,  DECATUR  TRIBUNE  COMPANY,  DAILY 
EMPRISE,  DECATUR  TRIBUNE,  REPUBLICAN,  MAROA  TIMES,  THE  TABLET, 
MAROA  TRIBUNE,  MAROA  NEWS,  MAROA  BUDGET,  THE  MESSENGER, 
DECATUR  DEMOCRAT,  PIKES’  DEMOCRAT,  SUNBEAM,  DECATUR  REVIEW, 
MACON  TRIBUNE,  NIANTIC  HERALD,  WEEKLY  SUN,  TIMES,  WHIP  AND 
SPUR,  TEMPERANCE  BUGLE,  SUN,  DEMOCRATIC  ERA,  SATURDAY  HERALD, 
TOMAHAWK,  YARDSTICK,  ZIETUNG,  ILLINOIS  VOLKSBLAT. 

HE  history  of  printing  dates  back  to  the  fifteenth  century. 
Its  discovery  was  like  that  of  all  great  industries,  the 
result  of  an  accident.  No  long  research  or  great  study 
upon  any  one  subject,  evolved  one  great  industry,  or 
one  grand  original  idea.  It  was  while  searching  through 
the  caverns  of  science  and  groping  in  its  dark  chambers  that  men 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


Go 


have  stumbled  upon  new  discoveries,  that  when  brought  out  and 
held  up  to  the  intellectual  light  of  the  age,  and  practical  thought, 
had  had  time  to  surround  it  with  patient  investigation ; then  the 
discovery  took  shape,  utility,  and  became  an  industry.  The  dis- 
covery of  printing  was  made  by  Laurentius  Coster  while  rambling 
through  the  forests  contiguous  to  his  native  city  of  Haerlern.  To 
fill  an  idle  hour  he  cut  some  letters  on  the  bark  of  a birch  tree. 
Lying  down  to  sleep  he  wrapped  his  handiwork  in  a piece  of  paper. 
Dampened  by  the  atmospheric  moisture,  the  paper  wrapped  about 
the  bark  had  taken  an  impression  of  the  characters,  and  Coster 
saw  on  the  paper  inverted  images  of  what  he  had  cut  on  the  bark. 
The  phenomenon  was  suggestive,  because  it  led  to  experiments  that 
resulted  in  the  establishment  of  a printing  office,  the  first  of  its  kind 
in  that  old  Dutch  town.  In  this  office  John  Gutenburg  served  a 
faithful  and  appreciative  apprenticeship,  and  from  it  at  the  death 
of  his  master  absconded  during  a Christmas  festival,  taking  with 
him  a considerable  portion  of  type  and  apparatus.  Gutenburg 
settled  in  Mentz,  where  he  won  the  friendship  and  partnership  of 
John  Faust,  a man  of  sufficient  means  to  place  the  enterprise  on  a 
secure  financial  basis.  Several  years  later  the  partnership  was  dis- 
solved because  of  a misunderstanding.  Gutenburg  then  formed  a 
partnership  with  a younger  brother,  who  had  set  up  an  office  at 
Strasburg,  but  had  not  been  successful,  and  becoming  involved  in 
lawsuits,  had  fled  from  that  city  to  join  his  brother  at  Mentz. 
These  brothers  were  the  first  to  use  metal  types  Faust,  after  his 
dissolution  with  Gutenburg  took  into  partnership  Peter  Schceffer, 
one  of  his  servants,  and  an  ingenious  printer.  Schceffer  privily 
cut  matrices  for  the  whole  alphabet,  and  when  he  showed  his  mas- 
ter the  type  cast  from  these  matrices,  Faust  was  so  much  pleased 
that  he  gave  Schceffer  his  only  daughter  in  marriage. 

These  are  the  great  names  in  the  early  history  of  printing,  and 
each  is  worthy  of  special  honor.  Coster’s  discovery  of  wood  blocks 
or  plates,  on  which  the  pages  to  be  printed  were  engraved,  w is 
made  some  time  between  1440  and  1450,  and  Schoeffer’s  im- 
provements, casting  the  type  by  means  of  matrices,  were  made 
about  1456. 

For  a long  time  printing  was  dependent  upon  the  most  clumsy 
apparatus.  The  earliest  press  had  a contrivance  for  running  the 
forms  under  the  point  of  pressure  by  means  of  a screw.  When  the 
pressure  had  been  supplied,  the  screw  was  loosened,  the  form  with- 
drawn, and  the  sheet  removed.  Improvements  upon  these  crude 
beginnings  have  been  made  from  time  to  time,  until  the  hand- 
presses  now  in  use  are  models  of  simplicity,  durability  and  execu- 
tion. In  1814  steam  was  first  applied  to  cylinder  presses  by  Frede- 
rick Koniger.  Saxon  genius  and  the  subsequent  progress  of  steam 
printing  have  been  so  remarkable  as  almost  to  justify  a feeling  in 
the  final  perfection  of  this  wonderful  art.  Indeed,  to  appreciate 
the  improvements  which  have  been  made  in  presses  only,  one 
should  have  stood  by  while  the  pressman  operated  the  clumsy 
machine  of  Gutenburg,  and  then,  if  possible,  have  stepped  into  one 
of  the  well-appointed  printing  offices  of  our  larger  cities,  where  he 
could  notice  the  roll  of  dampened  paper  entering  the  jaws  of  the 
great  power  presses,  a continuous  sheet,  and  issuing  from  it  as 
printed  newspapers,  cut,  pasted  and  folded  ready  for  the  carrier, 
mail  or  express. 

It  would  be  interesting  to  trace  more  minutely  the  history  of  this 
great  art  from  its  humble  origin  in  Haerlern  through  all  succes- 
sive stages  to  the  present,  and  to  classify  its  products  whereby 
“tongues  are  known,  knowledge  groweth,  judgment  increaseth, 
books  are  dispersed,  the  Scriptures  read,  stories  be  opened,  times 
be  compared,  and  all  through  the  benefit  of  printing.”  For  near 
a thousand  years  prior  to  its  introduction,  mankind  had  been  sur- 
9 


rounded  with  the  densest  ignorance  the  world  has  ever  known. 
Teutonic  barbarians  had  swept  over  fair  Italy,  sacked  her  capital, 
and  despised  her  civilization,  as  unworthy  even  the  indulgence  of 
men  dependent  upon  muscle  and  sword  for  empire  and  liberty. 
Vandalism  had  been  christened,  and  had  mocked  the  wisdom  of 
philosophers,  while  destroying  and  defacing  the  master-pieces  of 
Grecian  and  Roman  sculpture  and  architecture.  Attila,  the 
“Scourge  of  God,”  at  the  head  of  vast  Tartar  hordes  from  Asiatic 
steppes  had  traversed  the  Roman  Empire,  spreading  dismay  and 
disaster,  until  checked  at  the  fierce  battle  of  Chalons.  Omar  had 
burned  the  great  Alexandrian  library,  after  declaring  that  if  its 
volumes  agreed  with  the  Koran  they  were  needless,  if  they  con- 
flicted they  were  pernicious.  During  this  period  feudalism  had 
kept  the  noble  at  war  with  his  sovereign,  had  unsettled  governments, 
and  made  men  soldiers  with  scarcely  time  for  necessary  practice  at 
arms;  amusements  were  popular  only,  as  they  contributed  to  mar- 
tial prowess,  and  poetry  in  the  main  was  but  a minstrel’s  doggerel 
concerning  the  chivalrous  deeds  of  a listening  Knight,  or  the 
wonderful  charms  of  a favorite  mistress.  Pepin  had  humbled  the 
Long  Beards,  and  had  laid  the  keys  of  their  cities  at  the  feet  of  the 
Holy  Father.  From  the  fall  of  Rome  there  had  been  but  little 
talent  and  time  to  cultivate  letters.  A few  ecclesiastics  scattered 
here  and  there  were  the  custodians  of  the  learning  saved  from  the 
wrecks  of  Grecian  and  Roman  knowledge.  The  masses  were  igno- 
rant. They  believed  the  hand  which  commonly  held  the  sword 
would  be  disgraced  if  trained  to  wield  the  pen.  Books  were  for 
the  monks’  cell  or  anchorite’s  cave,  and  the  objective  jioints  of  all 
study  were  to  escape  purgatory,  to  cast  a horoscope  to  turn  the 
baser  metals  into  gold.  Superstition,  priestcraft  and  thirst  for 
material  renown  moulded  public  acts  and  private  training.  Piety 
was  best  shown  in  pilgrimages  to  the  Holy  Sepulchre.  When  the 
dust-stained  devotees  became  objects  of  Turkish  contempt  and  per- 
secution, all  Europe  rushed  to  the  rescue. 

'While  war  destroys  and  demoralizes,  not  infrequently  it  pre- 
pares the  way  for  beneficent  reformations.  The  Crusades  broke 
the  power  of  feudalism,  dispelled  mucb  geographical  ignorance  by 
making  neighboring  nations  acquainted,  gave  an  impetus  to  com- 
mercial enterprise,  awakened  the  sluggish  intellect,  enlarged  the 
human  mind  and  rendered  it  more  tolerant,  introduced  the  luxu- 
ries and  refinements  of  the  Greek  empire,  and  brought  about 
magna  chartas  and  free  cities.  With  the  expanding  and  increas- 
ing commerce,  arts  came  to  the  front,  trades  flourished  and  practice 
began  to  test  precept.  The  middle  classes,  whose  condition  ever 
determines  the  character  of  an  era  or  nation,  obtained  concessions 
and  rights  to  which  they  had  been  strangers  for  centuries.  The 
mental  world  began  to  move.  Famous  journeys  and  discoveries 
were  made.  Bacon  and  Schwartz  studied  the  chemistry  of  the 
Arabs,  and  were  among  the  first  devotees  at  the  shrine  of  physical 
science.  Wycliffe  translated  the  Bible  iuto  the  English  vernacu- 
lar. Spain,  Italy,  the  Netherlands  and  England,  sought  new  out- 
lets for  their  surplus  products  of  the  soil,  loom  and  fisheries.  Men- 
tal darkness  can  make  no  continued  stand  against  such  enterprise 
as  will  ever  find  an  exponent  to  herald  its  doings  from  nation  to 
nation,  and  a medium  to  make  its  conquests  the  property  of  suc- 
ceeding generations.  Europe  was  in  a commercial  and  intellectual 
ferment  when  Coster  set  up  his  printing  press  in  Haerlern,  and  in- 
augurated an  art  until  then  unknown.  The  world  was  ready  for 
the  newspaper.  To  understand  the  effect  of  this  invention  upon 
humanity,  compare  the  enlightenment,  civilization  and  progress  of 
the  present  with  the  superstition,  semi-barbarism,  and  mental  stagna- 
tion of  the  middle  ages.  Printing  is  rolling  back  ignorance,  vice 
and  degradation,  unfolding  the  mysteries  of  nature,  and  explaining 


6G 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


the  mandates  of  Him  who  made  man  in  His  own  image,  and  ex- 
pects the  homage  of  the  creature  due  the  Creator. 

The  Romans  in  the  time  of  the  emperors  had  periodical  notices 
of  passing  events,  compiled  and  distributed.  These  Acta  diurna 
or  daily  events  Mere  the  newspaper  of  that  age.  In  1536  the  first 
newspaper  of  modern  times  M'as  issued  at  Venice,  but  governmental 
bigotry  compelled  its  circulation  in  manuscript  form.  In  1663  the 
Public  Intelligencer  was  published  at  London,  and  is  credited  with 
being  the  first  English  paper  to  attempt  the  dissemination  of  gen- 
eral information.  The  first  American  neM’spaper,  was  the  Boston 
News  Letter,  whose  first  issue  was  made  April  24th,  1704.  It  wras 
a half  sheet,  twelve  inches  by  eight,  with  turn  columns  to  the  page. 
John  Campbell,  the  postmaster,  Mas  the  publisher.  The  Boston 
Gazette  made  its  first  appearance  December  21st,  1719,  and  the 
American  Weekly,  at  Philadelphia,  December  22d,  1719.  In  1776 
the  number  of  neM’spapers  published  in  the  colonies  M’as  thirty- 
seven.  In  1828  this  number  had  increased  to  eight  hundred  and 
fifty-two,  and  at  the  present  time  not  less  than  ten  thousand  news- 
papers are  supported  by  our  people. 

Journalism,  by  which  is  meant  the  compiling  of  passing  public 
events,  for  the  purpose  of  making  them  more  generally  known  and 
instructive  has  become  a powerful  educator.  Experience  has  been 
its  only  school  for  special  training,  its  only  text  for  study,  its  only 
test  for  theory.  It  is  scarcely  a profession,  but  is  advancing  rapidly 
toM’ards  that  dignity.  A distinct  department  of  literature  has  been 
assigned  to  it.  Great  editors  are  writing  into  biographies,  and 
formulating  their  methods  and  opinions  : historians  are  rescuing 
from  oblivion  the  every-day  life  of  deceased  journalists.  Reprints 
of  brilliant  productions,  such  as  the  letters  of  Junius,  are  furnish- 
ing models.  Interviews  with  famous  journalists,  touching  the  different 
phases  of  their  profession,  are  deemed  worthy  of  publication  in  book 
form.  Leading  universities  have  contemplated  the  inauguration  of 
courses  of  study,  specially  designed  to  fit  men  and  women  for  the 
duties  of  the  neM’spaper  sanctum.  These  innovations  are  not 
untimely,  since  no  other  class  of  men  is  so  powerful  for  good  or 
evil  as  editors.  More  than  any  other  class  they  mould  public 
opinion  while  expressing  it;  for,  most  men  but  echo  the  sentiments 
of  favorite  journalists.  Even  statesmen,  ministers  and  learned  pro- 
fessors not  infrequently  get  their  best  thoughts  from  the  papers 
they  read. 

For  dates  and  facts  relating  to  the  early  history  of  the  press  of 
Macon  county,  we  are  indebted  to  Messrs.  Hamsher  and  Mosser 
and  W.  J.  Usrey,  who  have  kindly  placed  at  our  disposal  careful 
and  correct  records  and  files  which  have  supplied  us  with  a great 
amount  of  information  necessary  to  this  article.  We  also  desire  to 
extend  our  thanks  to  L.  M.  AndreM's,  Hon.  S.  S.  Jack,  J.  A. 
BroM’n,  H.  B.  Funk,  of  Monticello,  Shoaff  Bros,  of  Paris,  111.,  A. 
R.  Arbuckle,  W.  II.  Addis,  Dr.  Chenowith,  T.  O’Banion,  John  J. 
H.  Young  and  others,  for  kindness  shown  and  information  given, 
which  has  enabled  us  to  trace  the  history  of  the  press  of  Macon 
county,  from  the  first  appearance  of  the  Gazette,  in  June,  1851, 
down  to  the  present  time,  and  present  it  in  such  a form  as  we  hope 
will  be  acceptable  to  our  readers. 

Previous  to  the  establishing  of  a newspaper  in  Macon  county,  the 
people  were  dependent  upon  the  St.  Louis  Republican  and  Spring- 
field  papers  for  information  from  the  outside  world. 

In  the  spring  of  1851  James  Shoaff,  a resident  of  Pekin,  Illinois, 
came  on  a visit  to  Decatur.  He  returned  home,  packed  up 
his  printing  office,  placed  it  in  a wagon  and  brought  it  here,  set 
up  the  press,  and  arranged  the  material,  and  on  the  26th  day  of 
June,  1851,  the  first  issue  of  the  first  paper  published  within  the 
borders  of  Macon  county  made  its  appearance.  It  was  called 


THE  DECATUR  M’EEKLY  GAZETTE. 

It  is  somewhat  difficult  at  this  distant  day  to  imagine  the  enthu- 
siasm with  which  the  Gazette's  first  appearance  Mas  greeted.  The 
necessity  for  an  organ  Mas  seen  at  once.  It  was  needed  to  speak 
for  the  county,  for  its  agricultural  resources,  for  its  flattering 
promises  of  future  greatness,  for  its  rights  and  privileges  as  an 
organized  member  of  a great  state.  The  country  was  then  sparsely 
settled,  and  journalism  Mas  in  its  infancy.  That  the  surrounding 
counties  might  reap  the  benefits  of  the  paper  located  here,  agents 
were  appointed  to  receive  subscriptions  for  it  in  Bloomington, 
Pekin,  Leroy,  Sullivan,  Clinton,  Shelbyville,  Urbana,  Springfield, 
Jacksonville,  Monticello,  Mt.  Pulaski,  Charleston  and  Taylorville, 
In  a short  time  a good  list  of  subscribers  was  obtained.  For  a 
while  the  Decatur  Gazette  furnished  the  above  places  with  foreign 
and  home  ngu'S.  James  Shoaff  was  editor  and  proprietor.  The 
paper  was  printed  in  the  west  room  of  the  “ Son’s  Hall.”  It  wras 
an  eight  column  folio,  neutral  in  politics.  The  subscription  price 
was  $1.50  if  paid  within  the  year,  and  $2.00  if  paid  at  the  end  of 
the  year.  Terms  of  advertising  were  : half  column  $18.00  per 
year ; M’hole  column  $28.00.  It  was  neatly  printed  and  well 
patronized.  Mr.  Shoaff  continued  the  publication  of  the  Gazette 
until  November  1st,  1856,  when  he  sold  the  office  to  A.  J.  Davis 
and  Isaac  N.  Underwood.  The  latter  gentleman  soon  retired  from 
the  paper  and  M’as  succeeded  by  James  P.  Boyd.  After  Davis  and 
Underwood  purchased  the  paper  they  converted  it  into  the  Demo- 
cratic organ  of  the  county.  The  politics  of  the  paper  remained  the 
same  until  the  breaking  out  of  the  late  war,  when  it  espoused  the 
cause  of  the  Republican  party,  or  at  least  supported  all  measures 
for  the  vigorous  prosecution  of  the  war,  and  suppression  of  the 
rebellion.  The  office  remained  in  the  possession  of  Davis  until 
1864,  when  he  sold  it  to  Lewis  Cass,  who  took  in  as  a partner  J.  J. 
Strong,  a practical  printer.  It  remained  in  the  hands  of  Cass  and 
Strong  until  July  11th,  1865,  when  the  good-will  and  subscription 
lists  M’ere  sold  to  W.  J.  Usrey,  of  the  Chronicle,  and  from  that  date 
it  was  known  as  the  Gazette  and  Chronicle.  The  material  was  sold 
and  shipped  to  parties  in  Rockford,  Illinois. 

In  order  to  trace  the  further  history  of  the  paper  it  is  necessary 
to  go  back  to  1855.  The  second  journalistic  venture  in  Macon 
county  M’as  made  by  Charles  H.  Wingate  and  William  J.  Usrey. 
The  latter  had  determined  as  early  as  1851  to  start  a paper  in 
Decatur,  but  before  he  had  time  to  mature  his  plans,  James  Shoaff 
founded  the  Gazette.  At  that  time  there  was  not  room  nor  support 
for  tMTo  newspapers ; therefore,  Mr.  Usrey,  for  the  time  being, 
abandoned  the  enterprise.  Mr.  Wingate  had  formerly  owned  a 
printing  office  in  New  Hampshire,  which  he  had  sold  to  parties  on 
deferred  payments.  They  failing  to  meet  their  payments  the  office 
reverted  to  Wingate,  who  brought  some  of  the  type  to  Decatur, 
and  together  M’itli  Mr.  Usrey  added  other  material,  purchased 
a press,  and  started  the 

ILLINOIS  STATE  CHRONICLE. 

The  first  issue  was  made  on  February  third,  1855.  It  M'as 
a seven  column  folio.  The  partnership  of  Wingate  and  Usrey 
continued  until  June  ninth,  1855,  when  Wingate  retired  and 
Usrey  became  editor  and  proprietor.  The  Chronicle  politically 
reflected  the  sentiments  of  the  anti-Nebraska  party.  The  Re- 
publican party  had  not  yet  come  into  existence.  The  political 
mission  of  the  paper  was  to  unite  the  remnants  of  the  Old  Line 
Whig  and  Know  Nothing  parties  and  all  other  opposition  to  the 
Democratic  party  on  one  common  platform.  For  this  work  Mr. 
Usrey  was  eminently  qualified.  The  Chronicle  continued  under  his 
management  until  August  twenty-two,  1861,  M’hen  he  enlisted  in  the 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


67 


thirty-fifth  regiment,  Illinois  volunteers,  and  was  appointed  adjutant. 
The  office  was  leased  to  Messrs.  Hamsher  and  Mosser,  who  contin- 
ued the  publication  until  August  seventh,  18G2,  after  which  the 
office  remained  closed  until  October  twelfth,  1863,  at  which  time  a 
partnership  in  the  job  printing  business  was  formed  between  Usrey 
and  J.  N.  Underwood,  Avho  .resumed  the  publication  of  the  Chroni- 
cle April  twenty-sixth,  1864.  Underwood  retired  from  the  firm 
July  twelfth  of  the  same  year.  On  the  eleventh  of  July,  1865,  the 
consolidation  of  the 

GAZETTE  AND  CHRONICLE 

took  place.  Mr.  Usrey  continued  the  publication  until  August 
tenth,  1871,  when  the  office  was  closed  out,  W.  L.  Hammer  be- 
coming the  purchaser.  The  material  afterward  became  part  of  the 
Tribune  office. 

In  the  campaign  of  1856  the  Chronicle  had  been  printed  daily, 
five  huudred  copies  of  which  had  been  circulated  gratuitously.  In 
1868  the  Daily  Chronicle  was  again  commenced.  The  Gazette  com- 
menced a daily  issue  in  1856,  but  could  not  compete  with  the  gra- 
tuitous circulation  of  the  Daily  Chronicle,  and  in  a short  time  aban- 
doned the  enterprise. 

Mr.  Usrey,  who  was  an  experienced  printer,  was  born  in  Natchez, 
and  learned  the  printer’s  trade  in  Vidalia,  Louisiana.  He  came  to 
Illinois  in  1843,  and  may  be  placed  among  the  pioneer  newspaper 
men  of  this  State.  He  is  a man  of  good  native  ability,  and  possesses 
much  political  information,  which  renders  him  well  qualified  for 
newspaper  work.  The  Chronicle  took  a conspicuous  part  in  the 
organization  and  formation  of  the  Republican  party.  It  took  an 
advanced  position  in  the  great  cause  of  freedom  and  human  rights, 
and  maintained  it  until  the  curse  of  slavery  was  overthrown  and 
driven  out  of  the  land.  As  a writer  of  polished  articles  he  was 
clear,  concise  and  vigorous. 

THE  DECATUR  DEMOCRAT. 

In  1856  the  leading  Democrats  of  Macon  county  concluded 
to  have  a newspaper  that  would  reflect  their  sentiments  upon 
the  political  questions  of  the  day,  and  that  would  more  nearly 
represent  their  views  in  the  coming  campaign  than  the  Gazette, 
which,  to  a certain  extent,  had  adhered  to  its  original  neu- 
tral position  in  politics.  The  latter  occasionally  left  its  neutral 
ground,  and  then  it  was  Democratic.  A strong,  bold,  uncompro- 
mising organ  was  wanted.  With  this  idea  in  view  they  purchased 
type  and  a press,  and  on  the  fourth  of  April,  1856,  the  Democrat 
made  its  first  appearance.  Eli  Hosea  was  the  editor.  He  contin- 
ued the  publication  until  December  sixteenth,  1856,  when  the  office 
was  sold  out.  Elam  Rust,  by  N.  W.  Tupper,  proxy,  became  the 
purchaser.  He  associated  with  him  his  son,  George  W.  Rust,  and 
the  name  was  changed  to 

THE  HERALD, 

the  first  number  of  which  was  issued  January  second,  1857.  The 
elder  Rust  died  in  the  early  part  of  that  year,  and  his  son  con- 
tinued the  paper  until  the  latter  part  of  the  following  May. 
When  the  office  was  sold  in  1857  Mr.  Rust  purchased  it  for  ninety- 
eight  dollars,  the  amount  of  a claim  against  it.  Mr.  Prather  and 
Dr.  Baldwin,  two  gentlemen  who  contributed  means  towards  its 
original  purchase,  still  had  claims  upon  the  office  that  remained 
unpaid.  This  incumbrance  was  purchased  by  Dr.  W.  J.  Cheno- 
weth,  who  became  a part  owner  of  the  paper.  The  firm  of  Cheno- 
weth  and  Rust  continued  for  a short  time,  when  Rust  withdrew 
and  James  Brent,  a practical  printer,  was  given  a half  interest,  or 
effected  an  arrangement  with  Chenoweth,  by  which  he  became  an 
equal  partner  in  the  profits  of  the  office.  In  the  winter  of  1857-58 


a difference  of  opinion  arose  between  the  partners  as  to  which  wing 
of  the  Democracy  the  Herald  should  support — Chenoweth  being  a 
Douglas  Democrat  and  Brent  in  opposition.  The  differences  being 
irreconcilable,  Chenoweth  sold  the  office  to  Milan  S.  Beckwith,  who 
removed  it  to  Pana,  Illinois,  and  there,  with  the  presses  and  materi- 
al of  the  old  Democrat,  commenced  the  publication  of  the  first  paper 
printed  in  Christian  county.  The  Herald  was  in  forma  six  column 
folio ; Brent  enlarged  it  to  a seven  column,  same  form. 

TnE  DECATUR  MAGNET 

was  founded  in  1858.  The  press  and  material  were  purchased  of  the 
Cincinnati  Type  Foundry.  P.  B.  Shepherd  and  Robert  Irwin  were 
the  projectors.  Irwin  remained  in  the  firm  but  a short  time.  The 
twenty-fifth  of  January,  1859,  was  the  date  of  the  first  issue  of  the 
Daily  Magnet,  P.  R.  Shepherd,  publisher;  P.  B.  Shepherd  and 
John  Ryan  editors,  with  James  Shoaff  as  local  editor.  It  was  a four 
column  folio.  When  Shepherd  and  Irwin  purchased  the  office  of 
the  Cincinnati  Type  Foundry,  they  paid  part  cash  and  gave  their 
notes  for  the  balance.  When  Irwin  retired  Shepherd  assumed  all 
liabilities.  The  note  given  for  the  payment  of  the  office  remained 
unpaid,  and  in  December,  1859,  the  type  foundry  closed  up  the 
office,  and  it  was  sold  to  Henry  C.  Bradsby.  He  assumed  the  pub- 
lication of  the  Magnet,  with  James  Shoaff  as  editor  and  manager. 
In  1861  the  office  was  leased  to  E.  N.  Buck  and  Isaac  N.  Under- 
wood. In  the  latter  part  of  1862  James  Shoaff  purchased  the  office 
and  continued  the  publication  of  the  paper  until  March  twenty-third, 
1868,  when  he  formed  a partnership  with  Major  Asa  Miller,  which 
continued  until  February  twenty-first,  1871.  (Mr.  Shoaff  issued 
the  daily  Magnet,  commencing  September  thirtieth,  1867.)  At  the 
latter  date  he  traded  his  interest  in  the  Magnet  for  the  material  and 
presses  of  the  Democrat  office,  which  he  removed  to  Paris,  Illinois, 
and  there  commenced  the  publication  of  the  Gazette.  He  remained 
there  until  his  death,  which  occurred  April  twelfth,  1874.  The 
Magnet  was  Democratic  in  politics  from  1862  and  during  Mr. 
Shoaff’s  connection  with  it. 

It  is  fitting,  in  the  chapter  on  the  Press  of  Macon  county,  that 
some  extended  mention  should  be  made  of  the  pioneer  publisher  of 
the  county.  Mr.  Shoaff  was  a native  of  Williamsport,  Maryland, 
and  came  west  at  an  early  age  and  settled  in  Paris,  Illinois,  where 
he  learned  the  printer’s  trade  in  the  office  of  the  Illinois  Statesman, 
and  published  his  first  paper,  the  Owl,  in  Charleston,  in  1843.  The 
year  following  he  went  to  St.  Louis  and  worked  at  the  case  in  the 
Republican  office.  Thence  he  went  to  Greenville,  Illinois,  and  pub- 
lished a paper.  In  1848  he  commenced  the  publication  of  the 
Reveille  in  Bloomington,  and  from  there  removed  to  Pekin,  where 
he  published  a paper,  and  removed  the  office  to  Decatur,  where  he 
commenced,  in  1851,  the  publication  of  the  Gazette.  He  embarked 
in  the  dry  goods  business,  aud  failed  in  1858,  when  he  went  back  to 
journalism.  In  1861  he  removed  to  Bement,  Piatt  county,  and 
commenced  the  publication  of  a small  paper  called  the  Bement 
Union,  and  continued  the  same  for  three  months,  when  he  raised 
a company  of  soldiers  for  the  war,  which  was  afterwards  known  as 
company  “A”  of  the  35th  regiment,  Illinois  volunteers,  and  was 
elected  second  Lieutenant.  July  third,  1861,  he  enlisted,  and  re- 
signed February  third,  1862,  and  returned  to  Decatur  and  re- 
engaged in  the  printing  business,  in  which  he  continued  until  his 
death.  We  quote  from  the  Republican  of  April  sixteenth,  1874, 
which  says  of  him:  “He  was  a remarkable  man,  and  possessed  of 
indomitable  energy,  and  could  accomplish  as  much  work  in  a given 
time  as  any  man  whom  we  know.  Perseverance  and  industry  were 
his  chief  traits,  and  he  would  tolerate  no  idlers  about  him.  He 
had  an  unbounded  faith  in  himself,  and  this  peculiarity  enabled 


68 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


him  to  accomplish  what  others,  with  more  skill  and  knowledge, 
would  have  deemed  impossible.  He  was  not  what  might  be  called 
a good  writer,  and  yet  he  had  the  faculty  of  “getting  off”  short 
squibs  and  locals  which  though  positively  not  witty  or  brilliant, 
seemed  to  make  him  famous  by  reason  of  their  unique  character. 
He  was,  perhaps,  the  best  known  country  editor  in  Illinois.  Per- 
sonally, he  was  a most  genial  companion,  and  had  thousands  of 
friends. 

The  Magnet,  under  the  management  of  Miller  & Addis,  was  con- 
tinued until  its  consolidation  with  the  Tribane,  which  took  place 
June  20th,  1874.  In  order  to  trace  the  history  of  the  Magnet  it  is 
necessary  to  go  back  to  1872.  In  March  of  that  year,  Mr.  A.  H. 
Gorman  moved  his  printing  office  from  Maroa  to  Decatur,  and  con- 
solidated it  with  the  material  of  the  old  Gazette  and  Chronicle 
office,  then  in  the  possession  of  W.  L Hammer.  John  A.  Brown 
represented  Mr.  Hammer’s  interest,  and  was  local  editor  of  the 
paper.  Mr.  Gorman  was  editor  and  manager.  The  first  issue  of 

THE  DECATUR  TRIBUNE 

was  made  March  26th,  1872.  The  paper  continued  under  the  same 
management  until  June  20th,  1874,  when  it  was  consolidated  with 
the  Magnet,  and  was  then  known  as 

THE  MAGNET  AND  TRIBUNE. 

The  Magnet  and  Tribune  Company  was  conqiosed  of  Asa  Miller, 
the  former  editor  of  the  Magnet,  A.  H.  Gorman,  George  Sylvester, 
and  IV.  L.  Hammer,  who  became  a member  of  the  company  by 
virtue  of  his  interest  in  the  Tribune  office.  Of  the  new  enterprise 
Asa  Miller  was  chosen  editor-in-chief.  W.  L Hammer  retired 
from  the  company  soon  after  the  consolidation.  The  Magnet  and 
Tribune  was  continued  as  the  organ  of  the  Democratic  party.  The 
company  continued  the  publication  without  any  further  change 
until  March  26th,  1875,  when  the  co-partnership  was  dissolved,  and 

THE  DECATUR  TRIBUNE  COMPANY 

formed.  The  members  of  the  latter  were  : L.  M.  Andrews,  who 
hail  charge  of  the  editorial  department,  and  was  also  financial 
manager;  A.  II.  Corraan,  book-keeper  and  local  editor;  and  Geo. 
Sylvester,  who  continued  as  foreman  of  the  office.  Asa  Miller  re- 
tired from  the  firm  anil  from  the  printing  business  in  Macon  county. 
He  removed  to  Danville  and  subsequently  to  Tuscola. 

The  Decatur  Tribune  Company  continued  until  May  31st,  1875, 
when  A.  H.  Gorman  sold  out  his  interest  to  the  remaining  partners. 
The  firm  of  Andrews  & Sylvester  continued  the  publication  until 
November  9th,  1875,  when  J.  A.  Brown,  trustee,  took  possession  of 
the  office,  the  company  having  defaulted  in  payment  of  interest  on 
a trust  mortgage  of  $2,000.  Mr.  Brown  continued  the  publication 
of  the  paper  for  a few  weeks.  During  this  time  S.  S.  Jack  per- 
formed the  editorial  work.  Soon  after  the  foreclosure  of  the  mort- 
gage, and  before  the  sale  of  the  office,  Mr.  Sylvester,  who  held  a 
second  mortgage,  paid  off  the  first  and  released  the  office,  and  then 
closed  it  up.  It  remained  closed,  and  was  sold  to  S.  S.  Jack  in  the 
latter  part  of  December,  1875.  This  closes  the  life  and  history  of 
the  old  Magnet  and  Tribune.  The  paper  was  issued  as  a daily  and 
weekly.  The  Daily  was  a seven-column  folio,  and  the  Weekly  a 
nine-column  same  form.  Under  the  management  of  the  Tribune 
Company  the  paper  was  to  a slight  extent  independent  in  tone,  with 
strong  Democratic  tendencies.  It  advocated  measures  and  promul- 
gated a platform  upon  which  it  hoped  to  unite  all  the  opposition  to 
the  Republican  party.  It  was  edited  with  considerable  ability,  and 
during  its  publication  the  party  it  represented  had  no  reason  to 
complain  of  not  having  their  principles  and  views  fairly  and  ably 
advocated  in  Macon  county. 


THE  DAILY  EMPRISE, 

No.  1 of  Yol.  I.,  appeared  September  19th,  1859,  Messrs.  Buck  & 
Underwood,  editors  and  proprietors.  The  Emprise  was  printed 
in  the  Chronicle  office.  It  lived  but  a short  time. 

THE  DECATUR  TRIBUNE 

was  established  in  the  summer  of  1864  by  Joseph  M.  Prior.  He, 
with  the  assistance  of  J.  D.  Hill,  purchased  the  office  in  Du  Quoin, 
Illinois,  and  removed  it  to  Decatur.  He  continued  the  publication 
until  April,  1865,  when  I.  N.  Coltrin,  a practical  printer,  now 
foreman  in  the  Republican  office,  became  an  equal  partner  in  the 
paper.  They  continued  the  Tribune  until  September,  1865,  when 
they  sold  it  to  Burlingame  Brothers.  They  ran  the  office  for  some 
time,  with  Prior  as  editor,  after  which  they  leased  it  to  two  printers 
by  the  names  of  Miller  and  Williams,  who  operated  it  for  a few 
months.  The  office  was  then  closed  up,  and  remained  closed  until 
purchased  by  W.  M.  Stanley  and  J.  R.  Mosser,  who  added  new 
material  and  presses,  and  started 

THE  DECATUR  REPUBLICAN. 

The  first  issue  was  made  on  the  1st  of  August,  1867.  The  firm 
of  Stanley  & Mosser  continued  until  October  3d,  1867,  when  Mr. 
Stanley  sold  his  interest  to  B.  K.  Hamsher.  The  firm  of  Hamsher 
& Mosser  was  then  formed,  and  has  continued  from  that  time  to 
the  present.  Mr.  Stanley  removed  to  Sullivan,  Illinois,  and  was 
afterward  appointed  Indian  agent,  and  was  acting  in  that  capacity 
at  Los  Parios  agency  during  the  late  Indian  troubles  in  that 
locality.  At  present  he  is  editor  and  publisher  of  the  Champaign 
Republican,  at  Champaign,  111.  When  the  Republican  closed  its 
first  volume  the  form  was  changed  from  an  8-column  folio  to  a 
6-column  quarto,  which  it  still  retains.  On  the  1st  of  April,  1872, 
was  commenced  the  Daily  Republican,  a 7 -column  folio,  which  has 
continued  without  interruption  or  suspension  to  the  present.  It 
bears  upon  its  pages  every  evidence  of  a healthy,  paying  patronage 
and  good  management.  The  circulation  of  the  weekly  Republican 
is  1,600,  and  the  daily  650.  The  office  is  well  supplied  with  im- 
proved presses,  driven  by  steam,  and  altogether  is  one  of  the  best 
equipped  for  doing  all  kinds  of  job  work  in  central  Illinois.  As 
newspaper  managers,  Messrs.  Hamsher  A Mosser  undoubtedly  stand 
at  the  head  of  their  profession  in  Macon  county,  if  not  in  country 
journalism  in  the  state.  Both  are  thoroughly  experienced  in  the 
art  of  printing,  and  know  the  wants  of  the  people.  Although 
situated  nearly  equi  distant  from  Chicago  on  the  north,  and  St. 
Louis  on  the  south,  and  to  some  extent  overshadowed  by  the  metro- 
politan press,  they  have,  notwithstanding  these  disadvantages,  made 
the  Daily  Republican  a necessity  to  the  people  of  Decatur  and 
vicinity.  As  a writer  of  political  articles  Mr.  Mosser  is  terse  and 
logical,  and  shows  an  intimate  knowledge  of  the  issues  of  the  day. 
In  politics  the  Republican  has  been  the  recognized  organ  of  the 
Republican  party  in  central  Illinois,  and  wields  an  influence  second 
to  no  other  country  journal  in  the  state. 

THE  MAROA  TIMES. 

The  above-named  paper  was  the  first  printed  in  the  village  oi 
Maroa.  In  the  winter  of  1866-7,  T.  J.  Sharp  brought  an  office  to 
the  town,  and  in  the  latter  part  of  January,  1867,  commenced  the 
publication  of  the  above  paper.  It  was  intensely  Democratic  in 
tone.  Mr.  Sharp  was  a bitter  partisan,  and  somewhat  personal  and 
scurrilous  in  his  attacks  upon  citizens.  This  course  soon  brought 
on  between  the  editor  and  citizens  serious  collisions,  the  last  one  of 
which  occurred  on  the  27th  of  November,  1867,  in  which  Mr. 
Sharp  was  knocked  down  and  badly  beaten  by  the  enraged  people. 
He  was  informed  that  if  he  had  any  regard  for  his  personal  safety 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


69 


he  would  at  once  remove  his  office  and  family  out  of  town.  He 
complied  with  this  pointed  and  forcible  request,  and  went  to 
Lincoln,  Illinois,  where  he  soon  after  started  the  Statesman. 

After  Mr.  Sharp’s  retirement  from  the  newspaper  business  in 
Maroa,  James  De  Lay,  a printer  from  Clinton,  Illinois,  founded 

THE  TABLET, 

The  first  number  of  which  appeared  February  1st,  1868.  From 
some  cause  or  other  the  paper  did  not  receive  sufficient  encourage- 
ment to  warrant  Mr.  I)e  Lay  in  continuing  the  publication,  and 
after  a few  issues  the  Tablet  was  discontinued. 

In  February,  1869,  A.  H.  Corman,  a printer  in  the  Chronicle 
office  in  Decatur,  went  to  Maroa,  and  with  the  assistance  of  mer- 
chants and  enterprising  men,  established 

THE  MAROA  TRIBUNE, 

and  continued  its  publication  until  in  March,  1871,  when  the  office 
was  moved  to  Decatur,  and  here,  in  connection  with  W.  L.  Ham- 
mer, he  started  the  Decatur  Tribune,  of  which  mention  has  been 
made  in  another  part  of  this  chapter. 

The  people  of  Maroa  were  without  a paper  until  the  12th  of 
April,  1872,  when  Henry  B.  Funk,  now  of  the  Monticello  Bulle- 
tin, issued  the  first  number  of 

THE  MAROA  NEWrS. 

The  News  started  as  a seven  column  folio,  and  was  subsequently 
changed  to  a six  column  quarto.  It  was  neutral  in  politics.  Mr. 
Funk  continued  the  paper  until  May  29th,  1875,  when  he  sold  it  to 
Messrs.  Axton  & Jones,  two  prominent  citizens  of  Maroa.  They 
leased  the  office  to  A.  H.  Corman,  the  former  owner  of  the  Tribune. 
He  continued  the  publication  until  August,  1877,  when  it  passed 
into  the  hands  of  Jones  & Axton. 

Mr.  Corman  left  Maroa  in  the  same  month  and  went  to  Colorado 
Sjmngs,  Col.,  where  a short  time  after  his  arrival,  he  became  the 
manager  of  the  “Franklin  Job  Printing  House.”  Not  making 
that  a success,  he  in  a few  months  later  became  the  city  editor  of 
the  Colorado  Springs  Gazette  (daily  and  weekly),  and  was  after- 
wards a compositor  on  the  same  paper.  He  was  in  some  respects  a 
ready  and  pointed  writer. 

After  Corman’s  retirement  from  the  Maroa  News,  Dr.  Axton 
traded  Jones’  land  for  his  (Jones’)  interest,  and  became  the  sole 
owner.  He  then  leased  the  office  to  Stratton,  Axton,  & A.  R. 
Arbuckle.  They  published  the  News  from  August,  1877,  to 
February  1st,  1878.  Dr.  Axton  then  sold  the  office  to  Mr. 
Sargeant,  who  sold  it  to  Thomas  Hines.  Mr.  Hines  sold  a half 
interest  to  Turner  O’Banion.  The  partnership  of  Hines  & 
O’Banion  was  formed  February  1st,  1878,  and  continued  until 
October  1st  of  the  same  year,  when  Hines  leased  his  interest  to 
O’Banion.  This  arrangement  continued  until  October  1st,  1879, 
when  Major  C.  F.  Emery  purchased  Hines’  share  in  the  office,  and 
leased  it  to  O’Banion,  who  has  continued  to  publish  the  paper 
under  that  arrangement  up  to  the  present. 

The  News  is  a five  column  quarto,  neatly  printed  and  a spicy 
paper.  In  politics  it  is  independent.  Circulation  about  700.  The 
office  is  well  supplied  with  neat  and  new  type  and  an  improved 
power-press,  known  as  the  “ Prouty  Power  Press.” 

In  December,  1875,  Stratton,  Axton  & \V.  Carey  originated 

THE  MAROA  BUDGET. 

It  was  printed  in  the  News  office.  In  August,  1876,  T.  O’Banion 
purchased  Carey’s  interest,  and  he  and  Axton  edited  it  until 
August,  1877,  when  Axton  retired.  O'Banion  enlarged  it  to  a five 
column  quarto,  and  changed  the  name  to 


THE  MESSENGER. 

In  January,  1878,  O’Banion  sold  out  to  Frank  Bennett,  and  one 
mouth  later  the  publication  ceased. 

THE  DECATUR  DEMOCRAT. 

The  year  1868  was  a prolific  year  for  newspaper  enterprises. 
The  Democrat  was  started  as  a campaign  paper.  The  first  number 
was  issued  July  23d,  1868.  It  was  organized  as  a stock  company, 
the  members  of  which  were  prominent  Democrats  of  Macon  county. 
J.  H.  Martin  was  selected  as  editor  and  manager.  He  conducted 
the  paper  through  the  campaign  of  1868,  and  did  good  work  for  his 
party.  In  December  of  the  same  year  the  publication  was  sus- 
pended. The  office  was  locked  up  and  remained  closed  until  May, 
1869,  when  W.  H.  Addis  leased  it  of  the  stockholders.  Under  his 
management  the  first  number  was  issued  May  22d,  1869.  James 
M.  Irwin  was  the  editor.  Mr.  Addis  continued  the  Democrat  under 
the  lease  until  July,  1870,  when  he  purchased  the  office  from  the 
stockholders. 

In  the  summer  of  1870  Samuel  Pike  brought  a printing  office  to 
Danville,  Illinois,  and  from  there  removed  it  to  Decatur.  On  the 
5th  of  August  of  the  same  year  it  was  consolidated  with  the  Demo- 
crat. The  paper  then  took  the  name  of 

pike’s  democrat. 

Pike  was  editor  and  Addis  manager.  The  firm  of  Pike  & Addis 
continued  until  February  1st.  1871,  when  Pike  retired  and  returned 
to  Hillsboro,  Ohio,  where  he  had  formerly  resided. 

On  the  19th  of  January,  two  printers,  whose  names  were  Merrill 
and  Dashiell,  started  a daily  morning  paper,  called 

the  sunbeam. 

It  continued  until  May  18th,  1871,  when  it  was  consolidated  with  the 
Democrat.  From  the  latter  date  .the  Democrat  was  issued  as  a 
daily  and  weekly  paper,  and  so  continued  until  November  11th, 
1871,  when  the  publication  ceased  for  want  of  patronage.  The 
material  and  presses  remained  in  the  possession  of  Mr.  Addis,  who, 
in  the  month  of  the  suspension,  leased  the  office  to  Alfred  F. 
Wuensch,  who  commenced  the  publication  of  the  Decatur  Review. 
On  the  24th  of  February,  1872,  Mr.  Addis  traded  the  office  to 
James  Shoaff  for  the  latter’s  interest  in  the  Magnet.  Mr.  Shoaff 
removed  the  press  and  material  to  Paris,  Illinois,  where  it  yet  re- 
mains, and  from  it  is  issued  the  Paris  Gazette. 

THE  DECATUR  REVIEW 

Was  founded  by  Rev.  Alfred  Wuensch.  The  first  number  was 
issued  on  the  first  Thursday  in  April,  1872.  It  was  an  independent 
paper,  but  gravitated  into  the  farmer’s  or  Granger’s  movement. 
Mr.  Wuensch  continued  the  Review  until  1874,  when  he  leased 
the  office  to  John  Lindsey  and  D.  J.  Block,  who  published  the  paper 
one  year,  after  which  Mr.  Block  retired,  and  Alfred  F.  Wuensch, 
son  of  the  founder  of  the  paper,  took  his  place.  Lindsey  & Wuensch 
remained  the  lessees  until  June  1st,  1876,  when  Mr.  Wuensch  sold 
the  office  to  W.  H.  Bayne.  In  November,  1876,  he  commenced 
the  issue  of  the  Daily  R. view,  and  continued  it  for  two  months, 
when,  not  proving  a financial  success,  it  was  abandoned.  On 
October  1st,  1878,  the  publication  of  the  daily  was  resumed,  and 
it  has  continued  to  the  present  time.  The  Weekly  Review  is  a seven 
column  quarto  in  form ; the  Daily  is  a seven  column  folio.  The 
Weekly  has  a circulation  of  1,200.  The  Review  is  Democratic,  and 
is  the  leading  and  representative  organ  of  the  party  in  this  con- 
gressional district. 

The  Review  was  sold  to  S.  S.  Jack,  July  23d,  1880.  Mr.  Jack 
has  made  large  additions  to  the  office  in  type  and  presses,  and 


70 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


under  his  management  the  paper  has  doubled  its  circulation  and 
increased  its  usefulness. 

THE  MACON  TRIBUNE 

Was  published  in  the  town  of  Macon.  The  first  issue  of  the 
Tribune  was  September  12,  1867.  John  J.  Smith,  formerly  of  the 
Bement  Courier,  was  the  editor  and  publisher.  It  suspended 
January  1st,  1868. 

THE  NIANTIC  HERALD 

Was  a 5 col.  folio,  printed  at  Niantic,  R.  V.  Malloy,  editor  and 
proprietor.  No.  1,  of  Vol.  1,  appeared  Oct.  30th,  1874.  It  had 
but  a brief  existence. 

THE  DECATUR  WEEKLY  SUN, 

Vol.  1,  No.  1,  appeared  February  2d,  1875,  Leonidas  II.  Tupper, 
editor.  It  was  a 7 col.  folio.  It  passed  into  the  possession  of  G. 
F.  Kimball. 

THE  DECATUR  TIMES. 

The  material  of  the  old  Magnet  and  Tribune  offices  being  in  pos- 
session of  “ Doc  ” Sylvester  by  virtue  of  his  second  mortgage,  he 
sold  it  to  S.  S.  Jack.  A few  days  later  Jack  sold  a third  interest 
to  G.  F.  Kimball.  These  gentlemen,  under  the  name  of  the 
“Decatur  Times  Company,”  commenced  the  publication  of  the 
above-named  paper.  The  first  issue  was  January  3d,  1876  It 
was  both  daily  and  weekly.  The  firm  continued  four  months 
when  Kimball  purchased  Jack’s  interest,  and  continued  the  publi- 
cation of  the  Times  at  irregular  intervals.  The  daily  issue  was 
abandoned  entirely.  In  politics  it  started  as  an  independent  paper, 
but  its  sympathies  were  with  the  Democratic  party,  and  by  the 
general  public  it  was  regarded  as  a Democratic  newspaper. 
During  Mr.  Jack’s  connection  with  the  paper  he  gave  it  character 
and  standing.  In  the  latter  part  of  May,  1876,  Mr.  Kimball 
started  the 

WHIP  AND  SPUR. 

It  dealt  largely  in  personalities,  and  advocated  the  Greenback 
and  fiat  theories.  During  the  publication  of  the  Whip  and  Spur 
the  Times  was  continued  and  published  semi-weekly.  The  Whip 
and  Spur  continued  through  the  campaign  of  1876,  and  closed  in 
November  of  the  same  year.  His  next  journalistic  venture  was 
the 

TEMPERANCE  BUGLE, 

The  first  number  of  which  appeared  in  the  latter  part  of  Septem- 
ber, 1876.  Its  name  indicated  its  mission. 

THE  SUN. 

In  January,  1877,  Alfred  F.  Wuensch  and  Howard  Montressor 
established  the  Daily  Sun.  They  continued  the  publication  until 
April  following,  when  they  sold  it  to  G.  F.  Kimball.  The  sale 
covered  the  name  and  good-will,  which  were  its  entire  capital.  It 
was  printed  in  the  office  of  the  Review.  After  the  purchase,  Mr. 
Kimball  discontinued  the  Times,  and  substituted  the  Sun.  He 
continued  it  as  a daily  and  weekly.  It  started  as  a 7 col.  folio, 
afterwards  enlarged  to  an  8 col.,  and  then  changed  back  to  a 7 col. 
The  Sun  continued  to  illuminate  Macon  county  journalism  until 
May  21st,  1879,  when  the  office  was  leased  to  Joseph  Prior  and 
Alfred  F.  Wuensch.  These  gentlemen  changed  its  political  tone, 
and  made  it  a Republican  paper.  Messrs.  Prior  and  Wuensch  con- 
ducted it  until  about  the  first  of  July,  of  the  same  year,  when  the 
enterprise  collapsed,  and  the  office  passed  into  the  possession  of 
Kimball,  where  it  remained  until  the  fall  of  1879,  when  he  removed 
it  to  Belleville,  Illinois,  and  it  now  forms  a part  of  the  office  of  the 
Belleville  Republican. 


THE  DEMOCRATIC  ERA. 

The  first  number  of  the  Era  appeared  in  July,  1877,  G.  F.  Kim- 
ball and  John  Lindsey,  editors  and  publishers.  Two  months  later 
the  publication  of  the  Era  ceased. 

Mr.  Kimball  had,  during  his  connection  with  the  journalism  of 
Macon  county,  other  and  different  partners  than  those  mentioned, 
but  their  business  arrangements  were  of  such  short  duration  that 
they  are  not  important  in  connection  with  the  history  of  the  press  of 
the  county.  As  an  organizer  and  founder  of  newspapers,  Mr.  Kim- 
ball has  but  one  equal  in  Illinois,  and  no  superior.  That  all 
his  ventures  in  journalism  were  not  complete  successes  is  not  to 
be  wondered  at.  His  failures  are  attributable  to  the  fact  that 
he  never  stopped  to  count  the  cost.  He  acted  solely  from  the  im- 
pulses of  the  moment.  If  there  was  a lack  of  judgment  he 
hoped  to  get  over  the-  difficulty  by  the  exercise  of  energy  and 
industry.  Of  the  latter  he  had  an  abundance,  but  no  amount  of  it 
could  bridge  over  the  gaps  caused  by  the  lack  of  common  business 
judgment,  and  the  too  frequent  indulgence  in  visionary  schemes. 
As  in  business,  so  he  was  as  a newspaper  writer.  Sometimes  clear, 
strong,  and  vigorous,  at  others  erratic,  weak  and  inconsistent. 
None  were  more  sanguine  or  honest  in  their  plans  nor  saw  more 
distinctly  their  fulfilment  in  the  future,  but  unfortunately  his  mind 
changed  so  rapidly  that  the  mere  failure  found  him  in  a new 
position  with  a new  project;  therefore  the  sluggish  mind  of  the 
public  thought  him  often  inconsistent,  while  it  had  not  really 
caught  up  and  learned  his  latest  discovery.  As  a man  and  a 
citizen  he  was  honest  and  upright,  and  honorable  in  all  of  his  busi- 
ness transactions. 

THE  SATURDAY  HERALD. 

The  above-named  paper  was  started  by  C.  N.  Walls,  formerly 
of  the  Tuscola  Journal.  The  first  number  was  issued  October  11th, 
1879.  In  form  it  was  a six  column  quarto.  Politically  it  was 
Independent.  Mr.  Walls  continued  to  publish  it  weekly,  until 
Feb.  1st,  1880,  when  Col  H.  W.  Rowell  and  W.  H.  Addis  became 
the  lessees.  It  was  then  changed  to  a Republican  paper.  On  the 
13th  of  May  of  the  same  year,  they  commenced  the  publication  of 
the  Daily  Hera/d,  a six  column  folio,  which  still  continues.  The  cir- 
culation of  the  weekly  Herald  is  1100.  The  office  is  supplied  with 
a Cattrell  and  Babcock  Cylinder  Press,  and  a .large-sized  Gordon 
Press,  and  a good  variety  of  type  for  all  kinds  of  printing.  Mr. 
Addis  is  a practical  printer,  in  Decatur.  Col.  Rowell  is  also  an  old 
newspaper  man,  and  was  formerly  connected  with  the  Register  at 
Rockford,  Illinois.  Messrs.  Rowell  & Addis  continued  the  publica- 
tion of  the  Herald,  until  July  24th,  1880,  when  C.  N.  Walls  took 
possession  of  the  office  by  reason  of  forfeiture  of  lease.  He  con- 
tinues the  paper  as  a Republican  journal. 

THE  TOMAHAWK. 

The  above  paper  is  the  latest  aspirant  for.  journalistic  honors  in 
Macon  county.  The  first  number  was  issued  May  11th,  1880.  A. 
R.  Arbuckle,  editor  and  proprietor.  The  Tomahaivk  is  a five 
column  folio,  neatly  printed  and  ably  edited.  In  politics  it  is 
Independent.  The  publisher’s  object  in  starting  the  paper  was  to 
have  an  organ  representing  the  liberal  sentiment  of  this  section. 
It  has  a weekly  circulation  of  500  copies. 

THE  YARDSTICK 

Is  the  name  of  a small  paper  published  at  Blue  Mound,  by  Henshie 
Bros.  It  is  their  own  advertising  medium,  and  they  give  local 
news  each  week. 

There  have  been  several  German  papers  published  in  the  county, 
but  none  of  them  survived  any  considerable  length  of  time,  lhe 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


71 


Illinois  Vollcsbfat  was  issued  July  3d,  1871.  It  had  but  a brief 
existence.  The  Zietung , another  German  paper,  was  printed  in 
the  Gazette  and  Chronicle  office.  It  survived  but  a few  months. 

The  history  of  the  Press  of  Macon  county  has  been  briefly 
traced.  There  have  been  some  trials  and  obstacles,  and  it  has 
witnessed  some  failures,  but  it  is  fairly  representative  of  the  busi- 
ness growth  of  the  county.  The  influence  and  character  of  the 
press  has  grown  with  the  increase  of  the  material  wealth  and 
intellectual  growth  of  those  they  have  represented.  The  number 
of  newspaper  enterprises  organized  and  supported  in  the  county, 
shows  well  for  the  liberality  of  its  citizens,  and  it  further  shows 
the  appreciation  of  the  power  of  printer’s  ink  and  editor’s  pen 
when  used  for  the  advancement  of  the  intellectual  growth  of  the 
people  and  material  wealth  of  the  county.  The  fact  is  patent  that 
to  the  press  more  than  to  any  other  means  belongs  the  honor  of 
building  up  and  making  known  to  the  outside  world  the  wealth  of 
soil,  the  advantages  of  agriculture,  and  manufacturing  interests, 
the  excellent  schools,  the  moral  tone  of  the  people  of  Macon  county. 
In  short,  whatever  position  or  fame  it  has  throughout  the  state 
from  any  point  of  observation,  is  due  in  a great  measure  to  the  press 
of  Macon  county. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

COMMON  SCHOOLS  OF  MACON  COUNTY. 

BY  JOHN  TRAINEE,  COUNTY  SUPERINTENDENT. 

OUR  STATE  SCHOOL  SYSTEM. 

present  system  of  “free  schools”  may  properly  be 
id  to  have  been  inaugurated  and  entered  upon  in 
155.  It  is  a truth  that  every  person  is  a factor  in  the 
ate  or  society  in  which  he  lives.  Our  state,  early 
recognizing  this  fact,  sought  to  provide  liberal  means 
and  facilities  for  the  proper  education  of  those  into  whose  hands 
the  affairs  of  state  would  soon  pass.  The  work  of  1855  was  not  the 
beginning.  The  germ  of  free  schools  had  been  planted  long  ante- 
rior to  this  date,  and  by  proper  cultivation  it  had  grown  up  to  be  a 
prolific  system.  Article  third  of  the  celebrated  ordinance  of  1787 
declared  that  “ knowledge  is  necessary  to  good  government  and  the 
happiness  of  mankind,”  and  enjoined  that  “ schools  and  the  means 
of  education  shall  forever  be  encouraged.” 

Paper  manifestoes  are  not  often  dreaded ; the  edicts  of  poten- 
tates seldom  survive  the  age  in  which  they  are  decreed  ; and  pro- 
clamations rarely  have  existence  longer  than  that  of  the  paper  on 
which  they  are  written.  What  does  it  mean?  This  ordinance 
seems  to  have  been  an  exception. 

It  became  the  nucleus  of  the  grand  system  of  education,  the 
benign  influence  of  which  is  felt  and  recognized  in  every  home  and 
sphere  of  business  in  our  state;  and  in  1887,  the  inhabitant  of  Illi- 
nois who  will  not  be  reaping  benefits  from  the  influences  of  its 
declarations  and  injunctions  will  be  the  exception — will  be  a blank 
in  society,  and  but  little  above  the  menial  serf. 

Illinois  was  organized  as  a territory  in  1809  ; but  in  the  articles 
of  organization  no  mention  was  made  of  the  common  school.  The 
convention  which  framed  the  constitution  under  which  the  state 
was  admitted,  accepted  in  August  of  that  year  (1818)  a proposition 
made  by  Congress,  in  the  “Enabling  Act”  for  this  state,  April 
18th,  appropriating  section  16  in  each  township  to  the  state  for  the 
use  of  the  inhabitants  of  said  township,  for  school  purposes;  also 
one-half  of  five  per  cent,  of  the  proceeds  of  public  lands  within  the 
state  sold  by  Congress  after  January  1st,  1819,  should  be  appropri- 


ated by  the  legislature  for  the  encouragement  of  learning.  One- 
sixth  of  this  amount  was  to  be  applied  to  a college  or  university, 
and  thirty-six  sections,  or  one  entire  township,  with  one  previously 
reserved  for  that  purpose,  should  be  allotted  for  the  use  of  a semi- 
nary of  learning. 

These  funds  may  thus  be  classified : the  state  school  fund  from 
the  sales  of  public  lands,  less  one-sixth,  which  is  the  university 
fund,  resulting  from  the  sale  of  sixteenth  section.  It  will  thus  be 
seen  that  the  most  valuable  donation  for  school  purposes  was  the 
sixteenth  section  of  every  township.  This  donation  amounts  to 
998,449  acres ; properly  managed,  the  revenues  derived  from  the 
sale  of  these  lands  would  have  released  forever  the  people  from 
local  taxation  for  school  purposes.  These  lands  were  nearly  all 
sold  when  there  was  but  little  demand  for  them.  In  1828  the 
legislature  unanimously  authorized  the  sale  of  these  lands,  and  bor- 
rowed money  to  defray  the  expenses  of  the  sale.  But  the  returns 
from  these  magnificent  gifts  were  too  meagre  to  support  the  schools, 
and  local  taxes  had  to  be  levied.  In  1824  the  swamp  and  over- 
flowed lands  remaining  in  possession  of  the  state,  after  paying  for 
drainage  and  levees,  was  granted  to  counties  for  educational  pur- 
poses. 

In  1835  a county  fund  was  created  by  an  act  of  the  legislature, 
which  provided  that  the  teachers  should  not  receive  from  the  public 
fund  more  than  half  the  amount  due  them,  and  that  the  surplus 
should  constitute  the  principal  of  the  “ county  fund,”  which 
amounted  to  $348,285.75. 

In  1853  all  fines  and  penalties  imposed  in  courts  of  record,  and 
criminal  forfeiture  on  bails  were  added  to  school  resources,  and 
school  property  was  exempted  from  taxation. 

THE  FIRST  FREE  SCHOOL  SYSTEM. 

In  1824-5  Governor  Coles,  in  his  message  to  the  legislature, 
advised  that  provision  be  made  for  the  support  of  common  schools. 
During  the  same  session  Senator  Joseph  Duncan,  of  Jackson  county, 
introduced  a bill  to  establish  a system  of  schools. 

The  leading  points  in  this  system  were : 

1.  The  schools  were  to  be  opened  to  every  class  of  white  citizens 
between  the  ages  of  five  and  twenty- one. 

2.  Persons  over  twenty-one  years  of  age  might  be  admitted  on 
consent  of  the  trustees  and  upon  the  agreed  terms. 

3.  Districts  of  not  less  than  five  families  were  to  be  formed  on 
petition  of  a majority  of  the  legal  voters. 

4.  Officers  were  to  be  elected  and  sworn  in. 

5.  The  legal  voters  at  an  annual  meeting  could  levy  a tax,  in 
money  or  merchantable  produce  at  cash  value,  not  exceeding  one- 
half  of  one  per  cent,  subject  to  a maximum  limitation  of  ten  dollars 
for  one  person. 

6.  The  state  appropriated  annually  two  per  cent,  out  of  all 
monies  I’eceived  in  the  treasury.  Five  sixths  of  this  was  added  to 
the  interest  received  from  the  school  fund,  and  the  sum  was  appor- 
tioned to  the  counties  according  to  the  number  of  white  persons 
under  twenty-one  years  of  age. 

The  several  counties  distributed  this  among  the  districts,  but  any 
district  which  had  failed  to  sustain  a school  for  three  months  was 
not  to  receive  any  of  this  fund.  This  system  of  schools,  which  M as 
designed  to  furnish  a plan  for  the  education  of  the  citizens  of  the 
state,  was  truly  in  advance  of  the  times.  It  met  with  violent  oppo- 
sition from  its  numerous  enemies.  Opposition  to  taxation  was 
great,  and  the  legality  of  the  appropriation  from  the  state  treasury 
was  questioned.  This  opposition  was  so  violent  that  the  system 
soon  became  practically  inoperative,  and  was  virtually  annulled  by 
an  act  approved  February  17tli,  1827,  which  repealed  the  five- 


72 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


family  clause,  made  taxation  for  the  full  or  half  support  of  district 
schools  optional  with  the  voters  of  the  district,  and  forbade  the  tax- 
ation of  any  one  for  the  support  of  a free  school  without  his  consent 
in  writing. 

This  is  the  only  act  which  stigmatizes  any  legislation  on  the 
question  of  free  schools  in  our  state,  and  is  in  strong  contrast  to 
either  its  predecessors  or  successors.  But  neither  personal  opposi- 
tion nor  biased  legislation  could  impede  or  smother  the  germ  of 
the  free  school  system,  so  deeply  rooted  by  the  sacred  ordinances  of 
1785-7.  It  was  deeply  rooted  in  the  fertile  soil  of  the  public  mind, 
and  was  fostered  by  the  true  friends  of  education.  Subsequent 
legislation  had  but  little  effect  upon  the  schools  for  a decade,  when 
an  act  providing  for  the  incorporation  of  the  townships  became  a 
law.  It  provided  for  a board  of  trustees,  who  should  have  the 
superintendence  of  “ the  business,  and  affairs  of  the  township  in 
relation  to  education  aud  schools  generally.” 

In  this  law  appears  the  first  requirement  for  a certificate  of 
qualification  from  the  township  trustees,  before  any  teacher  could 
be  paid  out  of  the  school  funds.  Still  this  improvement  on  the 
acts  of  1827,  did  not  mend  matters  very  materially,  for  many  sec- 
tions of  the  state  neglected  to  avail  themselves  of  this  opportunity 
for  perfecting  a better  organization.  But  a certain  amount  of 
energy  and  educational  enterprise  still  remained  with  the  people, 
and  their  first  object  after  securing  a comfortable  home,  was  to 
provide  educational  facilities  for  their  children.  In  1844  a “ Com- 
mon School  Convention  ” was  held  in  Peoria.  This  representative 
assembly  appointed  John  S.  Wright,  H.  M.  Weed  and  Thomas 
Kilpatrick,  a committee  to  draft  a memorial  to  the  legislature  on 
the  subject  of  “ Common  Schools.”  The  paper  drawn  up  by  the 
committee  was  an  able  and  exhaustive  one,  and  plead  for  a State 
Superintendent  with  a salary  of  nine  hundred  dollars,  and  recom- 
mended local  taxation  for  the  support  of  schools.  This  movement 
among  the  teachers  served  to  bring  the  matter  before  the  legisla- 
ture. In  February,  1845,  an  act  was  approved,  making  the  Secre- 
tary of  State  ex-officio  state  superintendent  of  common  schools, 
and  the  county  school  commissioners  ex-officio  county  school  super- 
intendents, whose  duty  it  should  be  to  examine  and  license  teachers. 

It  also  provided  for  local  taxation  on  a favorable  majority  vote 
of  the  citizens  of  the  respective  districts. 

All  the  district  tax  for  schools  in  1846-7  did  not  reach  one  mill 
on  the  one  hundred  dollars.  The  auditor,  by  this  bill,  distributed 
the  interest  on  the  school  fund  to  the  counties  in  proportion  to  the 
total  number  of  persons  under  twenty-one  years  of  age.  This  in 
turn  was  distributed  to  the  several  townships  in  the  same  manner 
by  the  county  superintendents.  This  same  act  made  the  qualifica- 
tions of  teachers  embrace  a knowledge  of  reading,  writing,  arith. 
metic,  geography  and  history,  but  required  a little  more  than  an 
elementary  knowledge  of  these  branches.  Owing  to  the  apathy  of 
the  majority  of  the  people  to  educational  interests  but  little  was 
done.  Though  living  on  the  borders  of  civilization,  they  failed  to 
recognize  the  fact  that  education  is  the  distinguishing  characteristic 
between  civilized  and  savage  society. 

The  relations  between  an  intelligent  ploughman  aud  a school- 
room were  unrecognized,  and  scholars  were  not  wanted  in  frontier 
life.  In  1847  the  standard  of  qualifications  had  to  be  lowered  in 
order  to  supply  the  schools  with  teachers.  A certificate  could  be 
obtained  for  a knowledge  of  any  one  of  the  above  named  branches. 
Schools  were  by  no  means  numerous  even  with  this  regulation.  In 
1849  the  standard  of  qualification  was  again  raised  to  the  former 
grade.  The  directors  could  grant  special  privileges  as  to  any 
branch  desired  to  be  studied.  This  was  something  like  the  “ pro- 
visional certificate,”  of  1872-3,  which  authorized  the  directors  to 


employ  some  favorite  or  relative  who  would  “give  good  satisfac- 
tion ” and  absorb  the  public  school  funds.  Little  did  the  average 
school  officer  then  know  of  the  necessary  and  judicious  discrimina- 
tion as  to  the  local  needs  in  the  choice  of  a competent  teacher. 
When  we  see  employed,  first  in  our  public-schools,  the  poorest 
teachers  who  are  licensed  by  the  county  superintendent,  we  are 
able  to  feel  that  the  same  weakness  prevails  among  them  to-day. 
In  1857  the  rate  of  taxes  for  school  purposes  was  raised  to  one 
dollar  on  the  hundred  by  a majority  vote.  The  taxable  property 
of  the  state  was  at  that  time  one  hundred  millions,  which  should 
have  furnished  a fund  of  one  million  of  dollars  for  school  purposes; 
but  the  amount  actually  raised  did  not  exceed  $51,900.  This  shows 
to  what  extent  indifference  to  the  best  interests  of  the  common- 
school  cause  prevailed  among  the  masses,  and  that  the  law  was  a 
dead  letter.  The  supervision  of  the  schools  was  given  to  the  dis- 
trict officers,  who  were  often  ignorant,  narrow-minded,  and  unfit  for 
superintending  school  methods  and  school  work.  It  soon  became 
apparent  that  something  more  than  this  was  needed  as  the  schools 
increased  and  the  interest  in  them  was  growing.  The  spirit  of 
progress  had  been  aroused.  The  press  took  hold  of  the  matter,  and 
strong  leaders  urged  the  necessity  of  better  schools.  F rom  the  east 
and  south  came  a better  class  of  citizens,  to  make  this  state  their 
home.  They  brought  with  them  advanced  ideas  of  education,  and 
urged  its  importance  to  the  people  here.  Convocations  met  and 
discussed  the  question.  These  influences  stirred  the  people  up  in 
their  own  interests.  In  1854  the  legislature  created  the  separate 
office  of  State  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction,  with  a salary 
of  $1,500  per  annum.  The  first  State  Superintendent  was  to  be 
appointed  by  the  Governor,  and  should  hold  his  office  till  his  suc- 
cessor could  be  elected  and  qualified.  The  Hon.  Ninian  W.  Ed- 
wards, appointed  superintendent  by  Gov.  Joel  A.  Matteson  has  the 
honor  of  framing  a bill  for  our  Free-school  system.  It  met  with  a 
hearty  acceptance  by  the  legislature,  and  took  the  form  of  a law 
February  15th,  1855.  It  forbade  the  employment  of  a teacher  for 
a public-school  without  a legal  certificate  of  qualification.  It  pre- 
scribed a state  tax  of  two  mills  on  the  dollar  to  be  added  annually 
to  the  six  per  cent,  revenue  from  the  school  funds,  and  required  that 
schools  should  be  kept  in  operation  at  least  six  months  in  the  year 
— with  a penalty  of  forfeiture  of  the  state  fund  for  non-compliance. 
The  system  thus  inaugurated — the  first  which  really  made  schools 
free  by  providing  for  a sufficient  state  and  local  tax  for  their  sup- 
port— continues  substantially  the  State  system  to  this  day,  with 
alteration  in  some  details.  While  the  new  law  promised  more 
vigorous  action  among  the  people,  the  scarcity  of  competent 
teachers  was  a serious  hindrance  to  that  degree  of  advancement  so 
fondly  hoped  for  by  the  strongest  supporters  of  the  new  system. 
Whence  were  they  to  be  had  ? What  methods  could  be  adopted  to 
secure  them  ? To  meet  this  want  of  efficient  teachers  and  supply 
the  increasing  demand,  the  Northern  Normal  was  established  in 
1857.  This  state  institution  for  the  special  preparation  of  the 
teacher  was  located  at  Normal,  a small  village  near  Bloomington, 
McLean  county.  The  number  of  students  during  the  first  year 
was  ninety-eight, .viz. : forty-one  gentlemen  and  fifty-seven  ladies. 
The  first  graduating  class,  1860,  consisted  of  ten,  viz. : six  young 
men  and  four  young  ladies. 

The  number  of  students  in  attendance  for  the  year  1878,  was 
425,  viz. : 185  males  and  240  females.  From  the  date  of  the 
opening  of  the  Normal  school,  the  demand  for  more  and  better 
teachers  was  so  great  that  the  Southern  Normal  was  established  in 
1869,  for  the  especial  training  of  teachers  for  the  public-schools  of 
this  state.”  This  school  is  located  at  Carbondale  in  Jackson 
county,  aud  is  in  a flourishing  condition.  In  addition  to  these,  the 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


73 


Illinois  Industrial  University,  opened  in  18G8,  is  both  state  and 
national,  having  received  a grant  of  lands  from  the  national 
government.,  intended  for  the  establishment  of  colleges  of  agricul- 
ture and  the  mechanical  arts.  This  institution  is  at  Urbana, 
Champaign  county,  where  it  has  one  of  the  tinest  buildings  of  the 
kind  in  the  country.  The  college  embraces  a school  of  agriculture 
proper,  and  a school  of  horticulture,  a school  of  engineering, 
schools  of  mechanical  science,  civil  and  mining  engineering  and 
architecture  ; a college  of  natural  science,  with  schools  of  chemistry 
and  natural  history,  and  a college  of  literature  and  science,  with  a 
school  of  English  and  modern  languages,  and  one  of  ancient  lan- 
guages and  literature.  There  are  also  schools  of  commerce,  military 
science  and  domestic  science  and  arts.  Entire  freedom  in  the 
choice  of  studies  is  allowed  each  student  ; but  the  completion  of 
one  of  these  courses  or  the  prescribed  equivalents  is  necessary  to 
graduation. 

Besides  the  normal  schools  and  colleges  named,  Illinois  has  twen- 
ty-six colleges,  thirty-two  academies,  two  law  schools.  Six  of  the 
preceding  are  classed  as  universities.  The  vital  principle  of  the 
present  law  is  this:  The  property  and  wealth  of  the  state,  as  well 
as  the  county,  shall  educate  the  youth. 

Many  important  changes  in  the  school  law  were  made  by  the 
thirty-first  General  Assembly.  The  amended  law  went  into  effect 
July  first,  1879.  It  requires  all  school  officials  having  care  of  funds 
to  strictly  account  for  the  same.  The  county  superintendent  must 
annually  examine  the  books  and  accounts  of  each  township  school 
treasurer.  The  school  month  corresponds  to  the  calendar  month. 
To  make  legal  contracts,  teachers  must  have  valid  certificates  at 
the  time  of  employment,  and  covering  the  time  for  which  they  are 
employed.  Treasurers  are  appointed  for  two  years.  Graded  schools 
in  cities  are  placed  under  the  control  of  boards  of  education,  instead 
of  city  councils.  Efficient  means  for  refunding  indebtedness  are 
provided.  The  corner-stone  of  our  educational  structure  has  been 
well  laid,  and  firmly  established  in  the  appreciation  of  an  intelligent 
people;  it  is  only  a question  of  time,  when  Illinois  will  boast  of  one 
of  the  most  perfect  systems  of  education  in  our  land.  Older  states, 
and  European  nations,  view  with  admiration,  and  study  with  delight, 
our  educational  system,  and  now  many  of  its  branches  are  being 
engrafted  into  theirs. 

Such  is  the  rapid  survey  of  the  growth  of  the  common  school  in 
Illinois.  They  have  not  arisen  in  a night,  or  in  a day ; they  are 
the  fruitage  of  a generation’s  constant  and  laborious  effort,  and  to 
those  early  movers  in  this  direction  Macon  county  owes  and  attrib- 
utes much  of  character  and  prosperity. 

EARLY  SCHOOLS  IN  THE  COUNTY. 

Like  her  sister  counties,  Macon  has  no  well-written  history  of  her 
common  schools,  and,  like  all  comparatively  new  counties,  her  edu- 
cational history  did  not  show  much  system  until  the  present 
revised  law  went  into  effect,  in  1855-60.  The  schools  of  our  fathers 
were  like  the  schools  of  to-day,  just  what  the  teacher  made  them. 
There  were  many  good  teachers  in  the  early  school  days  pf  this 
county,  and  many  poor  ones ; the  same  can  be  said  of  to-day.  But 
then  the  facilities  of  “ ye  olden  tyme  ” were  much  in  arrears  of  to- 
day— and  may  we  not  safely  say  that  the  poorest  teacher  of  to-day 
has  facilities  about  him  to  make  himself  far  superior  to  “ye  peda- 
gogue” of  the  long  ago?  Like  all  frontier  settlements,  the  standard 
of  teaching  was  very  low,  and  the  man  who  could  make  a good  pen 
from  the  quill  of  the  “buzzard  or  mother  goose,”  or  “whale  the 
boys  like  blazes”  was  the  best  ideal  of  the  available  school-master 
in  some  of  the  first  settlements,  but  to  make  such  assertions  of  the 
later  settlements  of  Macon  county,  is  sheer  nonsense.  Less  was 
10 


required,  and  less  expected  of  the  teacher  then,  than  of  those  of 
to-day.  The  qualifications  of  the  early  teachers  of  Macon  county 
were  such  as  they  brought  with  them  from  the  states  of  their 
nativity.  They  were  not  such  ignorant  fellows  as  many  would  have 
us  believe.  The  first  teacher  was  just  what  the  teacher  of  the  cast 
or  the  south  was,  the  best  that  could  be  procured  from  the  number 
that  emigrated  to  this  county,  and  may  ice  not  safely  say  that  some 
good  teachers  came  to  Macon  at  an  early  day?  The  teachers,  like 
those  of  all  new  settlements,  were  poorly  paid  in  the  older  townships; 
the  people  had  enough  to  do  to  raise  their  “Injun  corn”  and 
prepare  for  the  dreaded  “blows”  of  winter,  without  giving  much 
attention  to  the  schools. 

The  school-houses  and  their  furniture  were  then  of  the  most 
primitive  kind.  The  houses  were  constructed  of  unhewn  logs,  and 
covered  with  boards,  which  were  held  in  their  proper  places  by 
weight  poles. 


OLD  LOG  SCHOOL  BUILDING. 


In  some  cases  mother  earth  supplied  them  with  a floor,  in  others 
the  rough  hewn  puncheon,  matched  with  the  axe,  offered  a level 
base  on  which  “ye  school-master”  mustered  his  forces.  For 
windows,  a log  was  cut  out  for  the  admission  of  light,  and 
in  the  absence  of  glass,  greased  paper  was  pasted  over  these 
apertures  in  winter.  It  is  said  that  a school-master  on  Stevens’ 
creek  early  discovered  that  the  wild  turkey’s  oil  gave  the  best  light, 
and  highly  recommended  it  to  his  fellow-sufferers.  The  furniture  was 
of  the  rudest  character.  The  seats  were  usually  made  of  split  logs, 
slightly  hewn,  having  wooden  pins  driven  into  them  for  legs.  Of 
course,  they  had  no  back  rests,  but  then  the  “ deestrict  ” directors 
wisely  placed  the  soft  side  of  the  seat  upward. 


The  writing  desks  were  simply  low  shelves  placed  on  pins  driven 
into  the  wall  at  an  angle  of  fifty- two  degrees.  (Who  knows  but 
that  we  may  have  derived  our  standard  slant  for  the  script  letters 
from  this  fact  ?)  The  branches  taught  in  these  schools  were  ortho- 
graphy, reading,  writing  and  arithmetic.  But  these  grand  old 
school  days  did  not  last  long.  The  Yankee,  Kentuckian  and  Ten- 
nesseean could  not  long  endure  this  backward  state  of  affairs,  and 
as  the  little  settlements  grew  and  expanded  it  was  only  a question 
of  time  when  the  little  log-house  and  sacred  slab  desk  should  dis- 

(Note:  Our  artist  furnished  a view  of  one  of  the  better  class  of  houses  having  the 
boards  nailed  to  the  “ ribs.”) 


n 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


appear.  About  1847-8  a few  bouses  were  built,  having  the  improved 
board  desks,  usually  fastened  together  in  pairs,  but  sometimes  they 
were  so  arranged  in  sixes  or  eights.  Samples  of  these  desks  may 
be  seen  in  seme  of  our  schools  to  day. 

But  from  and  alter  the  year  18.55  many  of  the  first  school-houses 
were  properly  seated  with  the  very  best  of  school  furniture  ; and 
now  the  only  drawback  in  this  direction  is  the  prevalent  want  of 
school  apparatus.  There  has  been  but  little  attention  given  in  this 
direction,  and  the  result  is  that  scarcely  any  house  is  supplied  with 
the  absolutely  necessary  globe,  wall-map  or  dictionary.  May  we 
soon  see  the  time  when  these  and  other  much  needed  articles  may 
find  their  way  into  our  country  schools  ? 

In  1872,  the  law  was  so  amended  that  it  required  teachers  to  pass 
a satisfactory  examination  in  orthography,  reading,  penmanship, 
arithmetic,  English  grammar,  modern  geography,  the  history  of  the 
United  States,  the  elements  of  the  natural  sciences,  physiology  and 
the  laws  of  health.  The  addition  of  the  elements  of  the  sciences 
gave  a new  impulse  to  education  throughout  the  State,  and  no  one 
doubts  the  good  results  from  it  in  Macon  county. 

The  County  Superintendents  had  held  occasional  Teachers’  Insti- 
tutes till  1876,  when  the  few  teachers  in  attendance  resolved  to  hold 
an  Annual  Institute  in  1877.  Since  that  time  an  institute  has  been 
regularly  held,  and  the  interest  has  increased  till  the  institute  of 
1880  numbered  one  hundred  and  thirty-five  in  attendance.  These 
institutes  have  done  much  to  build  up  the  best  interests  of  the 
schools  by  introducing  ueiv  and  improved  methods  of  instruction 
and  by  putting  the  teachers  on  a common  working  level.  A 
Teachers’  Library  Association  was  organized  in  1877,  and  has 
steadily  grown  from  a few  volumes  in  number  to  over  fifty  volumes 
of  the  better  class  of  books  pertaining  to  the  teacher’s  association. 
The  institutes  are  not  supported  at  the  public  expense,  but  by 
those  who  attend  them.  The  public,  recognizing  their  importance 
to  the  teachers,  give  them  favorable  consideration,  and  prefer  those 
teachers  who  attend  them. 

Our  teachers  complain  of  the  limited  salary  paid  them  for  their 
labors  in  the  public  schools.  The  highest  price  paid  outside  of 
Decatur  or  the  village  for  1879  was  $60.00  per  month,  and  this  was 
only  in  a single  isolated  case.  The  average  wages  for  females, 
$30.52,  and  for  males  $43.55  for  the  same  year.  The  lowest  salary 
being  $23  per  month.  During  the  year  1879,  there  was  paid  to 
the  teachers  in  the  county  $54,576.55,  and  for  other  necessary 
expenses,  $19,719.70.  During  the  same  year  there  were  employed 
two  hundred  and  twenty-nine  teachers  in  the  public  schools  of  the 
county.  This  excessive  number  is  due  to  the  fact  that  many  teach- 
ers obtain  employment  for  a single  term,  and  then  give  way  to 
some  one  else. 

There  are  a hundred  and  twenty-nine  school-houses  in  the  county 
used  exclusively  for  school  purposes.  The  estimated  value  of  school 
property  in  the  county,  including  libraries  and  apparatus,  is 
$166,095.  The  total  amount  of  special  tax  levied  for  school  pur- 
poses was  $51,100.88.  These  revenues  our  people  cheerfully  pay, 
and  feel  that  they  are  amply  remunerated  by  the  work  done  in  the 
schools.  Efficient  county  supervision  had  much  to  do  with  the 
success  of  the  schools  of  the  county  from  1863  to  1872  inclusive. 
At  the  latter  date  the  Board  of  Supervisors  voted  to  discontinue 
school  supervision,  and  no  effort  has  been  made  to  restore  it.  It  is 
to  be  hoped  that  they  will  allow  this  much  needed  special  help  at 
no  distant  future. 

The  office  of  County  Commissioner  was  first  filled  in  1832,  by 
appointment  of  the  court.  In  1865,  the  title  of  the  office  was 
changed  to  that  of  County  Superintendent  of  Schools,  and  the  term 
of  office  extended  from  two  to  four  years.  Below  is  given  a list  of 


the  names  of  persons  who  served  as  school  commissioner  and  super- 
intendent with  dates:  James  Johnson,  1832  to  1834;  James  Ren- 
shaw,  1834  to  1835  ; Charles  Emmerson,  1835  to  1838  ; H.  M.  Gorin, 
1838  to  1840  ; P.  D.  Williams,  1840  to  1847 ; W.  8.  Crissey,  1847 
to  1860;  C.  C.  Burroughs,  1860  to  1864;  Edwin  Park,  1864  to 
1869  ; O.  F.  McKim,  1869  to  1873  ; S.  P.  Mickey,  1873  to  1877  ; 
John  Trainer,  1877,  and  is  the  present  incumbent. 

THE  TOWNSHIP  SCHOOLS. 

The  first  building  erected  for  the  purpose  of  a school-house  was 
constructed  in  1826,  on  Stevens’  creek,  and  stood  about  two  hun- 
dred yards  S.  W.  of  the  present  dwelling-house  of  Mr.  John  Saw- 
yer, in  Decatur  township. 

What  has  been  mentioned  in  regard  to  furniture,  &c.,  will  apply 
to  this  house.  The  building  has  long  since  been  torn  down. 

The  first  school-house  in  Harristown  township  was  erected  in 
1829,  on  Mr.  James  Miller’s  land,  just  south  of  Mr.  Charles 
Hunsley’s,  in  the  timber. 

The  enterprising  teacher  adopted  the  Turkey  oil  experiment  of 
the  Stevens’  creek  teacher, — for  securing  a fine  mellow  light,  and 
highly  commended  it  to  others.  Mr.  Miller  attended  this  school 
twelve  days,  and  informs  us  that  this  was  the  only  schooling  that 
he  ever  received. 

The  first  school-house  in  Blue  Mound  township  stood  in  the  tim- 
ber east  of  the  present  farm-house  of  Mr.  Green  Hill,  near  a fine 
spring  of  water. 

Mr.  Daniel  McCall  was  the  first  teacher,  in  1828.  (Mr.  McCall 
has  the  honor  of  being  the  first  county  judge,  circuit  clerk,  and 
county  clerk  of  Macon  county).  Mr.  William  Austin,  now  living, 
taught  there  in  1832. 

In  Hickory  Point,  the  first  school-house  was  built  on  section  34, 
south  of  Mr.  Smallwood’s  present  residence. 

The  first  school  in  Friends’  creek  township,  was  taught  in  1835 
and  1836,  on  the  old  camp  ground,  north  of  the  east  fork  of  Friends’ 
creek. 

The  first  house  was  erected  in  1838,  near  the  present  residence 
of  D.  K.  Wilson,  since  removed  two  miles  east,  and  used  as  a 
dwelling-house.  We  learn  that  this  house  had  the  extreme  primi- 
tive furniture. 

In  Oakley  township  the  first  building  was  erected  in  1830,  near 
the  site  of  the  brick  school-house,  Dist.  one,  17-3. 

Mr.  Alexander  Patton  was  the  first  teacher;  he  died  in  1877, 
near  Oakley,  at  an  advanced  age. 

The  first  school-house  in  Maroa  township,  now  standing,  was 
built  about  two  miles  west  of  the  village  of  Maroa,  and  known  as 
Dist.  one.  Mr.  Alvin  Woodard  was  the  first  teacher. 

The  first  school  was  taught  in  Pleasant  View  township,  on  the 
N.  E.  quarter  of  the  N.  W.  quarter  of  section  thirty-five,  Town 
15,  N.  R.  1 E.,  in  1857. 

The  first  school-house  in  Illini  township  was  a frame  building, 
erected  in  the  year  1861,  on  the  farm  of  the  late  D.  S.  Allen,  a few 
miles  north  of  Harristown.  It  has  since  been  removed  to  the  S.  E. 
corner  of  the  farm  owned  by  J.  S.  Childs,  two  and  one-half  miles 
S.  E.  of  Warrensburg,  and  is  now  known  as  the  Childs’  school- 
house. 

The  first  house  was  built  in  Macon  township  in  1854 ; Mr. 
Bradford  Stuart  was  the  first  teacher.  The  house  was  erected  one 
and  one-half  miles  west  of  the  township  liue,  near  the  Shelby  county 
boundary. 

The  first  school  in  Austin  township  was  taught  by  M.  T.  Scott  in 
1858,  on  Lake  Fork.  The  house  has  since  been  removed,  repaired, 
and  is  now  known  and  used  as  the  Town  Hall. 


IIISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


The  first  school-house  erected  in  Whitmore  township,  stood  on 
what  is  now  known  as  the  Union  Cemetery,  and  was  built  in  1841, 
by  free  contribution  of  such  materials  as  the  early  pioneers  could 
afford.  It  was  known  as  the  Orthodox  School-house,  and  was  used 
as  its  builder  designed,  for  common  school,  singing  school,  “spclin- 
skule,”  debating  societies,  lecture-room,  political  meetings,  religious 
meetings,  and  in  fact  everything  that  came  along  of  an  entertaining 
nature.  The  building  has  since  been  sold,  and  is  now  a part  of  a 
dwelling  house.  This  building  was  constructed  entirely  of  oak 
lumber,  and  “ filled  in  between  the  studding  with  soft  brick.”  A 
man  named  Sanford  was  the  first  teacher. 

The  first  school-house  erected  in  Mt.  Zion  township,  stood  about 
three-fourths  of  a mile  west  of  Mt.  Zion  Academy,  and  was  built 
about  1840. 

The  first  house  built  in  Long  creek  township,  for  school 
purposes  was  erected  about  1840,  on  the  farm  of  John  Myers,  and 
is  now  owned  by  John  Jones. 

The  first  school-house  in  Niantic  township  was  built  in  1847,  in 
Dingman’s  Grove,  on  the  N.  E.  quarter  of  section  twenty-three, 
James  Harper,  now  living  in  Christian  county,  first  wielded  the 
birch.  The  first  sessions  of  the  Christian  Church  were  held  in  this 
house  in  1850,  and  used  as  a place  of  public  worship  till  1854, 
when  the  Dingman  Church  was  erected  near  the  site  of  the  old 
school-house. 

In  most  cases  the  school  township  lines  do  not  coincide  with  the 
political  township  lines.  This  fact  gives  rise  to  a great  amount  of 
confusion,  since  many  of  the  inhabitants  do  not  understand  the 
difference  between  the  town,  range,  etc.,  and  the  proper  name  of 
the  township. 

The  following  are  the  names  of  the  township  treasurers  as  ap- 
pointed by  the  board  of  trustees,  in  April,  1880. 


Township. 

Treasurer. 

Post  Office. 

14N.R1  E 

I.  B Gordon, 

Blue  Mound. 

14-2 

B.  H.  McHenry, 

Moawequa. 

14-3 

Hiram  Johnson, 

Moawequa. 

15-1 

H.  A.  Miller, 

Boody. 

15-2 

It.  H.  Woodcock, 

Macon. 

15-3 

J.  S.  Hughes, 

Mt.  Zion. 

15-4 

T.  E.  Mayes, 

Dalton. 

16-1 

J.  B.  Camp, 

Harristown. 

16-2 

John  A.  Brown, 

Decatur. 

16-3 

J.  S.  Kizer, 

Long  Creek. 

16-4 

Samuel  Bowman, 

La  Place. 

17-1 

J.  J.  Batchelder, 

Harristown. 

17-2 

J.  Y.  Braden, 

Decatur. 

17-3 

Joshua  Green, 

Decatur. 

17-4 

Philip  Dobson, 

Cerro  Gordo. 

18-1 

S.  O.  Davis, 

Warrensburg. 

18-2 

Joseph  Jones, 

Maroa. 

18-3 

W.  A.  Van  Leer, 

Maroa. 

18-4 

Caleb  Hedges, 

Argenta. 

16-1.  W. 

George  Wree, 

Niantic. 

17-1.  W. 

John  Gordy, 

Niantic. 

Decatur  district,  Lowber  Burrows. 


The  law  provides  that  treasurers  be  appointed  for  two  years 
instead  of  one  as  formerly.  They  are  required  to  give  bond  to  the 
township  trustees  for  twice  the  amount  of  funds  placed  in  their 
hands,  and  to  give  additional  security  when  required. 

DECATUR  PUBLIC  SCHOOLS. 

The  history  of  the  Decatur  schools  dates  baok  almost  to  the 
foundation  of  our  enterprising  little  city.  The  first  schools  were  of 


the  class  termed  “subscription,”  and  were  only  taught  for  a few 
mouths  in  the  year.  These  sessions  were  held  in  various  localities; 
in  fact,  wherever  a suitable  house  could  be  proeured.  The  oldest 
inhabitant  well  recollects  when  there  was  a school  taught  in  the 
old  building  south  of  Powers’  Block  (Court-IIome),  once  used  as 
the  Christian  Church  ; in  a log  building  which  occupied  the  corner 
on  west  side  of  the  Old  Square  now  known  as  the  McNabb  build- 
ing; in  a little  house  on  the  North  side  of  the  block  north  of  the 
Tabernacle,  once  used  by  the  Methodists  as  a place  of  worship. 

Two  or  three  other  places  claim  attention  as  having  the  honor  of 
the  first  school-house,  but  the  space  allotted  us  in  this  article  will 
not  permit  an  investigation  in  this  direction. 

Suffice  it  to  say  that  the  Decaturites  were  early  alive  to  the 
necessity  of  “ keeping  school.”  What  has  been  said  in  respect  to 
furniture,  apparatus,  etc.,  in  connection  with  the  country  schools, 
may  well  be  said  about  the  early  schools  of  Decatur.  They  were 
not  superior  in  this  respect  to  those  of  the  country,  but  like  the 
first  schools  in  the  older  settled  townships,  the  young  Decaturite 
had  to  content  himself  with  the  polished  slab  seat  and  the  fashion- 
able fire-place.  The  first  house  built  especially  for  the  purpose  of  a 
school-house,  was  that  erected  about  1841,  on  D.  L.  Allen’s  land, 
north  of  the  Public  Park,  and  now  known  as  the  old  Masonic  Hall. 

Mr.  Allen  kindly  donated  this  lot  for  the  purpose  intended,  and 
did  all  in  his  power  to  foster  the  best  interests  of  education  among 
the  enterprising  settlers  of  that  period.  When  we  take  into  con- 
sideration that  Macon  county  was  not  organized  as  a county  till 
January  19th,  1829,  and  the  fact  that  the  first  real  settler  came  in 
1820,  we  should  concede  much  credit  to  the  “ brush  villagers  ” for 
their  early  interest  in  educational  matters.  From  the  building  of 
the  “First  School-House”  in  Decatur,  we  may  consider  the  school 
interests  of  the  growing  village  in  common  with  the  country  schools, 
till  the  building  of  the  “ Big  Brick  ” (2d  Ward)  in  1857.  The 
history  of  the  Decatur  Graded  schools  is  too  well  known  to  need 
definite  mention  here,  but  we  append  the  following  notes  as  setting 
forth  the  peculiar  advantage  of  the  graded  system. 

1.  By  embracing  a large  tract  of  the  city  the  pecuniary  strength 
of  each  ward  is  increased,  and  the  inhabitants  are  thereby  enabled 
to  procure,  without  increasing  their  taxes,  a larger  and  more  eligi- 
ble school-house  site,  and  to  erect  thereon  a school  building,  more 
ample  in  its  dimensions,  more  attractive  in  external  appearance, 
and  more  convenient  in  its  internal  arrangements. 

2.  It  reduces  the  number  of  districts,  as  well  as  the  number  of 
teachers,  thereby  enabling  the  people  to  pay  better  compensation, 
and  to  obtain  teachers  of  a higher  order  of  qualifications. 

3.  It  prevents  many  of  the  errors  and  imperfections  incident  to 
a school  which  employs  but  a single  teacher,  and  not  unfrequently 
one  who  is  destitute  of  the  proper  amount  of  learning,  but  also  a 
knowledge  of  the  proper  methods  of  imparting  instruction  even  in 
the  most  elementary  branches.  In  a graded  school  the  younger 
and  less  experienced  teachers  are  generally  under  the  direction  and 
supervision  of  a principal,  whose  scientific  attainments,  large  expe- 
rience, and  enlightened  views  of  the  duties  and  responsibilities  of 
his  avocation,  enable  him  to  introduce,  at  once,  into  his  school  a 
proper  system  of  discipline  and  classification,  and  so  to  direct  all 
the  school  exercises  and  studies  in  the  lower  departments,  that  the 
work  appropriate  to  each  of  the  lower  grades  will  not  be  thrown 
upon  the  departments  above. 

4.  A judicious  course  of  study  can  be  introduced  and  adhered  to 
with  far  greater  facility  in  a graded  school  than  in  a mixed  school. 
Text  books  are  selected  with  more  care  and  judgment,  and  less 
frequently  changed  ; and  hence  the  progress  of  the  pupil  is  less 
retarded,  and  parents  are  subject  to  a less  expense. 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS . 


i u 


The  facilities  for  procuring  libraries  and  articles  of  apparatus  are 
also  greatly  increased. 

5.  In  graded  schools,  young  and  inexperienced  teachers,  who  are 
usually  employed  in  the  lower  departments,  are  not  obliged  to 
depend  upon  a sort  of  guessing  operation  in  determining  how  to 
manage  a case  of  discipline,  hear  a recitation,  conduct  a reading, 
or  other  exercise;  for  the  principal  of  such  a school  is  always  at 
hand  to  give  advice  and  direction  in  such  cases  ; and  hence,  at  the 
very  outset  of  their  course,  the  pupils  receive  thorough  and  accurate 
instruction.  It  has  now  become  a well  established  fact,  that  a 
graded  school,  in  charge  of  a competent  superintendent,  although 
inexperienced  teachers  may  be  employed  in  all  the  subordinate 
departments,  will  accomplish  vastly  more  in  the  way  of  imparting 
to  the  pupils  a solid,  practical,  education,  a proper  mental 
discipline,  than  could  be  effected  by  an  equal  number  of  well- 
qualified  teachers,  each  operating  in  an  independent  school,  on  the 
old  plan. 

6-  The  graded  system  tends  to  prevent  the  manifold  evils  result- 
ing from  short  school  sessions,  and  those  repeated  changes  in  the 
general  plan  and  operations  of  a school  which  a change  of  teachers 
in  mixed  schools  generally  produces.  This  advantage  alone  should 
commend  the  graded  or  union  system  to  the  favorable  regard  of  all 
who  desire  to  give  their  children  a good  education,  with  the  least 
expenditure  of  money  and  time. 

7.  As  a graded  school  consists  of  several  departments,  and  these 
departments  occupy  separate  rooms,  and  the  pupils  of  each  depart- 
ment are  nearly  of  the  same  age  and  attainments,  they  can 
be  formed  into  a few  large  classes,  to  pursue  all  their  studies 
together,  and  thus  afford  the  teacher  the  necessary  length  of  time 
for  thoroughly  instructing  each  class.  In  such  a school  great 
advantage  is  derived  from  the  excitement,  the  exhilaration,  and  the 
enthusiasm,  which  always  arise  from  companionship  in  study. 
Every  one  who  has  taught  in  a graded  school  will  acknowledge  the 
stimulating  effect  which  a large  class  exerts  upon  every  member  of 
it,  not  only  when  reciting,  but  also  when  studying,  by  reminding 
him  constantly  that  many  besides  himself  are  engaged  on  the  same 
lesson,  and  that  he  will  soon  be  required  to  appear  in  their  presence, 
and  be  measured  by,  as  well  as  with,  them. 

8.  It  is  much  easier  to  maintain  order  and  decorum  in  a graded, 
than  in  an  ungraded  school. 

9.  Gradation  in  schools  not  only  renders  their  government 
comparatively  easy,  but  generally  promotes  habits  of  diligence,  and 
secures  a high  order  of  mental  discipline.  “ The  steady  and  uniform 
progress  with  which  the  classes  move  on  in  regular  gradation,  forms 
of  itself  a system  of  order,  and  gives  steadiness  to  the  mental  habits 
of  the  pupil.  All  the  members  of  each  class  are  habitually  trained 
to  regular  duty ; the  work  of  to-day  is  but  the  continuation  of  the 
work  of  yesterday,  by  which  the  mind  acquires  the  power  and 
forms  the  habit  of  acting  systematically,  and  thinking  consecu- 
tively.” 

10.  In  grading  schools,  the  number  of  subjects  which  each 
instructor  is  required  to  teach  is  far  less  than  in  a mixed  school, 
and  this  is  a matter  of  no  small  moment ; for  the  teacher  of  numerous 
classes  in  several  branches  of  study,  and  in  all  stages  of  advance- 
ment, has  no  time  for  preparation  on  the  different  lessons,  and  must 
therefore  enter  upon  the  task  of  instruction  in  a state  which  wholly 
unfits  him  for  teaching  skilfully. 

11.  The  graded  system  renders  it  practicable  to  employ  a greater 
number  of  female  teachers,  and  thus  secure  to  young  children  that 
genial  influence  and  culture  which  females  are  so  well  qualified  to 
impart.  It  has  often  been  remarked  that  females  make  better 
teachers  for  young  children  than  the  other  sex  ; for  they  have  more 


talent  for  oral  or  conversational  teaching,  more  quickness  of 
perception  in  seizing  the  difficulties  which  embarrass  the  mind  of  a 
child,  and  more  mildness  of  manner  in  removing  them.  They  are 
more  ingenious  in  introducing  little  devices  calculated  to  animate 
and  encourage  children,  and  relieve  the  monotony  of  school 
exercises.  They  attach  more  importance  to  the  improvement  of 
morals,  and  pay  more  attention  to  cleanliness  and  good  manners 
than  men.  They  have  a peculiar  faculty  for  awakening  the 
sympathies  of  children,  and  inspiring  them  Avith  a desire  to  excel. 
They  possess  warmer  affections,  more  delicate  taste,  greater 
confidence  in  human  nature,  more  untiring  zeal  in  behalf  of  those 
committed  to  their  charge.  When  the  mind  of  a child  has  gone 
astray,  they  will  lead  it  back  into  the  right  path  more  gently  and 
more  successfully  than  men. 

12.  The  incentives  to  great  diligence  in  the  preparation  of  their 
lessons,  presented  to  the  young  by  exjiectation  and  certainty  of 
promotion,  are  greater  and  far  more  abiding  in  graded  than  in 
ungraded  schools. 

The  First  Ward  School  building  was  erected  in  1867.  Mr. 
David  Bigelow  was  appointed  principal,  and  held  this  position  till 
his  death,  Nov.  1879,  when  John  Trainer,  Co.  Supt.  of  Schools, 
filled  out  the  remainder  of  the  year,  and  was  followed  by  Mr. 
Evans. 

The  Second  Ward  building  was  erected  in  1857,  and  Mr.  J.  1^. 
Ramsburg  was  appointed  principal.  This  ward  has  had  the 
following  principals,  viz.,  A.  J.  Johnson,  J.  K.  Rickett,  D.  C. 
McCloy,  Edwin  Park,  John  H.  Leidigh,  J.  W.  Weston,  E.  A. 
Gastman,  C.  W.  Demmon,  O.  F.  McKim,  Metta  W.  Carson,  and 
Miss  Jennie  Durfee. 

The  Third  Ward  building  was  erected  in  1862,  and  John  W. 
Randall  was  appointed  as  first  principal.  The  order  of  principals 
is  as  follows,  viz.,  Edwin  Park,  Mrs.  L.  J.  R.  Rooker,  Maggie 
Leeper,  Callie  M Parker,  Josephine  Adams,  U.  C.  East,  T.  C. 
Fuller,  and  Edwin  Philbrook. 

The  Fourth  Ward  building  was  erected  in  1866,  and  Mrs.  E.  W. 
Yeager  was  appointed  as  the  first  principal.  The  order  of 
principals  is  as  follows,  viz.,  Samuel  M.  Lake,  Mary  Wilder,  Mrs. 
L.  Montgomery. 

To  the  City  Superintendent  of  Schools,  Mr.  Enoch  A.  Gastman, 
more  than  to  any  other  man,  does  Decatur  owe  her  present 
standing  in  the  perfect  workings  of  her  graded  school  system.  His 
untiring  efforts  to  carry  out  the  best  possible  system  of  graded 
schools ; his  zeal  and  enthusiasm,  as  well  as  his  sincere  devotion  to 
our  school  system,  has  made  the  Decatur  schools  what  they  are 
to-day,  equal  to  any  of  like  character  in  the  State. 

DECATUR  HIGH  SCHOOL. 

The  first  session  of  the  high  school  opened  September  22,  1862, 
in  the  building  then  known  as  the  “ Big  Brick,”  now  known  as  the 
Second  Ward  school  building.  The  Board  of  Directors  then  con- 
sisted of  Messrs.  Henkle,  Durfee  and  Rea,  who,  after  due  delibera- 
tion as  to  the  best  plan  of  providing  instruction  for  the  more 
advanced  pupils  of  the  “Big  Brick  ” and  the  surrounding  neigh- 
borhood, agreed  to  place  all  the  advanced  pupils  in  one  room  and 
call  it  the  high  school.  Accordingly  the  east  room  in  the  lower 
story  of  the  “ Big  Brick  ” was  selected  in  which  to  hold  the  first 
session  of  what  is  now  one  among  the  foremost  high  schools  in  the 
state.  The  board  promptly  appointed  Professor  Enoch  A.  Gastman 
as  principal  and  superintendent  of  all  the  schools  with  a salary  of 
$80  per  month,  and  Mrs.  Gastman  as  assistant.  The  register 
shows  an  enrollment  of  thirty-nine  pupils  for  the  first  week  with 
several  additions  during  the  term.  The  school  moved  along  picas- 


II  IS T ORY  0 F MACON  CO  UN T Y,  IL L IN 0 IS. 


77 


antly  and  prosperously  till  near  the  close  of  the  first  six  months’ 
term  ; while  the  pupils  and  teachers  were  all  aglow  with  the 
encouraging  prospects  of  ‘‘ye  olden  time  exhibition  ” to  be  given 
at  the  close  of  the  year’s  work,  Mrs.  Gastman,  who  had  done  so 
much  to  further  the  best  interests  of  the  growing  schools,  was  sud- 
denly stricken  down  with  the  diphtheria,  and  died  in  less  than  one 
week  after  leaving  the  school  room.  The  grief-stricken  husband 
was  granted  a leave  of  absence  for  two  weeks,  at  the  close  of  which 
he  returned  and  completed  the  term  assisted  by  Miss  Mary  Wilder. 

The  rapid  growth  of  the  primary  departments  in  the  ward 
schools  rendered  it  necessary  to  make  provision  for  other  classes  in 
the  “Big  Brick.”  Hence  the  question  of  finding  a suitable  place 
for  the  high  school  classes  was  the  all-absorbing  theme  of  conver- 
sation. Finally,  after  much  discussion  and  argument  both  pro  and 
con.,  it  was  agreed  to  remove  the  high  school  department  to  the 
basement  of  the  old  Baptist  Church  standing  on  the  ground  now 
occupied  by  the  building  known  as  Nebinger  and  Reeser’s  leather 
store.  Accordingly,  the  second  year’s  work  of  this  institution 
began  in  this  building  September  14,  1863,  with  Professor  Gastman 
as  principal,  which  position  he  held  till  1871,  and  Miss  Mary  E. 
Baker  as  assistant.  On  the  8th  of  July  previously  the  legal  voters 
had  by  a vote  of  one  hundred  and  twenty-nine  to  six,  decided  to 
extend  the  term  to  a nine  months’  session  ; this  was  again  reaffirmed 
June  14th,  1864.  At  the  beginning  of  the  third  year,  September 
19th,  1864,  the  corps  of  teachers  was  the  same  as  the  previous  years, 
but  at  the  beginning  of  the  next  year,  September  11th,  1865,  it  was 
found  necessary  to  employ  another  assistant;  Miss  M.  M.  Sargent 
was  elected  to  fill  the  new  position.  Thus  we  see  our  high  school 
slowly  but  surely  growing,  and  may  we  not  point  with  pride  to  our 
present  commodious  building  which  had  its  humble  origin  in  the 
little  room  of  the  “ Big  Brick,  and  the  damp  basement  of  the  old 
church  ? 

During  the  first  two  or  three  years  the  school  had  no  works  of 
reference  other  than  those  furnished  by  the  principal,  and  while  he 
longed  to  see  the  gazetteer  and  the  cyclopedia  on  the  wall  shelves 
of  the  little  school-room  he  pointed  with  pride  to  the  “ booktionary  ” 
as  a source  in  which  to  drown  all  school  troubles,  but  the  American 
school  when  once  firmly  planted  soon  builds  up  a good  reference 
library.  Various  plans  have  been  tried  for  securing  the  acquisition 
of  good  books  for  schools,  but  usually  the  subscription  plan  is  the 
one  first  adopted;  so  it  was  in  this  case.  Misses  Emily  Moeller, 
Carrie  Jamison,  and  Jane  Hammond  took  the  matter  in  hand  with 
much  earnestness.  After  several  days  of  patient  canvassing  these 
active  lasses  secured  the  sum  of  one  dollar  and  fifty  cents  with  which 
to  found  a library.  The  principal  with  his  usual  good  judgment 
expended  the  entire  sum  in  the  purchase  of  Cleveland’s  Compen- 
dium of  English  Literature. 

This  formed  the  nucleus  of  our  present  very  excellent  high 
school  library  which  has  been  brought  about  by  the  devoted  energy 
of  the  faithful  teachers  and  the  activity  and  diligence  of  their  pupils ; 
the  estimated  cost  of  the  library  is  $1,000.  But  the  Sucker  school- 
master does  not  content  himself  with  a good  reference  library  in 
which  to  while  away  his  leisure  hours,  but  he  must  have  a geologi- 
cal collection,  and  then  follows  a representative  cabinet  in  each  of 
the  natural  sciences ; so  it  has  been  with  the  commendable  manage* 
ment  of  the  high  school. 

In  examining  the  records  we  find  that  the  board  paid  Fred.  But 
zein  $43  for  a book  case  May  16th,  1865,  and  May  14th,  1867,  $40 
for  a similar  case  to  be  used  for  a geological  and  zoological  collec- 
tion. This  little  collection  made  from  the  banks  of  the  primitive 
Sangamon,  has  grown  from  that  of  a few  stones  and  shells  to 
embrace  the  mute  representatives  of  almost  every  country  on  the 


globe.  How  every  Decaturite  points  with  pride  to  “our  high 
school  collection,  ’ and  the  stranger  goes  away  satisfied  that  it*  is 
equal,  if  not  superior,  to  that  of  any  high  school  in  the  state. 

In  1867,  Miss  Baker  was  succeeded  by  Miss  Nancy  Cunningham 
who,  owing  to  affliction  of  the  eyes,  was  compelled  to  resign  at  the 
end  of  the  second  term.  Miss  Helen  Dean  succeeded  her  and 
taught  till  June,  1869,  when  she  resigned  on  accoupt  of  a matri- 
monial alliance. 

By  an  act  of  the  legislature  approved  in  February,  1865,  the  Board 
of  Directors  was  abolished  and  the  Board  of  Education  established 
in  its  place.  The  first  election  under  this  new  ruling  was  in  April, 
1865,  resulting  in  the  election  of  D.  P.  Bunn,  William  L.  Hammer 
and  C.  C.  Burroughs  as  members  of  the  new  board.  The  board 
then  organized  with  Mr.  Bunn  as  president,  E.  A.  Gastman  as 
clerk,  which  position  he  still  holds,  and  J.  R.  Gorin  as  trea- 
surer. 

The  basement  of  the  church  was  damp,  dark,  poorly  ventilated, 
and  in  every  way  unfitted  for  the  wants  of  the  rapidly  increasing 
school.  While  it  remained  in  these  quarters  it  was  impossible  to 
gain  for  the  school  either  character  or  respect.  After  a large 
amount  of  discussion  and  cavilling  the  board  determined  in  the 
winter  of  1868  to  erect  a building  suitable  for  the  accommodation 
of  the  school.  When  it  became  generally  known  that  such  a 
building  was  to  be  erected,  the  prejudice  was  so  great  that  third 
parties  favorable  to  the  movement  had  to  be  secured  to  purchase  the 
site  for  the  building,  so  much  were  the  property  holders  opposed 
to  its  location  near  their  premises. 

G.  P.  Randall,  of  Chicago,  was  employed  as  architect.  After 
examining  the  grounds,  he  submitted  plans  for  the  building  which 
were  adopted  by  the  addition  of  the  plan  of  a staircase  proposed 
by  Mr.  Gastman,  for  the  rear  of  the  building.  In  a quiet  sort  of 
way  on  the  morning  of  July  4th,  1869,  while  the  young  orators  of 
our  little  city  were  conning  their  ‘ Spread  Eagle  ” speeches  for  the 
historical  day  of  American  Independence,  and  “Young  America” 
was  busy  with  the  fire-cracker  and  the  yelping  cur,  the  ground  was 
staked  off  and  the  turf  broken  for  the  corner-stone  of  the  present 
building.  By  December  of  the  same  year  the  enterprising  con- 
tractor, Mr.  D.  C.  Shockley,  had  the  building  enclosed,  and  in 
September,  1869,  the  pupils  were  ready  to  remove  from  the  church 
wdiere  the  school  had  been  for  the  past  six  years,  to  the  new  and 
commodious  building. 


DECATUR  HIGH  SCHOOL. 


Miss  Mary  W.  French  took  the  place  made  vacant  by  the  resig- 
nation of  Miss  Dean.  Miss  Sargent  was  then  made  first  assistant. 
Professor  Gastman  at  the  helm  as  principal,  which  position  he  held 
until  1871. 


78 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


For  some  time  the  Board  had  been  desirous  of  making  arrange- 
ments by  which  the  labor  of  the  principalship  and  that  of  city 
superintendent  of  schools  might  be  made  separate  rand  distinct, 
that  is,  have  a person  to  devote  his  whole  time  to  the  superin- 
tendency, and  one  to  act  as  principal  of  the  school. 

In  February,  1871,  Hon.  S.  S-  Jack  was  elected  to  the  position 
of  principal,  and  Professor  Gastmau  required  to  devote  all  his  time 
to  the  schools  as  superintendent.  Mr.  Jack  entered  upon  the 
discharge  of  his  duties  at  the  beginning  of  the  spring  term,  and 
remained  until  the  following  February,  when  he  resigned,  and  was 
succeeded  by  O.  F.  McKim  at  the  beginning  of  the  school  year  of 
1873.  Mr.  McKim  remained  one  year,  when  I.  E.  Brown  was 
appointed,  and  filled  this  position  with  marked  ability  till  1880, 
when  he  resigned,  and  was  succeeded  by  J.  N.  Wilkinson,  the  present 
incumbent. 

In  1870,  a room  was  opened  for  the  entering  class,  and  Miss  Lucy 
Miles  was  appointed  to  take  charge  of  it.  After  a month  she  was 
succeeded  by  Mrs.  Priscilla  E-  Foulke,  who  completed  the  work  of 
the  year.  Miss  Emily  H.  Cotton  succeeded  Mrs.  Foulke  at  the 
beginning  of  the  third  year,  and  taught  two  years,  when  she 
resigned  to  become  Mrs.  Collins.  In  September,  1873,  Miss  M. 
Leeper  was  appointed  to  fill  the  vacancy,  and. has  taught  continually 
to  the  present  writing.  Miss  Sargent  resigned  in  1877,  after  twelve 
years  continuous  teaching  ; Miss  S.  Alice  Judd  commenced  with 
Mr.  Brown  in  1874,  and  was  followed  by  Mr.  P.  B.  Colton,  Avho 
taught  one  year,  and  was  succeeded  by  Mr.  A.  E.  Beardsley,  who 
was  in  turn  succeeded  by  the  present  teacher,  Mr.  George  A. 
Henderson.  Miss  Judd  still  retains  this  position. 

It  will  be  noticed  that  but  few  changes  have  been  made  among 
the  teachers,  and  this  fact  is  patent  to  every  thinking  mind,  that 
nothing  in  the  history  of  schools  wields  such  an  influence  on  the 
growing  generation  as  the  permanence  of  good  and  efficient  teachers. 
The  teacher  has  an  opportunity  to  impress  himself  upon  the  mould- 
ing character  of  our  youth.  He  becomes  a power  in  the  community 
as  well  as  in  the  school.  The  first  graduating  class  consisted  of 
Misses  Alice  Roberts,  Emmaretta  Williams,  Rachel  and  Emma 
Hummell,  the  exercises  being  in  Powers’  Hall,  June  20th,  1867 
The  course  of  study  was  then  three  years.  In  1870,  it  was  made 
four  years. 

ADVANTAGES  OF  THE  HIGH  SCHOOL  DEPARTMENT. 

It  is  thought  by  some  that  to  maintain  a thorough  and  efficient 
system  of  common  schools  does  not  require  the  establishment  of 
high  schools  as  an  essential  and  component  part  of  the  system. 
They  contend  that,  because  only  a few  of  the  youth  of  the  city  or 
township  ever  reach  the  high  school,  its  benefits  are  not  commensu- 
rate with  the  expense  which  it  adds  to  the  system ; they  also  main- 
tain that  the  establishment  of  high  schools  is  not  contemplated  by 
the  Constitution  of  Illinois,  since  the  term  “ high  school  ” is  not 
used  in  that  instrument. 

In  reply,  it  may  be  remarked  that  the  term  “ common  school  ” 
means  an  open  school,  one  which  the  children  of  those  residing  in 
a certain  locality  may  attend.  It  does  not  mean  a school  in  which 
nothing  but  the  common  branches  of  an  English  education  are 
authorized  to  be  taught. 

The  question  as  to  what  branches  may  be  taught  in  the  public 
schools  has  ever  been  left  to  the  directors.  Even  in  the  old  inde- 
pendent system  it  was  rare  to  find  a common  school  in  which  there 
were  none  of  the  higher  branches  taught.  Indeed,  one  of  the  prin- 
cipal inducements  for  engrafting  the  high  school  department  upon 
the  common  school  system  in  cities  and  towns  where  this  modifica- 
tion of  the  system  originated,  was  to  economize  labor,  by  collecting 


into  one  school,  to  be  taught  by  a less  number  of  teachers,  all  the 
pupils  who  were  studying  the  higher  branches  in  the  several  common 
schools.  The  argument  that  a high  school  ought  not  to  be  estab- 
lished because  all  the  children  or  youth  of  the  district  or  township 
will  not  be  likely  to  enjoy  its  benefits,  might  also  be  urged  against 
the  establishment  of  all  gradation  in  a school  system,  and  against 
the  formation  of  higher  classes  in  the  ordinary  district  schools.  If 
the  only  advantages  to  be  derived  from  the  high  school  were  the 
higher  education  received  by  those  who  actually  enter  it,  the  principal 
inducement  to  the  organization  of  such  a department  would  no 
longer  exist. 

The  strong  argument  always  urged  for  the  establishment  of  such 
a school,  is  the  beneficial  reflex  influence  which  it  exerts  upon  the 
pupils  in  the  schools  of  lower  grade.  Boards  of  education,  teachers, 
and  superintendents  of  public  instruction  everywhere  express  a 
unanimous  judgment  on  this  point. 

From  the  foregoing  statements — and  similar  ones  might  be 
multiplied  to  an  almost  indefinite  extent — the  following  conclusions 
may  be  drawn  : — 

1.  That  in  a common  school  system,  high  schools,  or  high  school 
departments,  exert  a most  salutary  influence  upon  the  lower  grades, 
stimulating  the  efforts  of  teachers,  and  increasing  the  exertions  of 
pupils  by  the  constant  hope  of  promotion  which  they  encourage. 

2.  They  economize  labor  by  enabling  the  teacher  to  give  thorough 

and  systematic  instruction  to  a much  larger  number  of  pupils,  and 
enabling  them  to  obtain  a given  amount  of  education  in  a much 
less  time.  - 

3.  They  furnish,  in  due  time,  highly  qualified  teachers  for  all  the 
schools  of  lower  grade. 

4.  They  afford  an  opportunity  for  thousands  to  obtain  an  educa- 
tion of  a high  order,  who,  without  such  aid,  would  be  doomed  to 
pass  through  life  with  the  mere  rudiments  of  knowledge. 

5.  They  evoke  genius,  develop  talent,  and  draw  out  those 
intellectual  and  moral  resources  which  the  spirit  of  the  age,  and  the 
highest  interests  of  the  State  demand. 

6.  They  supersede  the  necessity  of  private  schools,  and  thus 
relieve  the  community  of  the  expense  of  sustaining  a two-fold 
system  of  education — common  schools  for  the  education  of  the  poor 
and  academies  or  select  schools  for  the  children  of  the  afflu- 
ent. 

We  have  given  briefly  the  history  of  the  public  schools  in  Macon 
county,  and  of  such  parts  of  the  history  of  the  public  school  system 
of  the  state  as  relate  to  the  county.  No  county  in  the  state  has 
made  greater  progress  in  its  schools  in  the  same  length  of  time 
than  Macon.  Beginning  with  a rude  system  that  would  not  be 
recognized  to-day  as  of  any  merit,  it  has  made  rapid  progress,  until 
to-day  our  schools  are  so  graded  and  conducted  that  they  offer 
ample  facilities  for  a liberal  education  to  all  who  have  any  desire 
for  literary  culture. 

. It  may  be  true  that  apathy  and  ignorance  prevail  in  some  quar- 
ters, and  remissness  in  duty  with  some  teachers  and  school-officers  ; 
yet  a careful  observer  will  be  fully  convinced  that  the  existing  evils 
are  fast  disappearing,  and  the  whole  people  realize  the  importance 
of  supporting  none  but  good  schools,  and  of  employing  none  but  good 
teachers. 

With  all  the  liberal  provisions  for  a thorough  education  of  all 
the  children,  yet  the  system  is  by  no  means  perfect.  The  grand 
enterprise  is  but  in  its  infancy,  and  requires  careful  and  judicious 
attention  to  secure  the  results  desired.  These  should  be  such  that 
they  will  prepare  everyone  for  the  duties  of  a freeman,  and  to  assist 
him  in  becoming  an  industrious,  intelligent,  self-supporting  citi- 
zen. 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


79 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

PATRIOTISM  OF  MACON  COUNTY. 

BLACK  HAWK  WAR — MEXICAN  WAR — AND  WAR  FOR  THE  UNION. 

N the  year  1767,  there  was  born  in  the  Sauk  village  an 
Indian  boy,  destined  to  be  a great  leader  of  his  people. 
Tracuta  Wahicatah  was  the  name  given  him,  but  the 
whites  in  after  years  called  him  Black  Hawk.  As  he 
grew  tomaturity,  he  gave  evidence  of  superior  talents.  He  proved 
himself  brave  in  battle,  and  sagacious  and  eloquent  in  the  councils 
of  his  tribe.  Inferior  no  doubt  he  was  to  the  great  Shawnee  warrior, 
Tecumseh,  or  to  the  Pequot  chief,  Philip,  but  his  portrait  reveals 
the  passion  of  deep  lines  of  character.  His  forehead  is  broad  and 
high,  his  jaws  massive  and  mouth  firm.  He  was  ambitious  of  a 
warrior’s  fame;  but  he  was  always  merciful  to  the  weak  and  to  the 
women  and  children  of  the  pale  faced-foe  who  fell  into  his  hands. 
In  1810  and  1811  Black  Hawk  and  comrades  were  “nursing  their 
wrath  to  keep  it  warm,”  against  the  whites.  A party  of  Sacs,  by 
invitation,  went  to  see  the  prophet  at  Tippecanoe.  They  returned 
more  angry  against  the  Americans.  A party  of  Winnebagoes  had 
massacred  some  whites,  which  excited  for  murder  the  Sac  band 
headed  by  Black  Hawk.  A part  of  his  band  and  some  Winneba- 
goes attacked  Port  Madison  in  1811,  but  were  repulsed.  Black 
Hawk  headed  the  Sacs  in  this  attack. 

In  1812  emissaries  from  the  British  arrived  at  Rock  Island  with 
goods,  and  secured  Black  Hawk  with  five  hundred  warriors  to  go 
with  Col.  Dixon  to  Canada.  When  they  reached  Green  Bay  there 
were  assembled  there  bands  of  the  Ottowas,  Pottawatomies,  Win- 
nebagoes, and  - Kickapoos,  under  the  command  of  Col.  Dixon. 
Black  Hawk  and  band  participated  in  the  battles  of  River  Raisin, 
the  Lower  Sandusky,  and  other  places,  but  getting  dissatisfied  with 
the  hard  fighting  and  small  amount  of  spoils,  he  and  twenty  com- 
rades, left  for  the  Sauk  village  at  Rock  Island,  wThere  he  remained 
for  many  years  at  peace,  with  the  exception  of  a small  battle  on 
the  Quiver  river  settlement  in  Missouri,  in  the  present  limits  of  St. 
Charles  county,  where  one  white  man  and  an  Indian  were  killed. 

CAMPAIGN  OF  1831-32. 

The  principal  cause  of  the  Indian  troubles  in  1831-32,  better 
known  as  the  Black  Hawk  war,  was  the  determination  of  Black 
Hawk  and  his  band  to  remain  in  their  ancient  villages,  located  on 
Rock  river,  not  far  from  its  junction  with  the  Mississippi.  The 
government  having  some  time  previously,  by  various  treaties,  pur- 
chased the  village  and  the  whole  country  from  the  Sac  and  Fox  tribe 
of  Indians,  had  some  of  these  lands  surveyed,  and  in  1828  some  of  the 
lands  in  and  around  the  ancient  village  were  sold  ; the  collision 
between  the  two  races  for  the  possession  of  the  property  produced 
the  first  disturbance  between  the  Indians  and  the  government. 
Seeing  that  war  was  inevitable  the  Governor  of  Illinois  made  a call 
on  the  militia  of  the  state  for  seven  hundred  men  on  the  26th  of 
May,  1831,  and  appointed  Beardstown,  on  the  Illinois  river,  as  the 
place  of  rendezvous.  The  call  was  responded  to  with  that  prompt- 
ness characteristic  of  the  early  pioneers  of  this  state.  Their  habits 
of  life  were  such  that  all  were  familiar  with  the  rifle.  After 
marching  eight  days,  the  mounted  militia  reached  a point  a few 
miles  below  the  Sac  village  on  the  Mississippi,  wdiere  they  joined 
the  United  States  forces  under  Gen.  Gaines,  and  encamped  in  the 
evening.  The  next  morning  the  forces  marched  up  to  the  Indian 
town  prepared  to  give  the  enemy  battle  ; but  in  the  night  the  Indians 
had  escaped  and  crossed  the  Mississippi.  This  ended  Black 
Hawk’s  bravado  and  his  determination  to  die  in  his  ancient  village. 
The  number  of  warriors  under  his  command  was  estimated  at 


from  four  to  six  hundred  men.  Black  Hawk  and  his  band  landed 
on  the  west  side  of  the  Mississippi,  a few  miles  below  Rock  Island, 
and  there  camped.  “Gen.  Gaines  sent  a peremptory  order  to  him 
and  his  warriors  that  if  he  and  his  head  men  did  not  come  to  Rock 
Island  and  make  a treaty  of  peace,  he  would  march  his  troops  and 
give  him  battle  at  once.  * * * * In  a few  days  Black  Hawk 
and  the  chiefs  and  head  men  to  the  number  of  twenty-eight,  ap- 
peared at  Fort  Armstrong,  and  on  the  30th  of  June,  1831,  in  full 
council  with  Gen.  Gaines  and  Governor  John  Reynolds,  signed  a 
treaty  of  peace.” 

THE  BLACK  HAWK  WAR  IN  1832. 

During  the  winter  of  1831-32  rumors  were  rife  that  Black  Hawk 
and  his  band  were  dissatisfied,  restless,  and  preparing  for  mischief. 
A chief  of  the  Winnebago  Indians  who  had  a village  on  Rock 
river,  some  thirty  miles  above  its  confluence  with  the  Mississippi, 
joined  Black  Hawk,  who  wras  located  on  the  west  bank  of  the 
Father  of  Waters.  The  chief  had  great  influence  with  Black 
Hawk  and  his  band.  He  made  them  believe  that  all  the  tribes  on 
Rock  river  would  join  them,  and  that  together  they  could  bid 
defiance  to  the  whites.  By  this  unwise  counsel  Black  Hawk 
resolved  to  re-cross  the  river,  which  he  did  in  the  winter  of  1832. 
That  move  proved  to  be  their  destruction.  Through  his  influence 
and  zeal  Black  Hawk  encouraged  many  of  the  Sacs  and  Foxes  to 
joiu  him  at  the  head  of  his  determined  warriors.  He  first  assembled 
them  at  old  Fort  Madison  on  the  Mississippi;  subsequently, 
marched  them  up  the  river  to  the  Yellow  Banks,  where  he  pitched 
his  tent  April  6th,  1832.  This  armed  array  of  savages  soon 
alarmed  the  settlers,  and  a general  panic  spread  through  the  whole 
frontier,  from  the  Mississippi  to  Lake  Michigan.  Many  settlers  in 
terror  abandoned  their  homes  and  farms,  and  the  Governor  decided, 
on  the  16th  of  April,  to  call  out  a large  number  of  volunteers  to 
operate  in  conjunction  with  Gen.  Atkinson,  who  -was  in  command 
of  the  regular  forces  at  Rock  Island.  The  Governor  ordered  the 
troops  to  rendezvous  at  Beardstown  on  the  22d  of  April.  We  give 
Governor  Reynolds’  circular  which  he  addressed  to  the  citizen- 
soldiers  in  the  crisis  then  pending : 

“ To  the  Militia  of  the  North-western  section  of  the  State: 

“ Fellow-citizens  : 

“ Your  country  requires  your  services.  The  Indians  have  as- 
sumed a hostile  attitude,  and  have  invaded  the  state  in  violation  of 
the  treaty  of  last  summer.  The  British  band  of  Sacs  and  other 
hostile  Indians,  headed  by  Black  Hawk,  are  in  possession  of  the 
Rock  river  country,  to  the  great  terror  of  the  frontier  inhabitants. 
I consider  the  settlers  on  the  frontiers  to  be  in  imminent  danger. 
I am  in  possession  of  the  above  information  from  gentlemen  of 
respectable  standing,  and  also  from  Gen.  Atkinson,  whose  character 
stands  high  with  all  classes.  In  possession  of  the  abo\ie  facts  I 
have  hesitated  not  as  to  the  course  I should  pursue.  No  citizen 
ought  to  remain  inactive  when  his  country  is  invaded,  and  the 
helpless  part  of  the  community  are  in  danger.  I have  called  out  a 
large  detachment  of  militia  to  rendezvous  at  Beardstown  on  the 
22d.  Provisions  for  the  men  and  food  for  the  horses  will  be  fur- 
nished in  abundance.  I hope  my  countrymen  will  realize  my 
expectations,  and  offer  their  services,  as  heretofore,  with  prompti- 
tude and  cheerfulness  in  defence  of  their  country. 

“ John  Reynolds.” 

To  the  stirring  appeal  of  the  Governor,  the  patriotic  citizens  of 
the  state  and  Macon  county  nobly  responded.  Many  of  the  best 
and  most  prominent  men  of  the  county  enlisted  to  protect  the 
frontier  and  preserve  the  honor  of  the  state,  and  did  signal  service 


80 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


in  the  memorable  events  of  the  Black  Hawk  war.  Among  the 
citizens  of  Macon  county,  who  went  out  in  the  campaign  of  1832, 
there  were  as  follows  : 

Officers.  Jas.  Johnson,*  captain,  promoted  to  rank  of  colonel 
May  16th,  1832. f First  lieut.  William  Warnick,  1832.  Second  lieut. 
J.  C.  Pugh,  promoted  to  captain  May  16th,  1832.  J.  D.  Wright, 
1st  sergt  ; James  A.  Ward,  2d  sergt.,  subsequently  promoted  to  the 
rank  of  2d  lieut.;  Walter  Bowls,  3d  sergt.;  Joseph  Hanks,  4th 
sergt  ; Henry  M.  Gorin,  1st  corporal ; S.  R.  Shepard,  2d  corporal ; 
G.  Coppenbarger,  3d  corporal ; James  Milton,  4th  corporal  The 
following  were  privates: — Asher  Simpson,  A.  W.  Bell,  Abram. 
Black,  D.  McCall,  D.  H.  Stewart,  Elisha  Butler,  G.  D.  Smallwood, 
John  Hanks,  Jacob  Lane,  John  Henderson,  James  Querry,  James 
Miller,  John  Manly,  James  Ennis,  John  Clifton,  Jesse  Dickey, 
John  Williams,  John  Murphy,  Jacob  Black,  James  Ilerrod,  Kinian 
Ingram,  C.  Hooper,  Robert  Smith,  S.  B.  Dewees,  S.  Miller,  S. 
Troxel,  Thos.  Davenport,  William  Hanks,  William  Adams,  Wil- 
liam Miller,  William  Hooper,  William  Cox,  Joseph  Clifton. 

The  company  was  mounted  rangers,  and  became  a part  of  the 
fifth  regiment.  Captain  Johnson  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of 
Colonel,  on  the  16th  of  May,  and  placed  in  command  of  the  fifth 
regiment,  and  Lieut.  Pugh  became  Captain,  They  were  a part  of 
the  Brigade  under  command  of  Gen  Samuel  D.  Whiteside.  On 
the  12th  of  May  they  reached  Dixon’s  ferry,  where  they  were 
joined  by  Major  Stillman  and  his  detachment  of  275  men  ; Stillmau 
declined  to  join  Whiteside’s  Brigade.  Majors  Stillman  and  Baily 
received  orders  to  go  to  “Old  Man’s  Creek,”  now  Stillman’s  run, 
to  ascertain  the  movements  of  the  Indians.  The  two  battalions 
camped  about  ten  miles  from  the  ferry  on  the  evening  of  the  13th. 
The  next  morning  Stillman  took  command  of  both  battalions,  con- 
tinued the  pursuit  until  sunset,  when  they  camped  in  “ front  of  a 
small  creek,”  (Stillman’s  run),  about  thirty  miles  from  Dixon. 
Black  Hawk,  learning  of  their  approach,  sent  out  three  men  to 
escort  them  to  his  camp,  that  a council  might  be  held  ; but  the 
men  were  taken  prisoners.  Five  others  were  sent  out  for  the  same 
purpose,  but  two  of  them  were  killed.  This  aroused  Black  Hawk, 
and  with  about  forty  men  he  met  the  assailants— the  main  body  of 
his  warriors  being  about  ten  miles  away — and  routed  them  com- 
pletely, and  in  great  confusion.  In  the  fight,  Major  Perkins,  Capt. 
Adams,  and  nine  men  were  killed,  one  of  whom,  James  Milton,  was 
from  Macon  county.  William  Cox,  and  others  from  this  county, 
had  their  horses  shot. 

Captain  William  Warnick  organized  (the  second  Company)  in 
the  summer  of  1832.  It  was  called  “The  Rangers.”  The  officers 
were  Wm.  Warnick,  Captain,  Elisha  Freeman,  1st  Lieut.,  Isaac 
Pugh,  2d  Lieut.,  Alexander  Bell,  Orderly  Sergeant.  The  company 
was  fifty  strong.  They  enlisted  for  sixty  days,  and  furnished 
their  own  horses,  arms,  ammunition,  and  provisions.  This  com- 
pany was  organized  for  the  protection  of  the  frontier  counties. 
They  left  Decatur  June  4th,  1832,  and  marched  to  where  Monti- 
cello,  111.,  now  stands,  where  they  went  into  camp.  While  here 
they  learned  that  the  Indian  village  of  Kickapoo  near  the  head  of 
the  Big  Vermillion,  had  been  deserted  by  the  warriors,  who  had 
gone  to  assist  Black  Hawk,  and  left  their  squaws,  pappooses,  and  a 
few  old  men  in  charge  of  the  village.  The  company  proceeded  to 
the  village,  but  found  that  it  had  been  entirely  deserted  about 
three  days  before  their  arrival.  At  the  expiration  of  the  sixty 
days,  Capt.  Warnick  and  men  returned  to  their  homes,  but  were 
told  to  hold  themselves  in  readiness  for  further  service.  They  were 

* These  men  enlisted  April  21th,  1S32,  for  the  term  of  thirty-five  days. 

f For  list  of  names  of  those  who  went  to  the  Black  Hawk  war,  we  are  in- 
debted to  Smith’s  History  of  Macon  county. 


finally  discharged  113  days  after  their  enlistment.  Each  man  of 
this  company  received  for  his  services,  $52.00,  and  a land  warrant 
for  160  acres  of  land. 

There  may  have  been  others,  but  these  are  all  the  names  that 
we  have  been  able  to  gather,  as  no  official  record  has  been  pre- 
served at  Springfield.  Few  of  the  hardy  soldiers  of  this  war 
remain  with  us  ; many  after  the  war  was  ended  moved  to  other 
sections  of  the  country,  and  many  have  passed  over  the  river  and 
are  now  in  the  embrace  of  the  silent  sleep  of  death. 

The  force  marched  to  the  mouth  of  Rock  river,  where  General 
Atkinson  received  the  volunteers  into  the  United  States  service  and 
assumed  command.  Black  Hawk  and  his  warriors  were  still  up  on 
the  Rock  river. 

The  army  under  Atkinson  commenced  its  march  up  the  river  on 
the  9th  of  May.  Gov.  Reynolds,  the  gallant  “Old  Ranger,”  re- 
mained with  the  army,  and  the  President  recognized  him  as  a 
major-general,  and  he  was  paid  accordingly.  His  presence  in  the 
army  did  much  toward  harmonizing  and  conciliating  those  jealousies 
which  generally  exist  between  volunteers  and  regular  troops.  Major 
John  A.  Wakefield  and  Colonel  Ewing  acted  as  spies  for  a time  in 
the  campaign  of ’32,  to  discover  the  location  of  the  enemy,  if  possi- 
ble. A Mr.  Kinney  acted  as  guide  for  them ; he  understood 
the  Sac  dialect.  On  the  14th  of  May,  1832,  Major  Stillman’s 
command  had  a sort  of  running  battle  with  the  Indians  at  or  near 
what  is  now  known  as  Stillman’s  run,  a small,  sluggish  stream.  In 
this  engagement  eleven  white  men  and  eight  Indians  were  killed. 
Black  Hawk  and  warriors  fought  with  the  spirit  born  of  despera- 
tion. Black  Hawk  says  in  his  book  that  he  tried  at  Stillman’s 
run  to  call  back  his  warriors,  as  he  thought  the  whites  were  making 
a sham  retreat  in  order  to  draw  him  into  an  ambuscade  of  the 
whole  army  under  Gen.  Whiteside.  The  hasty  retreat  and  rout  of 
Stillmau  and  his  army  was,  in  a measure,  demoralizing  to  the 
entire  forces.  Undoubtedly  the  cause  of  the  defeat  was  a lack  of 
discipline.  When  Gov-  Reynolds  learned  of  the  disaster  of  Major 
Stillman,  he  at  once  ordered  out  two  thousand  additional  volun- 
teers. With  that  promptitude  characteristic  of  the  old  “ War 
Governor,  ’ he  wrote  out  by  candle-light  on  the  evening  of  Stillman’s 
defeat,  the  order  for  the  additional  troops,  and  by  daylight  dis- 
patched John  Ewing,  Robert  Blackwell,  and  John  A.  Wakefield 
to  distribute  the  order  to  the  various  counties.  The  volunteers 
again  promptly  responded ; however,  the  soldiers  from  this  county 
did  but  little  fighting.  On  the  10th  of  July  the  army  disbanded 
for  want  of  provisions.  Gen.  Scott  arrived  soon  after  with  a large 
force  at  the  post  of  Chicago,  to  effect,  if  possible,  a treaty  with  the 
Indians.  Small  detachments  of  Black  Hawk’s  warriors  would 
persistently  hang  on  the  outskirts  of  the  main  body  of  the  army, 
thieve  and  plunder,  and  pounce  upon  and  kill  the  lonely  sentinel 
or  straggling  soldier.  On  the  15th  of  July  the  soldiers  were 
reviewed,  and  those  incapable  of  duty  were  discharged  and  returned 
home.  Poquette,  a half-breed,  and  a Winnebago  chief,  the  “ White 
Pawnee,”  were  selected  for  guides  to  the  camp  of  Black  Hawk  and 
band.  Several  battles  and  skirmishes  occurred  with  the  enemy, 
the  principal  of  which  was  on  the  banks  of  the  Mississippi,  where 
the  warriors  fought  with  great  desperation.  Over  one  hundred  and 
fifty  were  killed  in  the  engagement,  and  large  numbers  drowned  in 
attempting  to  swim  the  river.  After  the  battle  the  volunteer’s  were 
marched  to  Dixon,  where  they  were  discharged.  This  ended  the 
campaign  and  the  Black  Hawk  war.  At  the  battle  of  the  Bad  Axe, 
Black  Hawk  and  some  of  his  warriors  escaped  the  Americans,  and 
had  gone  up  on  the  Wisconsin  river,  but  subsequently  surrendered 
himself.  Fort  Armstrong,  on  Rock  Island,  was  the  place  appointed 
where  a treqty  woqld  be  made  with  the  Indians,  but  before  it  was 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


81 


effected,  that  dreadful  scourge,  the  cholera  of  1832,  visited  not  only 
the  regular  army,  depleting  its  ranks  far  more  rapidly  than  the 
balls  of  the  Indians  had  done,  but  it  also  sought  out  its  many  vic- 
tims in  the  dusky  bands  of  the  Black  Hawk  tribe. 

On  the  15th  of  September,  1832,  a treaty  was  made  with  the  Win- 
nebago Indians.  They  sold  out  all  their  lands  in  Illinois  and  all 
south  of  the  Wisconsin  river  and  west  of  Green  bay,  and  the  govern- 
ment gave  them  a large  district  of  country  west  of  the  Mississippi, 
and  ten  thousand  dollars  a year  for  seven  years,  besides  providing 
free  schools  for  their  children  for  twenty  years,  oxen,  agricultural 
implements,  etc.,  etc. 

September  21st,  1832,  a treaty  was  made  with  all  the  Sac  and 
Fox  tribes,  on  which  they  ceded  to  the  United  States  the  tract  of 
country  on  which  a few  years  afterwards  the  State  of  Iowa  was 
formed.  In  consideration  of  the  above  cession  of  lands,  the  govern- 
ment gave  them  an  annuity  of  twenty  thousand  dollars  for  thirty 
years,  forty  kegs  of  tobacco  and  forty  barrels  of  salt,  more  gun- 
smiths, blacksmith  shop,  etc.,  etc.,  six  thousand  bushels  of  corn  for 
immediate  support,  mostly  intended  for  the  Black  Hawk  band. 

The  treaties  above  mentioned  terminated  favorably,  and  the 
security  resulting  therefrom  gave  a new  and  rapid  impetus  to  the 
development  of  the  state,  and  now  enterprising  towns  and  villages, 
and  beautiful  farms,  adorn  the  rich  and  alluvial  prairies  that  before 
were  only  desecrated  by  the  wild  bands  who  inhabited  them. 
Agricultural  pursuits,  commerce  and  manufactures,  churches  and 
schools,  are  lending  their  influence  to  advance  an  intelligent  and 
prosperous  people. 

THE  MEXICAN  WAR.* 

War  was  declared  with  Mexico  in  May,  1846,  and  Illinois,  under 
the  call  for  volunteers,  was  entitled  to  three  regiments.  The  sheriff 
of  Macon  county,  under  the  proclamation  of  Gov.  Ford,  called  for 
the  enlistment  of  volunteers.  Under  this  call  company  C of  what 
was  afterwards  the  4th  regiment  was  raised,  consisting  of  78  men. 
When  the  company  reached  Springfield  thirty  companies  had  al- 
ready reported,  and  the  three  regiments  were  full.  E.  D.  Bakerf, 
then  a prominent  man  of  Illinois,  through  the  influence  of  Hon.  O. 
B.  Ficklin,  our  member  in  Congress,  prevailed  on  President  Polk 
to  allow  him  to  raise  a 4th  regiment  from  Illinois,  and  by  this 
means  the  Macon  county  men  entered  the  service.  Mr.  Baker  was 
elected  Colonel,  Lieut.  Gov.  Moore  was  elected  Lieutenant  Colonel, 
and  Thomas  Harris^  was  elected  Major  of  the  regiment.  The  late 
Gen.  I.  C.  Pugh  was  elected  Captain  of  company  C,  and  Senator 

R.  J.  Oglesby,  1st  Lieutenant ; Anderson  Froruon,  2d  Lieutenant; 
John  P.  Post,  3d  Lieutenant ; Stephen  Osborn,  1st  Sergeant;  G. 
W.  Galbreath,  2d  Sergeant ; B.  F.  Oglesby,  3d  Sergeant ; B.  L. 
Martin,  1st  Corporal ; James  Hollingsworth,  2d  Corporal  ; W.  J. 
Usrey,  3d  Corporal ; and  G.  W.  Nelson,  4th  Corporal. 

The  following  is  a list  of  the  volunteers:  Madison  Bradshaw,  P. 
T.  Bebee,  Laban  Chambers,  J.  M.  Dicky,  W.  P.  Davidson,  James 
Greenfield,  J.  Horner,  Wm.  Hawks,  Levi  Hite,  T.  Johnson,  H. 
Lord,  J.  C.  Malson,  I.  Martin,  Chris.  Mayers,  G.  M.  Braden,  A. 
Botkin,  George  Carver,  G.  W.  Dillow,  Dial  Davis,  David  Huffman, 
D.  Howell,  M.  M.  Henry,  John  Henry,  J.  A.  Lowrie,  Thomas 
Lord,  G.  J.  Malson,  H.  Martin,  Chas.  Nelson,  W.  W.  Chapman, 
G.  W.  Church,  J.  B.  Case,  W.  Dean,  A.  Greenfield,  Sterne  Helm, 

S.  K.  Harrell,  W.  D.  B.  Henry,  I.  Inman,  J.  C.  Leadbetter,  A.  B. 
Lee,  Ben.  Martin,  Wm.  McDaniel,  Wm.  Nesbitt,  James  S.  Post, 

* For  this  article  on  the  Mexican  war,  and  list  of  names,  we  are  indebted  to 
the  History  of  Macon  county,  published  by  John  W.  Smith,  Esq. 

f Afterwards  Senator  from  Oregon,  Major  General  in  the  late  war,  and  who 
was  killed  at  Ball’s  Bluff. 

t After  whom  Harristown  was  afterwards  named. 

11 


James  Rea,  J.  Sheppard,  D.  G.  Stevens,  J.  A.  Sheplcy,  James  Turn- 
er, J.  D.  Travis,  W.  R.  Wheeler,  W.  E.  Warnick,  Robert  War- 
nick,  Richard  Barnwell,  J.  Perryman,  Wm.  Robinson,  Jason 
Sprague,  W.  E.  Lee,  T.  Souther,  F.  E.  Travis,  T.  D Turney, 
Lewis  Ward,  J.  W.  White,  James  Freeman,*  Miles  Boswortli,  David 
Bailer,  S.  Rice,  E Rice,  R.  H.  Stewart,  Dan.  Spangler,  J.  Saun- 
ders, J.  B.  Travis,  William  Wheeler,  B.  E.  Wells,  B.  White,  J. 
M.  Arwood,  Jesse  Butler. 

Company  C marched  from  Decatur  to  Springfield  about  the 
middle  of  June,  1846,  where  the  regiment  was  formed.  After 
remaining  at  Springfield  a short  time,  the  regiment  marched  to 
Alton,  where  arms  were  in  store,  which  the  regiment  procured  by 
a little  maneuvering  on  the  part  of  Col.  Baker  and  Capt.  J.  S.  Post. 
Col.  J.  J.  Hardin,  believing  that  he  was  entitled  to  these  arms, 
stoutly  protested  against  their  appropriation  by  Col.  Baker,  and  a 
wordy  warfare  ensued  which  came  near  resulting  in  a duel.  From 
Alton  the  regiment  was  transferred  to  Jefferson  Barracks,  and 
there  placed  under  charge  of  Col.  Churchill,  commandant,  under 
whom  it  received  thorough  discipline  and  drill.  About  the  20th  of 
July  the  regiment  was  mustered  into  service  by  Col.  Crogan,  of 
Fort  Meigs  notoriety.  In  a few  days  the  regiment  received  orders 
and  embarked  for  Now  Orleans,  and  thence  to  Brazos,  Santiago 
Bay,  four  miles  north  of  the  mouth  of  the  Rio  Grande,  where  it 
disembarked.  After  remaining  at  this  point  for  about  a week 
orders  were  received  to  march  up  the  Rio  Grande  eight  miles 
where  occurred  the  first  death  in  Co.  C,  viz  : Second  Sergeant 
George  Galbreath.  As  Col.  Baker  and  a squad  of  twelve  men,  all 
from  Macon  county,  detailed  to  bury  Mr.  G-,  were  about  to  return 
to  camp,  they  heard  a disturbance  on  board  of  a steamboat  nearby, 
and  on  arriving  at  the  scene,  they  learned  that  an  Irish  company, 
in  a drunken  melee,  had  driven  from  the  boat  the  Kennesaw 
rangers.  Baker  ordered  his  handful  of  men  on  the  boat  to  quell 
the  disturbance;  but  no  sooner  had  he  done  so,  than  a hand-to-hand 
encounter  ensued,  in  which  the  colonel  and  his  squad  were  soon 
overpowered  and  compelled  to  retire : but  not  without  loss.  Col . 
Baker  received  a rapier  thrust,  penetrating  his  mouth  and  extending 
through  the  back  of  his  neck;  Capt  J.  S.  Post  was  wounded  in  the 
breast,  having  a rib  broken  ; Charles  Dillow, f killed  ; R.  H.  Stewart, 
bayoneted  in  the  thigh  ; and  seven  others  of  the  squad  more  or  less 
injured.  At  this  point  orders  were  received  to  move  still  further 
up  the  river  to  Matamoras,  on  the  Mexican  side,  where  they 
remained  a few  days,  and  then  moved  on  to  Camargo,  where  a great 
deal  of  sickness  ensued.  Returning  to  Matamoras,  they  then 
marched  to  Victoria — marching  on  Christmas  day  forty-five  miles. 
About  the  first  of  January,  1847,  orders  were  received  to  march  to 
Tampico,  two  hundred  miles  distant,  at  which  place  preparations 
were  made  for  an  attack  on  Vera  Cruz.  Taking  ship  at  Tampico 
about  the  first  of  February,  Vera  Cruz  was  reached  in  sixteen  days, 
and  Company  C assisted  in  the  construction  of  the  batteries  and  the 
bombardment  of  the  city,  which  surrendered  March  29.  After  the 
taking  of  the  city  of  Vera  Cruz,  Scott’s  army  marched  for  the  City 
of  Mexico,  and  en  wide  met  Santa  Anna,  at  the  mountain  pass  of 
Cerro  Gordo,  on  the  eighteenth  of  April,  where  a battle  was  fought. 
Company  C had  but  forty-eight  men  in  this  engagement,  two  of 
whom  were  killed  and  ten  wounded.  The  killed  were  J.  C.  Malson 
and  George  Nelson. 

At  this  battle  Santa  Anna  came  near  being  taken  prisoner,  and 
in  his  effort  to  escape  left  in  his  carriage  $25,000  in  silver  and  his 
conk  leg,  which  were  captured  by  Company  C,  it  being  at  the  head 

Joined  the  company  at  Brazos. 

f His  last  words  were  : “ If  I have  got  to  go,  the  road  to  heaven  is  just  as 
near  from  here  as  from  Macon  county.” 


82 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


of  the  brigade.  The  next  morning  ensuing  the  battle,  Gen.  Scott 
followed  on  to  Jalapa  where  Company  C remained  about  a month, 
when  the  time  of  enlistment  expired,  and  the  company  returned  via 
New  Orleans  and  St.  Louis,  arriving  at  home  about  the  first  of 
June,  1847,  bringing  with  them  the  banner  received  from  the  citi- 
zens on  their  departure.  They  were  very  enthusiastically  received. 
A grand  barbecue  was  prepared  for  the  returning  volunteers,  aud  a 
day  of  general  rejoicing  was  had,  still  remembered  with  satisfaction 
by  the  participants. 

THE  WAR  OF  THE  REBELLION. 

Our  nation  has  passed  through  four  great  wars,  viz:  The  Revo- 
lutionary War,  waged  in  behalf  of  national  independence  ; the  War  of 
181*2,  in  defence  of  the  rights  of  American  seamen  and  the  national 
commerce;  the  Mexican  War,  caused  by  the  annexation  of  Texas  ; 
and  lastly,  the  War  of  the  Rebellion,  whose  rise,  progress  and 
results  are  still  fresh  in  the  memory  of  the  present  generation.  To 
enter  upon  a discussion  of  the  causes  which  plunged  the  country 
into  the  last  of  these  great  struggles,  the  fiercest  and  bloodiest 
civil  conflict  known  in  ancient  or  modern  times,  would  entirely 
transcend  the  aim  of  the  present  chapter.  That  is  a duty  incumbent 
upon  the  general  historian.  It  is  our  purpose,  rather,  to  collate  and 
compile,  in  a succinct  form,  all  the  accessible  facts  pertaining  to 
the  part  taken  by  Macon  county  in  the  war  of  the  rebellion.  No 
county  in  the  State  has  greater  cause  to  be  proud  of  its  military 
record.  When  the  nation  was  in  peril  and  called  for  defenders, 
the  sons  of  Macon  county  responded  nobly  to  the  call,  and  their 
brave  deeds,  on  scores  of  bloody  fields,  extending  from  Gettysburg 
to  Shiloh,  will  ever  constitute  the  brightest  pages  in  the  annals  of  the 
county.  The  total  number  of  men  furnished  by  Macon  county 
during  the  war  was  about  twenty-five  hundred  ; the  amount  of 
bounty  money  raised  and  paid  to  the  soldiers,  $180,000.  To  the 
sketch  of  each  regiment  here  given  is  appended  as  complete  a roster 
of  the  members  recruited  in  this  county  as  it  is  possible  to  make 
from  the  data  preserved.  Taking  the  regiments  in  numerical  order, 
the  record  begins  with  the 

SEVENTH  (7th)  ILLINOIS  CAVALRY. 
col.  wm.  pitt  kellogg’s  regiment, 

Which  was  organized  at  Camp  Butler,  near  Springfield,  Illinois, 
and  mustered  into  service  October  13,  1861.  Companies  A,  C,  J, 
and  G were  ordered  directly  to  Bird’s  Point,  Missouri,  where  they 
were  joined  by  the  other  companies  of  the  regiment  on  the  25th  of 
the  following  December.  In  January  the  regiment,  except  com- 
panies B,  C,  J,  and  L moved  to  Cape  Girardeau,  Mo. ; company  J, 
to  which  most  of  the  men  from  Macon  county  belonged,  remain- 
ing at  Bird's  Point  aud  engaging  in  scouting  during  the  winter. 
At  New  Madrid  the  regiment  was  again  united,  and  moved  to 
Island  No.  10  ; thence  to  Hamburg  Landing,  Tennessee  River,  and 
in  the  direction  of  Corinth  ; participated  in  the  battle  of  luka  and 
afterwards  in  the  battle  of  Corinth,  October  2d,  3d  and  4th,  1862. 
December  1st  the  regiment  was  assigned  to  the  cavalry  command 
of  Col.  Dickey,  and  moved  to  Holly  Springs,  Mississippi ; pursued 
Price  to  Coffeeville  and  returned  to  Western  Tennessee. 

April  17th,  started  on  “Grierson’s  Raid”  to  Baton  Rouge; 
December  26th  the  regiment  fought  the  entire  force  of  Forrest,  and 
afterwards  took  part  in  an  engagement  at  Moscow,  Tennessee; 
shortly  thereafter  moved  to  Decatur,  Alabama,  and  thence  re- 
turned to  Nashville. 

Having  been  in  active  service  four  years  and  three  months,  with 
an  untarnished  record,  the  regiment  was  mustered  out  of  service, 
and  received  its  final  pay  and  discharge  at  Camp  Butler,  Illinois, 
November  17th,  1865. 


MUSTER  ROLL  SEVENTH  CAVALRY— COMPANY  “I”. 

COLONELS. 


W.  P.  Kellogg,  Sept.  8,  1861. 
Edward  Prince,  June  1 , ’62. 
John  M.  Graham,  March  1,  ’65. 


Resigned  June  1,  1862. 

Time  expired,  Oct.  15,  ’64,  was  Lt.  Col. 
Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ’65,  was  Maj. 


LIEUTENANT  COLONELS. 


W.  D.  Blackburn,  Feb.  10,  63. 
Geo.  W.  Trafton,  March  17,  ’63. 
II.  C.  Forbes,  March  1,  ’65. 


Died  of  wounds  May  17,  ’63. 
Dismissed  Nov.  4,  ’64. 

Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  65,  was  Major. 


Cyrus  Hall,  Sept.  21,  ’61. 
James  Rawalt,  Sept.  21,  '61. 

Z.  Applington.  Nov.  13,  ’61. 
Henry  Case,  Feb.  1,  ’62. 

H.  C.  Nelson,  April  24,  ’62. 

A P.  Koehler,  May  15,  ’62. 

A.  W.  McDonald,  June  22,  ’63. 
Geo.  A.  Root,  May  10,  65. 

M.  G.  Wiley,  May  10,  ’65. 

Henry  Stockdale,  Jan.  30,  ’62. 
Allen  W.  Heald,  May  10,  ’65. 


Resigned  for  promotion  Feb.  9,  ’62. 
Resigned  June  10,  ’62. 

Killed  in  battle  May  15,  ’62. 
Resigned  April  4,  '62. 

Resigned  June  22,  ’63. 

Resigned  May  14,  ’63. 

Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ’65. 

ADJUTANTS. 

Mustered  out  May  26,  ’62. 
Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ’65. 


Geo.  Bestor,  Jan.  15. 
Charles  Wills,  Jan.  15. 


BATTALION  ADJUTANTS. 

Mustered  out  ’62. 
Mustered  out  ’62. 


QU ARTERM  ASTERS. 

W.  A.  Dickerson,  Oct.  25,  61.  Mustered  out  May  26,  ’62. 

J.  R.  W.  Hinchtnan,  Oct.  28,  ’62.  Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ’65. 

BATTALION  QUARTERMASTERS. 


James  T.  Myers,  Dec.  25,  ’62. 
John  W.  Resor,  Dec.  25,  ’61. 


C.  D.  Rankin,  Oct.  28,  ’61. 
Daniel  Stahl,  Sept.  9,  ’62. 
Thomas  J.  Riggs,  Sept.  16,  ’64. 


Mustered  out  ’62. 

Mustered  out  May  26,  ’62. 

SURGEONS. 

Resigned  Jan.  1,  ’62. 

Discharged  Sept.  9,  ’64. 

Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ’65,  was  1st  Asst. 


FIRST  ASSISTANT  SURGEON. 

Chas.  H.  Novell,  April  3,  ’65.  Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ’65. 

SECOND  ASSISTANT  SURGEON. 

A.  G Gilbert,  May  29,  ’63.  Discharged  Sept.  5,  ’64. 


M.  W.  Nesmith,  April  15,  ’65. 
Simon  G.  Meinor,  Oct.  3,  ’61. 


H.  F.  Barker,  Oct,  1,  ’62. 
Daniel  F.  Robbins,  Oct.  4,  ’64. 


A.  J.  Gallagher,  Aug.  16,  ’61. 
William  Ashmead,  June  20,  ’62. 


Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ’65. 
CHAPLAIN. 

Term  expired  Oct.  15,  ’64. 

COMMISSARIES. 

Term  expired  Oct.  15,  ’64. 
Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ’65. 

CAPTAINS. 

Resigned  June  20,  ’62. 


Term  expired  Oct.  15,  ’64 ; was  2d 
lieutenant. 

Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ’65. 


Byron  II.  Tuller,  Nov.  28,  ’— . 

FIRST  LIEUTENANTS. 

W.  H.  Stratton,  Aug.  19,  ’61.  Terra  expired  Oct.  15,  ’65. 

Horace  K.  Rice,  May  28,  ’65.  Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ’65. 

SECOND  LIEUTENANTS. 

S.  G.  Washburn,  June  20,  ’62.  Term  expired  Oct.  4,  ’64. 

O.  L.  Kendall,  June  28,  ’65.  Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  65. 

FIRST  SERGEANT. 

Clark,  Wm.  F.,  Sept.  3,  ’61.  Killed  in  action  March  1,  ’62. 

QUARTERMASTER  SERGEANT.- 

Flattery,  George,  Sept.  3,  ’61.  Mustered  out  Oct.  15,  ’64. 

SERGEANTS. 

Haworth,  John  W.  Sept.  3,  ’61.  Mustered  out  Oct.  15,  ’64. 

Ruby,  Matthew,  Sept.  3,  '61. 

Gardner,  Geo.  H.,  Sept.  3,  61. 

Washburn,  S.  G-,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 

corporals. 


Mustered  out  Oct.  15,  ’64. 
Mustered  out  Oct.  15,  ’64. 
Promoted  2d  lieut. 


Dickson,  Archibald,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 
Dunbar,  Daniel  H.,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 
Kaylor,  Geo.  W-,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 
Ashmead,  Marion,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 
McComas,  W.  D-,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 
Jordan,  Abner  H.,  Sept.  2,  ’61. 
Varney,  Thad.  P.,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 
Hilt,  William,  SeDt.  3,  ’61. 


Re-enlisted  as  veteran. 
Mustered  out  Oct.  15,  ’64. 
Killed  in  action  May  1,  ’62. 
Killed  in  action  May  30,  '62. 
Discharged  Dec.  1,  ’62. 
Killed  in  action  May  30.  ’62. 
Mustered  out  Sept.  8,  ’64. 
Mustered  out  Oct.  15,  ’64. 


HISTORY  OF  MAO  ON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


83 


BUGLERS. 

King,  Davis  T.,  Sept.  3,  ’61.  Promoted  Chief  Bugler. 

Strong,  Jos.  J.,  Sept.  3,  ’61.  Promoted  Chief  Bugler. 

FARRIER. 

Furr,  Argyle  W.,  Sept.  3,  ’61.  Mustered  out  Oct.  15,  ’64. 

BLACKSMITH. 

Fornof,  George,  Sept.  3,  ’61.  Mustered  out  Oct.  15,  '64. 

WAGONER. 

Deal,  Wm.,  Sept.  31,  ’61.  Mustered  out  Oct.  15,  ’64. 

PRIVATES. 


RECRUITS. 

Mustered  out  July  12,  ’65. 
Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ‘65. 
Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ’65. 
Died  Nov.  14,  '63. 


Adams,  John  O.,  Sept.  ’61. 

Bolirer,  John,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 
Belknap,  C.  M , Sept.  3,  ’61. 

Bartlett,  Robt.,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 

Beals,  Luther,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 
Calhoun,  Webster,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 
Calhoun,  David,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 
Cornwell,  Isaac  P.,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 

Clark,  Geo.,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 

Dugan,  Charles,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 

Dugger,  Wm.  A.,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 
Doner,  Wm.  H.,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 
Dawson,  Eb.,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 

Dickson,  Geo.,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 

Earles,  Walter.  Sept.  3,  ’61. 
Fletcher,  Geo.  W.,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 
Gibbs,  Ed.  M.,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 

Goff,  Chas.,  Sept.  3,  '61. 

Grove,  William,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 

Grady,  Henry,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 
Hartman,  Jno  P..  Sept.  3,  ’61. 
Hopkins,  Chas.  P.,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 
Hays,  John,  Sept.  3,  '61. 

Haworth,  Frank,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 
Hafrau,  James,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 

Jones,  Jas.  M.,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 

Jones,  John  S . Sept.  3,  ’61. 
Kendall,  O.  L.,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 

Knipple,  Henry,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 

Ledbetter,  Jas.  C.,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 
Martin,  Wm.,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 

Martin,  Henry,  Sept.  3, ’61. 

May,  Marion,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 

Myers,  Henry,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 

McRay  or  McKay,  Sept.  3,  '61. 
Melviile,  Edward.  Sept.  3,  ’61. 
Miller,  Lawrence,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 

McElrov,  Jas.,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 
McDougal,  J.  R.,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 
McCay,  Thos.,  Sept.  3,  '61. 
Nicholson,  James,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 

Nicholson,  James  P.,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 
Powers,  John,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 
Powers,  Michael,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 

Paine,  Robert  S-,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 
Riley,  William,  Sept,  3,  ’61. 
Ruby,  Henry,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 

Rice,  Horace  K.,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 
Sullivan,  M.,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 

Smith,  Cyrus  B„  Sept.  3,  ’61. 
Stookey,  John  A.,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 
Smythe,  Charles  E.,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 
Temple,  Pulaski  L.,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 
Tater,  Henry,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 

Taber,  Augustus  A.,  Sept,  3,  ’61. 
Thomas,  John  R.,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 
Tuller,  Byron  H.,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 
Vancourt,  John  D , Sept.  3,  ’61. 
Weatherby,  W.  D.,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 
Williams,  Charles,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 
Wood,  George  W.,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 
Webb,  Edward  S.,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 
Westfall,  Charles,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 
Walters,  James  L.,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 
Yopes,  Simon,  Sept.  3,  ’61. 


Re-enlisted  as  veteran. 

Mustered  out  Oct,  15,  ’65. 

Re  enlisted  as  veteran  ; mustered  out 
Nov.  4,  ’65,  as  Sergeant. 


Re-enlisted  as  veteran;  mustered  out 
Nov.  4,  ’65. 

Re-enlisted  as  veteran;  mustered  out 
Nov  4,  ’65. 

Re-enlisted  as  veteran ; mustered  out 
Nov.  4,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  Oct.  15,  ’64. 

Re-enlisted  as  veteran. 

Mustered  out  Oct.  15,  ’64,  as  Sergt. 
Mustered  out  Oct.  15,  ’64. 

Discharged  April  8,  '63,  as  Corporal. 
Mustered  out  Oct.  15,  as  Sergt. 
Discharged  March  4,  ’62. 

Re-enlisted  as  veteran;  mustered  out 
Nov.  4,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  Oct,  15,  ’65. 

Discharged  July,  ’62. 

Mustered  out  Oct.  15,  ’64. 

Died  Andersonville,  Aug.  10,  ’64. 

Died  Andersonville,  July  23,  '64. 
Mustered  out  Oct.  15,  ’64. 

Mustered  out  Oct.  15,  '64,  as  Sergt. 
Re-enlisted  as  Veteran,  Private,  Sergt., 
then  Lieutenant, 

Re-enlisted  a«  veteran ; mustered  out 
Nov.  4,  ’65,  as  Corporal. 
Discharged  July,  '62. 

Re-enlisted  as  veteran ; mustered  out 
Nov.  4,  '65. 

Discharged  Oct.,  ’62. 

Discharged  Dec.,  ’62. 

Transferred  to  Co.  M. 

Mustered  out  Oct,  15  ’64,  as  Corporal. 

Re-enlisted  as  Veteran;  mustered  out 
Nov  4,  '65,  as  Sergt. 

Died  of  wounds  received  in  camp. 
Discharged  April  6,  '63. 

Re-enlisted  as  vet.;  mustered  out  Nov. 
4, ’65. 

Discharged  May,  ’62. 

Died  of  wounds  received  Dec.  5,  62. 
Re-enlisted  as  vet. ; mustered  out  Nov. 

4,  ’65,  as  veteran. 

Mustered  out  Oct.  4,  ’64. 

Mustered  out  Oct.  15,  ’64. 

Re-enlisted  as  vet, ; mustered  oittNov. 
4,  ’65,  as  corporal. 

Promoted  sergeant,  then  1st  lieutenant. 
Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ’65,  as  corporal. 
Discharged  Jan.,  ’62. 

Died  Feb.  11,  ’62. 

Mustered  out  Sept.  20,  ’65. 

Discharged  Sept.,  ’62. 

Discharged  April  16,  ’63. 

Private  hospital  steward,  U.  S.  A. 
Mustered  out  Aug.  29,  ’64. 

Promoted  to  captain. 

Discharged  April  30,  ’62,  as  corporal. 
Discharged  July,  '62. 

Discharged  July,  ’62. 

Mustered  out  Oct.  15,  ’64. 

Discharged  Sept.,  ’62. 

Discharged  May,  ’62. 

Discharged  March  4 ’62. 

Mustered  out  Sept.  8,  ’64. 


Arbuckle,  John  H.,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 
Adams,  David,  Dec.  22,  ’63. 
Able,  Dempsey,  Dec.  15,  ’63. 
Ater,  Wm.  II.,  Sept.  3,  '61. 
Anderson,  Jacob,  Aug.  12,  ’62. 
Bradley,  Worth  R.,  Feb.  2,  ’64. 
Boddy,  Robert,  Dec.  14,  ’63. 
Carmean,  Robert,  Dec.  14,  ’63. 
Carmean,  G.  W.,  Dec.  18,  ’63. 
Daniels,  James  W-,  Jan.  29,  ’64. 
Dunston,  J.  O.,  Jan.  4,  ’64. 
Daily,  John,  March  18,  ’64. 
Dunston,  Charles,  Jan.  4,  ’64. 

Earles,  Edward,  Jan.  30,  ’64. 
Emerson,  Jerome,  Feb.  7,  ’65. 
Gregerty,  John,  Jan.  27,  ’64. 
Gibbs,  James  A.,  Jan.  15,  ’64. 
Hall,  Eugene,  Dec.  10,  ’63 
Holman,  Wm.,  Jan.  26,  ’64. 
Hoffman,  Peter,  Jan.  10, ’64. 
Holman,  And.  J.,  Feb.  9,  ’64. 
Lawson,  Taylor,  Jan.  16,  ’64. 
Lehn,  Wilson,  April  25,  ’64. 
Martin,  Henry,  Dec.  15,  ’63. 
McDougal,  John  R.,  Jan.  4,  ’64. 
MeCune,  Martin,  Dec.  19.  ’63. 
May,  Theodore,  Dec.  19,  '63. 
Pate,  Robert,  April  7,  ’64. 

Ruby,  Horace  S.,  Jan.  30,  ’64. 
Rea,  John  T.,  Jan.  1,  ’64. 

Reed,  Elhannan,  April  1,  ’64. 
Reedy,  James  A.,  Jan.  26,  ’64. 
Rockway,  D.  S.,  Jan.  24,  ’64. 
Scott,  William  F.,  Dec.  31, ’63. 
Shinneman,  A.  T.,  Feb.  13,  '64. 
Stookey,  H.  L.,  Jan.  30,  ’64. 
Smith,  Wm.,  Dec.  11,  ’63. 
Stewart,  Wm.  C.,  Marcli  20,  ’64, 
Wood,  James,  April  16,  ’64. 
Williams,  Charles,  Jan.  25.  ’64. 
Webber,  Philip,  Feb.  1, ’64. 
Wood,  George  W-,  Feb.  9,  ’65. 
Young,  George,  March  24,  ’64. 


Dorris,  James,  Jan.  26,  ’64. 
Daniels,  James,  Feb.  12.  '64. 
Earles,  Charles  W.,  April  7,  ’64, 
Glove,  Alonzo  M.,  Jan.  27,  ’64. 
Saunders,  Forest,  Jan.  23,  ’64. 
Scott,  Wm.  F.,  Dec.  21,  ’63. 
Wilson,  Wm.  II.,  Mtrch  9,  ’65. 
White,  Wm.  D.,  March  7,  ’65. 


Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  Nov.  4.  ’65. 

Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  Nov.  4.  ’65. 

Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ’65,  as  sergeant. 
Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ’65. 

Died  at  La  Grange,  Teun.,  July  14,  ’64, 
wounded. 

Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ’64,  as  corporal. 
Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ’65,  as  corporal. 
Died  at  Memphis,  Tenn.,  June  9,  1864. 
Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  5,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ’65,  as  corporal. 
Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ’65. 

Absent,  sick  at  mustering  out  of  regt. 
Absent,  sick  at  mustering  out  of  regt. 

Veteran  ; mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ’65. 
Discharged  Dec.  8,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  Nov.  4,  ’65. 


Rejected. 

Discharged  May  10,  ’64. 
Discharged  July  2,  ’64. 

Discharged  May  11,  ’65. 


EIGHTH  ILLINOIS  INFANTRY. 
col.  r.  j.  oglesby’s  regiment. 

On  the  25th  of  April,  1861,  this  regiment  was  organized  for  the 
three  months’  service,  Col.  R.  J.  Oglesby,  commanding.  It  was 
stationed  at  Cairo,  Illinois,  throughout  its  term  of  service,  at  the 
expiration  of  which  it  was  mustered  out. 

The  regiment  was  reorganized  for  the  three  years’  service,  July 
25th,  1861.  It  was  stationed  at  Cairo,  Illinois,  till  October,  when 
it  was  ordered  to  Bird’s  Point,  Mo.,  where  it  remained  till  Feb- 
ruary 2d,  1862,  and  then  embarked  for  the  Tennessee  River  ; met 
the  enemy  near  Fort  Henry,  February  5th,  and  repulsed  them  ; 
was  in  advance  of  attack  on  Fort  Donelson,  February  11th,  Lieut.- 
Col.  Rhoads  commanding,  Col.  Oglesby  commanding  brigade. 

On  February  15th,  the  Eighth  for  nearly  four  hours  withstood 
the  shock  of  the  enemy,  attempting  to  cut  their  way  out  of  the  Fort, 
losing  57  killed,  191  wounded  and  10  missing,  among  the  latter 
being  Major  John  P.  Post.  March  6th,  moved  to  Savannah,  and 
thence  to  Pittsburgh  Landing,  and  participated  in  that  battle, 
having  in  line  25  officers  and  453  men,  and  losing  26  killed,  95 
wounded,  11  missing;  thence  through  the  siege  of  Corinth,  where 
Col.  Oglesby  was  dangerously  wounded.  From  Corinth  the  regi- 
ment was  ordered  to  Bethel,  thence  to  Jackson,  Tennessee,  Novem- 
ber 10th,  1862,  remaining  at  the  latter  place  till  January  4th,  1863, 


Discharged  Oct.,  ’62. 
Mustered  out  Oct.  15,  ’64. 


UNASSIGNED  RECRUITS. 


84 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


when  it  was  ordered  to  Grand  Junction,  and  thence  toward  Mem- 
phis, camping  five  days  at  Lafayette,  where  it  was  joined  by  Col. 
Post  who  had  been  a prisoner  since  the  battle  of  Donelson. 

On  January  19th,  the  regiment  entered  Memphis:  embarked 
February  22d,for  Lake  Providence:  April  12th, moved  to  Milliken’s 
Bend;  May  1st,  reached  Thompson’s  Hill,  and  commenced  the 
fight;  marched  to  Utica;  May  12th,  met  the  enemy  near  Raymond, 
and  did  distinguished  service ; May  14th,  took  part  in  the  capture 
of  Jackson;  May  16th,  participated  in  the  hard-fought  battle  of 
Champion  Hill ; May  18th,  crossed  Big  Black  River,  and,  on  the 
19th,  drove  the  enemy  into  the  fortifications  of  Vicksburg;  on  the 
22d,  was  engaged  in  the  terrible  assault  on  Fort  Hill,  and  bore  a 
conspicuous  part  in  the  memorable  siege  of  Vicksburg.  August 
21st,  marched  to  Monroe;  October  12th,  moved  toward  Canton, 
and,  after  a severe  skirmish  at  Brownsville,  returned  to  Vicksburg, 
where  it  remained  till  February  3d,  1864,  when  it  started  on  the 
Meridian  campaign  under  General  Sherman.  Having  re  enlisted 
in  1863,  and  been  veteranized  March  24th,  1864,  after  a veteran 
furlough  at  Camp  Butler,  Illinois,  the  regiment  left  Vicksburg 
July  1st,  for  Jackson,  the  capital  of  Mississippi,  which  it  occupied 
July  5th  ; July  6th  and  7th,  took  part  in  a hot  engagement  three 
miles  from  Jackson,  losing  3 killed,  21  wounded  and  2 missing. 
From  July  29th  to  September  3d,  engaged  in  the  Morganzia  expedi- 
tion ; from  September  3d  to  December  31st,  the  regiment  was  at 
the  mouth  of  the  White  River,  Fort  Pickering,  Duvall’s  Bluff,  Mos- 
cow and  Memphis.  January  1st,  1865,  left  Memphis  for  New 
Orleans  ; February  4th,  moved  to  Dauphin  Island,  remaining  there 
till  March  17th,  when,  in  the  campaign  against  Mobile,  it  marched 
to  the  head  of  Mobile  Bay,  and  intrenched  itself  near  Spanish 
Fort ; March  30th,  moved  toward  Blakely,  Alabama,  camping 
several  days  near  that  place ; April  9th,  charged  the  enemy’s 
works,  and  after  doing  gallant  service,  was  the  first  to  plant  the 
flag  on  the  rebel  fortifications,  losing,  in  the  charge,  10  killed  and 
54  wounded  ; April  12th,  marched  to  Mobile  ; May  27th,  embarked 
for  Lakeport ; May  29th,  camped  near  New  Orleans;  May  31st, 
moved  to  Shreveport,  La.  ; June  16th,  marched  to  Marshall,  Texas. 
This  regiment,  after  having  been  in  active  service  over  five  years, 
was  mustered  out  at  BatonRouge,  La.,  May  4th,  1866,  and  received 
final  pay  and  discharge  at  Springfield,  Illinois,  May  13th,  1866. 

During  its  term  of  service  the  Eighth  had  four  different  com- 
manders, as  follows  : 

Col.  R-  J.  Oglesby,  promoted  Brig.  General,  April  1st,  1862,  and 
Major-General,  November  29th,  1862;  Col.  Frank  L.  Rhodes,  re- 
signed, October  7th,  1862;  Col.  John  P.  Post,  resigned  September 
28th,  1863;  Col.  Josiah  A.  Sheetz,  resigned  February  9th,  1866. 

MUSTER  ROLL  EIGHTH  ILLINOIS  INFANTRY.  (Three  Months.) 

COLONEL. 

R.  J-  Oglesby,  May  3,  '61.  Re-enlisted  3 years  service. 

LIEUTENANT  COLONEL. 

Frank  L.  Rhodes,  May  3,  ’61.  Re-enlisted  3 years  service. 

majors. 

John  P.  Post,  May  3,  ’61.  Re-enlisted  3 years  service. 

Herman  Leib,  Oct.  7,  ’62.  Promoted  Col.  9th  Infantry  (col.). 

captain  co.  “a.” 

I.  C.  Pugh,  April  23,  ’61.  Re-enlisted  3 years  service  ; Col.  41st 

regiment. 

first  lieutenant. 

I.  N.  Martin,  April  23,  ’61. 

SECOND  LIEUTENANT. 

G.  M.  Bruce,  April  23,  ’61.  Re-enlisted  3 years  service. 

CAPTAIN  CO.  ‘‘  D.” 

H.  P.  Westerfield,  April  30,  ’Gl. 

John  P.  Post. 


FIRST  LIEUTENANT. 

John  M.  Lowry,  April  25,  ’61.  Resigned  Sept.  3,  ’62. 

SECOND  LIEUTENANT. 

Thos.  Goodman,  April  25,  ’61.  Resigned  July  25,  ’61. 

MUSTER  ROLL  EIGHTH  REGIMENT  INFANTRY.  (Three  Years.) 

COLONELS. 


R.  J.  Oglesby,  April  25,  ’61. 

F.  L.  Rhodes,  April  1,  ’62. 
John  P.  Post,  Oct.  7,  62. 
Josiah  A.  Sheetz,  Sept.  23,  '63. 

Lovd  Wheaton,  Feb.  9,  ’64. 


Promoted  Brig.-Gen.  April  1,  ’62; 

Major-Gen.  Nov.  9,  ’62. 

Resigned  Oct.  7,  ’62. 

Resigned  Sept.  28,  ’63- 

Promoted  to  Brevet  Brig.-Gen.  Nov. 

25,  ’62  ; resigned  Feb.  9, ’66. 
Mustered  out  May  4,’  66. 


LIEUTENANT  COLONELS. 


R.  H.  Sturgess,  Oct.  7,  ’62. 
Noah  Dennison,  Nov.  8,  ’66. 


H.  Lieb,  Oct.  7,  ’62. 

Daniel  Sayers,  March  8,  ’66. 


W.  C Clark,  Jan.  25, ’61. 

B.  F.  Monroe,  June  25,  ’62. 
Fred.  A.  King,  July  25,  ’64. 
Wm.  W.  Carver,  Oct.  9,  ’64. 
Lcander  A.  Sheetz,  Nov.  25,  ’65. 


Resigned  July  25,  ’63. 
Mustered  out  May  4,  ’66. 

MAJORS. 

Prom.  Col.  9th  Louisiana  (col.) 
Mustered  out  May  4,  ’66. 

ADJUTANTS. 

Resigned  June  25,  ’62. 
Promoted  Capt.  Co.  ‘‘  I.” 
Resigned  Oct.  9,  ’64. 

Mustered  out  May,  4,  ’6 — . 


QUARTERMASTERS. 

Samuel  Rhodes,  Jan.  25,  ’61.  Resigned  Dec.  9, ’61. 

H.  N.  Pearse,  Dec.  10,  ’61.  Resigned  Aug.  1,  ’63. 

R.  T.  Mercer,  Aug.  1,  ’63.  Mustered  out  May  4,  ’66. 

SURGEONS. 

S.  T.  Trowbridge,  April  25,  ’61.  Mustered  out  July  27,  ’64. 

C.  N.  Dennison,  July  27,  ’64.  Mustered  out  May  4,  ’66. 

FIRST  ASSISTANT  SURGEONS. 

John  M.  Phipps,  April  25,  ’61.  Resigned  Feb.  16,  ’63. 

W.  F.  Buck,  Nov.  28, ’63.  Mustered  out  May  4,  ’66. 


SECOND  ASSISTANT  SURGEON. 

C.  M.  Spalding,  May  27,  ’65.  Mustered  out  May  4,  ’66. 


Samuel  Day,  Jan.  28.  ’66. 

G.  M.  Price,  July  25,  ’61. 
Frank  Leeper,  Feb.  5,  ’62. 
Geo.  D.  Durfee,  May  14,  ’63. 


CHAPLAIN. 

Mustered  out  Jan.  29,  ’65. 

CAPTAINS. 

Resigned  Feb.  5,  ’62. 
Killed  in  battle. 

Mustered  out  May  4,  ’66. 


FIRST  LIEUTENANTS. 

W.  J.  Taylor,  Feb.  5,  ’62.  Resigned  Jan.  28,  ’63. 

W.  A.  Albert,  May  14.  ’63.  Term  expired  Jan.  27,  ’64. 

Samuel  Nicholson,  Jan.  27,  ’64.  Mustered  out  May  4,  ’66. 


SECOND  LIEUTENANT. 

J.  W-  Reavis,  Jan.  28,  ’64.  Mustered  out  May  4,  ’66. 


D.  W.  Greenawalt,  July  25,  ’61. 


James  Dunbar,  July  25,  ’61. 

Michael  Matthews,  July  25.  ’61. 
Wm.  M.  Bullard,  July  25,  ’61. 

Robert  E.  Horey,  July  25,  ’61. 
George  S.  Leach,  July  25,  ’61. 
John  B.  Lowell,  July  25,  ’61. 
Marcellus  Warner,  July  25,  ’61. 


Baker,  Abijah  J.,  July  25,  ’61. 

Bashford,  G.  D.,  July  25,  ’61. 
Bacon,  John  H.,  July  25,  ’61. 
Cochrane,  Henry,  July  25,  ’61. 
Cook,  Andrew  E.,  July  25,  ’61. 
Dunn,  James  W.,  July  25,  ’61. 
Denniston,  Wm.,  July  25,  ’61. 
Dudley,  Jos.  S.,  July  25,  ’61. 

Florey,  A.  J.,  July  25,  ’61. 

Fouch,  Jos,  July  25,  ’61. 


SERGEANT. 

Died  at  Bird’s  Point,  Mo.,  Nov.  18,  ’61. 

CORPORALS. 

Re-enlisted  as  vet. ; mustered  out  May 
4,  ’66. 

Killed  at  Ft.  Donelson,  Feb.  15, ’62. 

Died  at  Cincinnati,  O.,  March  4,  ’61, 
of  wound  received  at  Donelson. 

Discharged  July  24,  ’64. 

Killed  at  Ft.  Donelson,  Feb.  15,  ’62. 

Died  at  Bird’s  Point,  Mo.,  Nov.  1,  ’61. 

Killed  at  Raymond,  Miss.,  May  12,  '63. 

PRIVATES. 

Prom,  sergeant;  died  June  4,  ’63,  of 
wounds  received  at  Vicksburg. 

Promoted  sergeant. 

Mustered  out  May  4,  ’66. 

Killed  at  Shiloh,  April  6,  ’62. 

Re-enlisted  as  veteran. 

Mustered  out  July  30,  ’64. 

Killed  at  Shiloh,  April  6,  ’62. 

Promoted  corporal ; mustered  out  May 
4, ’66. 

Discharged  Aug.  15,  ’62,  of  wounds  at 
Donelson. 

Prom  sergeant ; discharged  July  10, 
’65,  of  wounds  rec’d  at  Jackson. 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


85 


Greer,  B.  F.,  July  25,  ’61. 
Hagart,  A.  IT.,  July  25,  ’61. 
Helm,  L.,  July  25,  ’61. 

Hess,  Joseph,  July  25,  ’61. 

Hudson,  Janies,  July  25,  ’61. 

Idell,  Robert,  July  25,  ’61. 
Jefferson,  W.  J.,  July  25,  ’61. 
James,  Geo.  W-,  July  25,  ’61. 

Jones,  Andrew,  July  25,  ’61. 
Livingston,  M.  C.,  July  25;  ’61. 
Leach,  James,  July  25,  '61. 
Leland,  James  H.,  July  25, ’61. 
Muirhead,  T.  J.,  July  25,  ’61. 
McDonald,  J.  C.,  July  25,  ’61. 
Moskell,  Ellis,  July  25,  ’61. 
Pope,  Geo,  S.,  July  25,  ’61. 
Reavis,  Jas.  W..  July  25,  ’61. 
Rock,  Jos.  W.,  July  25,  ’61. 
Shively.  H.  C.,  July  25,  ’61. 
Smith,  Jos.  W.,  July  2-5,  ’61. 
Whitbeck,  IT,  July  25,  ’61. 


Re-enlisted. 

Prom,  corporal ; M.  O.,  May  4,  ’66. 
Prom,  sergeant ; discharged  Jan. 27,  ’62. 
Discharged  June  22,  ’62,  of  wounds 
received  at  Donelson. 

Killed  at  Raymond,  Miss.,  May  12, 
’63. 

Mustered  out  May  4,  ’66. 

Killed  at  Ft.  Donelson,  Feb.  15, ’62. 
Prom,  corporal;  killed  at  Champion 
Hill,  May  16,  ’63. 

Killed  at  Ft.  Donelson,  Feb.  15,  ’6  . 
Mustered  out  July  30,  ’64. 

Mustered  out  July  30,  ’64. 

Killed  at  Shiloh  April  6,  ’61. 

Mustered  out  May  28,  ’62. 

Killed  at  Shiloh  April  6,  ’62. 

Promoted  to  2d  lieut. 

Mustered  out  May  4,  ’66. 

Mustered  out  July  30,  ’64. 

Mustered  out  July  30,  ’64. 

Killed  at  Fort  Donelson  Feb.  15,  ’62. 


RECRUITS. 


Albert,  Win.  A.,  Aug.  15,  ’61. 
Ault,  Jos.,  Dec.  11,  ’63. 

Bradbury,  J.  A.,  Aug.  15,  ’61. 

Craine,  Robert  W.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Dumman,  J.  W.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 

Green,  John  H.,  Aug.  10,  ’61. 
Helpman,  Irwin,  Aug.  15,  ’61. 
Holtz,  Ernest,  Aug.  15,  ’61. 

Llatchet,  Win.,  Aug.  15,  ’62. 
Haggard,  Jas.,  Aug.  16,  ’61. 
James,  B.  F.,  Aug.  15,  ’61. 
Kunkleman,  J.  H.,  Aug.  10,  ’61. 
McCarty,  Patrick,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 

Marsh,  Peter,  Dec.  15,  ’61. 
McKinly,  W.  A.,  Aug.  10,  ’61. 
Norris,  John  H.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Nicholson,  J.  R.,  Aug.  15,  ’61. 
Nicholson,  Jer.,  Aug.  15,  ’61. 
Paine,  R.  T.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 

Pearce,  Irwin,  Aug.  25,  ’61. 

Pope,  Wm.  F.,  Jan.  1,  ’62. 

Rector,  John  W.,  Dec.  15, ’62. 

Stevenson,  W.  B.,  Aug.  2,  ’61. 

Squire,  Geo.  W.,  Aug.  15,  ’61. 
Steel,  Jas.  F.,  Aug.  15,  ’62. 


Promoted  lieut. 

Promoted  sergeant ; mustered  out  May 
4,  ’66. 

Promoted  sergeant ; killed  at  Shiloh 
April  6,  ’62. 

Discharged  Dec.  27,  ’61. 

Discharged  Aug.  15,  ’62,  of  wound  at 
Donelson. 

Killed  at  Raymond,  Miss.,  May  12,  ’63. 

Re-enlisted  as  vet. 

Discharged  July  22,  ’62,  of  wound  at 
Donelson. 

Discharged  Aug.  14,  ’64. 

Died  at  Decatur,  Ala.,  April  12,  ’62. 

Killed  at  Donelson  Feb.  15,  ’62. 

Died  at  Carthage,  La.,  of  wounds  re- 
ceived on  steamer  Moderator. 

Mustered  out  May  4,  ’66. 

Died  at  Memphis.  Tenn.  March  10,  ’63. 

Discharged  Feb.  19.  ’63. 

Mustered  out  May  4,  ’66. 

Discharged  Aug.  14,  ’64;  term  expd. 

Transferred  to  9th  regiment  La.  Inft. 
May  5,  ’63. 

Discharged  Dec.  25,  ’61. 

Promoted  captain  ; discharged  Oct.  31, 
’65 ; disabled. 

Died  in  hospital  at  Vicksburg,  July  2, 
’63,  disease. 

Transferred  and  discharged  Feb  2,  ’66, 
of  wounds  at  Jackson.  Miss. 

Died  at  Memphis,  Tenn.,  Sept.  12,  ’63. 

Discharged  Aug.  14,  ’64 ; term  expd. 


DRAFTS  AND  RECRUITS. 

Bosworth,  J.  B.,  Sept.  26,  ’64.  Mustered  out  Sept.  26,  ’65. 


COMPANY  “ B.” 


CAPTAINS. 

H.  Lieb,  Jan.  25,  ’61.  Promoted  major. 

Peter  Schlosser,  Oct.  7,  ’62.  Term  expired  Jan.  27,  ’64. 

H.  A.  Miller,  Jan.  28,  ’64.  Mustered  out  May  4,  ’66. 

first  lieutenants. 

B.  Zick,  Oct.  7,  ’62.  Term  expired  Jan.  28,  ’64. 

Thos.  Mclnery,  Jan.  28,  ’64.  Mustered  out  May  4,  ’66. 

SECOND  LIEUTENANTS. 

H.  J.  Marsh,  Jan.  25,  ’61.  Killed  at  Ft.  Donelson. 

John  Collmer,  Oct. 7,  ’62.  Term  expired  Jan.  27,  '64. 

FIRST  SERGEANT. 

H.  C.  Oglesby,  July  25, ’61.  Reduced  to  ranks;  drummed  out  of 

service,  Sept.  15,  ’63. 

SERGEANTS. 

B.  F.  Snow,  July  25,  ’61.  Discharged  Sept.  22,  ’62,  of  wounds  at 

Donelson. 

W.  F.  Gardenhire,  July  25,  ’61.  Discharged  May  2,  ’62;  disabled. 

Chns  Albert,  July  25,  ’61.  Mustered  out  July  30,  ’64. 


CORPORALS. 

John  M.  Collmer,  July  25,  ’61.  Promoted  2d  lieut. 

C.  P.  A.  Goddard,  July  25,  ’62.  Died  Oct.  31,  ’63. 

Chas.  Fechner,  July  25,  ’61.  Killed  at  Shiloh  April  6,  ’62. 

John  Smith,  July  25,  ’61.  Mustered  out  July  30,  ’64. 

Thomas  Scantlin,  July  25,  ’61.  Transferred  to  non-comissioned  staff 

as  com.  sergt. 

PRIVATES. 


Anthons,  W.  H.,  July  25,  ’61. 
Abin,  Geo.,  July  25,  ’61. 

Bech,  Jno.  M.,  July  25,  ’61. 

Batin,  F.,  July  25,  ’61. 

Basler,  J.  G.,  July  25,  ’61. 
Becker,  Wm.,  July  25,  ’61. 
Bruner,  John,  July  25,  ’61. 

Berlin,  D.  M.,  July  25,  ’61. 
Bruner,  J.  D.,  July  25,  ’61. 
Baner,  Jacob,  July  25,  '61. 
Breitsprecker,  W.,  July  25,  '61. 
Culligan,  John,  July  25,  ’61. 
Cunningham,  S.  B.,  July  25,  ’61. 
Campbell,  Jno.  E.,  July  25,  ’61. 
Durant,  F.,  July  25,  ’61. 
Dutcher,  Chas.,  July  25,  ’61. 
Dunham,  A.,  July  25,  ’61. . 
Everman,  J.  C.,  July  25,  ’61. 
Elliot,  Jos.,  July  25,  ’61. 

Flora,  Jasper,  July  25,  ’61. 

Gardenhire,  J.  M.,  July  25,  ’61. 

Gemer,  A.,  July  25,  ’61. 

Genert,  August,  July  25,  61. 
Geswinder,  N.,  July  25,  ’61. 
Gardenhire,  George,  July  25,  ’61. 
Humphrey,  J.  A.,  July  25,  ’61. 
Jameson,  Joshua,  July  25,  ’61. 
Johnson,  Moses,  July  25,  ’61. 
Krebs,  Chris.,  July  25,  ’61. 

Keller,  Jacob,  July  25,  ’61. 
Kelly,  John,  July  25,  ’61. 

Lynch,  Jas.,  July  25.  '61. 

Leeper,  Wm.,  July  25,  ’61. 
Miller,  F.  C.,  July  25,  ’61. 

Miller,  H.  A.,  July  25,  '61. 
Manchon,  IL,  July  25,  ’61. 
O’Brien,  Peter,  July  25,  ’61 
O'Neill,  John,  July  25,  '61. 
Priest,  John  W.,  July  25  ’61. 
Peters,  George,  July  25,  ’61. 
Robinett.  John,  July  25,  ’61‘ 
Rouse.  George  W„  July  25,  ’61. 
Rust,  M.  N.,  July  25,  ’61. 

Switzer,  John  M.,  July  25,  '61. 
Staines,  Dutton,  July  25,  ’61. 

Steward,  E.  O.,  July  25,  ’61. 
Seiter,  John  C.,  July  25,  ’61. 
Tansey,  V.  G.,  July  25,  ’61. 
Wardner,  H..  July  25,  ’61. 
Warren,  J.  July  25,  ’61. 

Wills,  Andrew,  July  25,  61, 


Died  April  8,  ’64  oi  wounds  received 
at  Raymond,  Miss. 

Discharged  Sept.  8,  ’62,  of  wounds  at 
Donelson. 

Mustered  out  July  30,  ’64. 

“ July  20.  ’64. 

Died  at  Vicksburg,  June  30,  ’63. 

Died  May  25,  ’63,  of  wounds  received 
at  Champion  Hills. 

Mustered  out  July  6,  ’65, 

Mustered  out  July  30,  '64. 

Mustered  out  July  30,  ’64. 

Mustered  out  July  30,  64. 

Mustered  out  May  4,  ’64. 

Accidentally  killed  May  20,  ’62. 
Discharged  Oct.  64,  ’61. 

Killed  at  Ft.  Donelson  Feb.  15,  ’62. 
Mustered  out  Aug.  6,  ’64. 

Died  at  Cairo,  111.,  (no  date.) 
Discharged  July  25,  '62,  by  order  of 
Grant. 

Discharged  May  2,  ’62,  by  order  of 
Grant. 

Died  Aug.  14,  ’61. 

Mustered  out  March  21,  ’61. 

Killed  at  Donelson  Feb.  15,  ’62. 

Absent  at  mustering  out. 

Discharged  Oct.  14,  ’61. 

Discharged  July  24,  ’62,  of  wounds  at 
Donelson  and  Shiloh. 

Killed  at  Donelson  Feb.  15,  ’62. 
Murdered  at  Norfolk,  Mo.,  Sept.  17, ’61. 
Mustered  out  July  30,  ’64. 

Transferred  to  N.  C.  S.  as  Mus. 

Killed  at  Donelson,  Feb.  15,  ’62. 
Promoted  captain  July  14,  ’64. 
Discharged  July  10,  ’63  , disabled. 

Discharged,  July  25,  ’64 ; term  expd. 
Killed  at  Donelson  Feb.  15,  ’62. 
Mustered  out  May  4,  '64. 

Mustered  out  May  4,  ’64. 

Transferred  to  12th  Illinois  infantry. 
Promoted  sergeant. 

Promoted  corporal ; discharged  Sept. 
24,  ’62. 

Discharged  Oct.  14,  ’61. 

Mustered  out  May  4,  ’61. 

Discharged  Oct.  14, ’61. 

Transferred  to  Inv.  Corps  Sept.  15,'  61. 
Discharged  Nov.  8,  ’63,  of  wounds  at 
Vicksburg. 

Died  Feb.  17,  '62,  of  wounds  at  Donel- 
son. 


recruits,  draft  and  substitutes. 


Anthons,  Josephus,  April  5, ’61. 

Andrish,  Antoine,  Aug.  17,  61. 
Beecher,  Peter,  Aug.  67,  61. 

Brown,  Henry,  Aug.  29,  61. 

Dunham,  Dayton,  Aug.  16,  ’61. 

Dunz,  John,  Aug.  29,  ’61. 
Frank,  Peter,  Sept.  7,  ’61. 
Fluke,  August,  Aug.  29.  '62. 
Grosh,  Jacob,  Aug.  17,  ’61. 
Gross,  Jacob,  Aug.  22,  ’61. 
Gunter,  Hugo.  Nov.  27,  ’61. 
Grob,  Jno.  J.,  Jan  5,  ’64. 
Hatchley,  Isaac,  Nov.  26,  61. 


Promoted  to  corporal ; mustered  out 
May  4,  ’61. 

Killed  at  Shiloh  April  6,  ’62. 
Discharged  Sept.  9,  ’62,  of  wounds  at 
Shiloh. 

Discharged  Sept.  5,  ’62,  of  wounds  at 
Shiloh.  / 

Wounded  at  Donelson ; discharged 
April  11,  ’62. 

Mustered  out  May  4,  ’65. 

Discharged  Oct.  11,  ’63. 

Mustered  out  Aug.  5,  ’64. 

Mustered  out  March  2,  ’61. 

“ May  4.  ’61. 

Discharged  May  6,  ’62,  of  wounds  at 
Shiloh. 


86 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


Hawley,  Jno.  D.,  Sept.  19,  '61. 
Jones,  R.  F. 

Kepler,  M.,  Sept.  7,  ’61. 

Lehman,  Jacob,  Aug.  8,  ’61. 
Langheld,  August,  Aug.  5,  '61. 

Lynn,  Kobt.,  Aug.  29,  ’61. 
Lankerman,  Jacob,  Jan.  1,  ’61. 
Mossman,  Wrn.,  Dec.  68,  ’63. 
Magae,  Jno.  S.,  April  28,  ’64. 
Mathys,  Jno.,  April  16,  ’64. 
McGorry,  Thos.,  Dec.  1,  ’61. 

O Connol,  J.  H.,  Aug.  13,  ’61. 
Preston,  Thos.,  Aug.  23,  ’61. 

Pfeifer,  Frank,  April  15,  ’64. 
Keister,  Leonard,  Sept.  2,  ’61. 
Walker,  Michael,  Aug.  13,  ’61. 
Webber,  Chas.,  Sept.  28,  ’64. 
Zimm,  Jno.,  April  28,  ’64. 


Mustered  out  May  14.  ’61. 

Discharged  Dec.  15,  ’62,  of  wounds  at 
Shiloh. 

Discharged  Aug.  7,  ’64. 

Discharged  Aug.  8,  ’63,  of  wounds  at 
Kaymond,  Miss. 

Died  Oct,  31,  ’61. 

Mustered  out  May  4,  ’61. 

Mustered  out  May  4,  ’66. 

Mustered  out  May  4,  ’66. 

Mustered  out  May  3,  66. 

Promoted  Fiist  Lieut. 

Discharged  Oct.  15,  ’63,  of  wounds  at 
Vicksburg. 

Mustered  out  July  1,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  May  4,  ’61. 

Killed  at  Charleston,  Mo.,  Oct.  16,  ’66. 
Mustered  out  May  4,  ’66. 


TWENTY-FIRST  (21st)  ILLINOIS  INFANTRY. 

IT.  S.  GRANT,  COLONEL. 

The  following  communication  from  the  first  colonel  of  this  reg- 
ment  in  view  of  his  subsequent  illustrious  career,  will  be  of  special 
interest : — 

“ I was  appointed  colonel  of  the  twenty-first  Illinois  volunteer 
infantry,  by  Governor  Richard  Yates,  some  time  early  in  the  month 
of  June,  1861,  and  assumed  command  of  the  regiment  on  the  16th 
of  that  month.  The  regiment  was  mustered  into  the  service  of  the 
United  States,  in  the  latter  part  of  the  same  month.  Being  ordered 
to  rendezvous  the  regiment  at  Quincy,  Illinois,  I thought,  for  the 
purpose  of  discipline  and  speedy  efficiency  for  the  field,  it  would  be 
well  to  march  the  regiment  across  the  country,  instead  of  trans- 
porting by  rail.  Accordingly,  on  the  3d  of  July,  1861,  the  march 
was  commenced  from  camp  Yates,  Springfield,  Illinois,  and  con- 
tinued until  about  three  miles  beyond  the  Illinois  river,  when  dis- 
patches were  received,  changing  the  destination  of  the  regiment  to 
Ironton,  Missouri,  and  directing  me  to  return  to  the  river  and  take 
a steamer,  which  had  been  sent  there  for  the  purpose  of  transport- 
ing the  regiment  to  St.  Louis.  The  steamer  failing  to  reach  the 
point  of  embarkation,  several  days  were  here  lost.  In  the  mean- 
time a portion  of  the  sixteenth  Illinois  infantry,  under  Col.  Smith, 
were  reported  surrounded  by  the  enemy  at  a point  on  the  Hannibal  » 
and  St.  Joseph  railroad,  west  of  Palmyra,  and  the  twenty-first  was 
ordered  to  their  relief.  Under  these  circumstances,  expedition  was 
necessary ; accordingly,  the  march  was  abandoned,  and  the  rail- 
road was  called  into  requisition.  Before  the  twenty-first  reached 
its  new  destination,  the  sixteenth  had  extricated  itself.  The  twenty- 
first  was  then  kept  on  duty  on  the  line  of  the  H.  and  St.  Jo- 
R.  R.,  for  about  two  weeks,  without,  however,  meeting  an  enemy 
or  an  incident  worth  relating.  We  did  make  one  march,  however, 
during  that  time,  from  Salt  River,  Mo.,  to  Florida,  Mo.,  and  re- 
turned in  search  of  Wm.  Harris,  who  was  reported  in  that  neigh- 
borhood with  a handful  of  rebels.  It  was  impossible,  however,  to 
get  nearer  than  a day’s  march  of  him.  From  Salt  River  the  regi- 
ment went  to  Mexico,  Mo.,  where  it  remained  for  two  weeks ; 
thence  to  Ironton,  Mo-,  passing  through  Saint  Louis  on  the  7th  of 
August,  when  I was  assigned  to  duty  as  a Brigadier  General,  and 
turned  over  the  command  of  the  regiment  to  that  gallant  and 
Christian  officer,  Colonel  Alexander,  who  afterwards  yielded  up  his 
life,  whilst  nobly  leading  it  in  the  battle  of  Chickainauga. 

U.  S.  Grant, 
Lieutenant'  General. 

This  regiment  wTas  organized  atMattoon,  Illinois,  May  9th,  1861. 
May  15th,  it  was  mustered  into  the  state  service,  for  thirty  days, 
by  Captain  U.  S.  Grant.  June  28th,  mustered  into  the  United 


States  service,  for  three  years,  with  Capt.  U.  S.  Grant  as  Colonel, 
August  6th,  Col.  Grant  promoted  Brig.  General,  and  Lieut-  Col. 
J.  W.  S.  Alexander  was  made  Colonel  of  the  regiment. 

October  20th,  marched  from  Ironton,  Mo.,  and  on  the  next  day 
took  partin  the  battle  of  Fredericktown ; returned  and  remained 
at  Ironton  till  January  29th,  1862,  when  it  marched  to  Jackson- 
sport,  Ark. ; thence  to  Corinth.  On  evacuation  of  Corinth,  pur- 
sued the  enemy  to  Booneville ; returning,  it  joined  an  expedition 
to  Holly  Springs ; August  14th,  was  ordered  to  join  Gen.  Buell’s 
army  in  Tennessee ; marched  to  Louisville,  Ky.,  and  participated 
in  the  battle  of  Perryville,  October  8th,  company  F.  Captain 
David  Blackburn,  being  the  first  to  enter  the  town  ; marched  thence 
to  Crab  Tree  Orchard,  Bowling  Green,  Ky.,  and  Nashville,  Tenn. 
December  30th,  it  had  a severe  engagement  with  the  enemy  near 
Murfreesboro,  gallantly  charging  the  famous  Washington  (rebel) 
Light  Artillery,  12  Parrott  guns,  and  driving  every  man  from  the 
battery.  During  the  battle  of  Murfreesboro,  it  did  heroic  service, 
losing  more  men  thau  any  other  regiment  engaged. 

It  was  with  General  Rosecrans’  army  from  Murfreesboro  to 
Chattanooga  ; took  part  in  the  battle  at  Liberty  Gap,  June  25th, 
1863  ; distinguished  itself  in  the  famous  battle  of  Chickainauga, 
September  19th  and  20th,  losing  238  officers  and  men ; after  this 
battle  the  regiment  remained  at  Bridgeport,  Alabama,  till  the  latter 
part  of  December,  1863.  Having  made  a brilliant  record  in  some 
of  the  hardest  fought  battles  of  the  war,  it  was  mustered  out  De 
cember  16th,  1865,  at  San  Antonia,  Texas,  and  reached  camp  Butler- 
Ill.,  January  18th,  1865,  for  final  pay  and  discharge. 

MUSTER  ROLL  TWENTY-FIRST  INFANTRY— CO.  “A.” 

COLONELS. 

U.  S.  Grant,  June  16,  ’61.  Promoted  Brig.  Gen.  Aug.  5,  ‘61 ; 

Maj.  Gen.  Feb.  16,  ’62. 

J.  W.  Alexander,  Aug.  23,  ’61.  Killed  in  battle  Sept  20,  ’63. 

Jas.  E.  Calloway,  May  11,  ’65.  Mustered  out  Dec.  16,  ’65. 

Wm.  H.  Jamison,  July  13,  ’65. 

LIEUTENANT  COLONELS. 

Geo.  W.  Peck,  Sept.  2, ’61.  Disch’d,  ill  health,  Sept.  19,  ’62. 

W-  E.  McMaken,  Sept.  19,  ’62.  Term  expired  Nov.  16,  ’64. 

MAJOR. 

Jno.  L.  Wilson,  June  2,  ’65.  Mustered  out  Dec.  16,  ’65. 

ADJUTANTS. 

Resigned  July  20,  ’64. 

Prom.  capt.  company  “ A mus- 
tered out  Dec.  16,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  Dec.  16,  ’65. 

quartermasters. 

Jno.  E.  Jones,  May  15,  ’61.  Mustered  out  Aug.  18,  ’64. 

Simeon  Paddleford,  Aug.  18,  ’64.  Mustered  out  Dec.  16,  ’65. 

SURGEONS. 

Eden  M.  Seeley,  Aug.  21,  ’62.  Res.  May  21,  ’64. 

Jas.  J.  Reat,  May  21,  ’64.  Mustered  out  Dec.  16,  ’65. 

CHAPLAIN. 

E.  D.  Wilkins,  Oct.  12,  ’61.  Res.  July  9,  ’64. 

• CAPTAINS. 

S.  S.  Goode,  May  7,  ’61.  State  service,  ten  regt.  bill. 

Geo.  S.  Dunning,  May  17,  ’61.  Res.  Oct.  24,  ’62. 

Geo.  F.  Eaton,  Oct.  24,  ’62..  Mustered  out  July  5,  ’64. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANTS. 

E.  D.  Coxe,  Oct.  24,  ’62.  Mustered  out  July  5,  ’64. 

B.  F.  Osborne,  July  5,  ’64.  Dismissed  July  3,  ’65. 

J.  R.  Sheperd,  Aug.  21,  ’65.  Mustered  out  Dec.  16,  ’65. 

SECOND  LIEUTENANTS. 

J.  L.  Bowman,  May  7,  ’61.  R'-s.  April  14,  ’62. 

Jos.  C.  Alvord,  Oct.  24,  ’62.  Killed  in  battleDec.  31,  ’62. 

Theo.  Gross,  June  1,  ’63.  Res.  May  12,  65. 

Alvin  Colmus,  Dec.  16.  Mustered  out  Dec.  16,  ’65. 

FIRST  SERGEANT. 

Edward  D.Coxe,  June  15,  ’61.  Promoted  2d  lieutenant. 


Chas.  B.  Steele,  Sept.  6,  '61. 
J.  R.  Duncan,  July  20,  ’64. 

Jno.  A.  Pierce,  Aug.  21,  ’65. 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


87 


SECOND  SERGEANT. 

Charles  Disbrow,  June  15,  ’61.  Discharged  Aug.  10,  ’62,  disability. 


SECOND  LIEUTENANT. 

John  F.  Weitzel,  Jan.  31,  ’03.  Killed  at  Chiekamauga,  Sep.  19,  ’63. 


Elijah  Smith,  June  15,  ’61. 
Win.  R.  Wheeler,  June  15,  ’01. 
Ben.  F.  Osborne,  June  15,  ’61. 
Joseph  Wagoner,  June  15, ’61. 
G.  W.  Stephens,  June  15,  ’61. 


J.  D.  L.  Meeks,  June  15,  ’61. 


conroRALS. 

Killed  at  Stone  river  Dec.  30,  ’62. 
Discharged  Sept.  1,  ’63. 

Re-enlisted  as  vet. ; promoted  1st  lieut. 
Discharged  April  23,  ’63. 

Re-enlisted  as  vet.  ; mustered  out 
Dec.  16,  '65. 

MUSICIAN. 

Mustered  out  July  5,  ’64. 


WAGONER. 

Jno.  Hanks,  June  15,  ’61.  Mustered  out  July  5,  ’64. 

PRIVATES. 


Joseph  Barber,  June  23,  ’61. 

Jas.  T.  Baker,  June  15,  ’61. 
Hugh  Bacon,  June  15,  ’61. 
Philip  Bloss,  June  15,  ’61. 

Jacob  Conouff,  June  15,  ’61. 

Win.  H.  Clipson,  June  15,  ’61. 

Jas.  Clark,  June  21,  ’61. 

Henry  Cruise,  July  21,  ’61. 
David  Crawford,  June  26,  ’61. 

Frank  Ernst,  June  15,  ’61. 

F.  H.  Fammer,  June  15,  ’61. 

H.  F.  Fletcher,  June  15,  ’61. 
Daniel  Foley,  June  15,  ’61. 
Joseph  E.  Hobson,  June  15,  ’61. 
Jasper  H.  Hixson,  June  15,  ’61. 
Win.  H.  Higgins,  June  24,  ’61. 
Orlando  Hogan,  June  24,  ’61. 
Wm.  Johnson,  June  25,  ’61. 

Thos.  E.  Jefferson,  June  25,  ’61. 
Jas.  R.  Kennedy,  June  25,  ’61. 
Jno.  B.  Lembeck,  June  25,  ’61. 
Jno.  Leigh,  June  24,  ’61. 

Wm.  McPherson,  June  15,  ’61. 
H.  B.  F.  Martin,  June  15,  ’61. 
Jno.  McAvov,  June  15,  ’61. 

L.  D.  Morgan,  June  23,  ’61. 

Abe.  McKitrick,  June  23,  ’61. 
Wm.  McGrath,  June  15,  ’61. 

C.  M.  Pope,  June  15,  ’61. 

Wm.  H.  Ross,  June  25,  ’61. 

C.  Rosenberger,  June  15, ’61. 
Daniel  Shutter,  June  23,  ‘61. 
Peter  Shell,  June  15,  ’61. 

Geo  S.  Stuart,  June  15,  ’61. 
Henry  C.  Stuart,  June  15,  ’61. 

Edward  Stockton,  June  15,  ’61. 
Jos.  Sheperd,  June  15,  ’61. f 
John  Smith,  June  15,  ’61. 

John  Street,  June  15,  ’61. 

Patrick  Shannon,  June  15,  ’61. 

Jas.  Shepherd,  June  22,  ’61. 

Wm.  H.  Stewart,  June  23,  ’61. 
Martin  Tibbett,  June  15.  ’61. 
John  Thute,  June  24,  ’61. 

Jno.  L.  Whitton,  June  15,  ’61. 
Benj.  F.  Witts,  June  22,  ’61. 
Wm.  H.  Witts,  June  24,  ’61. 
Rodolph  Zorger,  June  22,  ’61. 


Re-ehlisted  as  vet. ; mustered  out  Dec. 
16,  ’65. 

Discharged  Oct.  16,  ’62. 

Killed  at  Stone  river  Dec.  31,  ’62. 

Died  at  Anderson ville  prison  June 
15,  ’64. 

Killed  at  Stone 'river  Dec.  30,  ’62. 
Re-enlisted  as  vet.  ; mustered  out  July 
13,  65.  Prisoner  of  war 
Re-enlisted  as  vet. ; transferred  to  eng. 
corps  Aug.  2,  ’64. 

Re-enlisted  a«  vet.  ; mustered  out  July 
13,  ’65.  Prisoner  of  war. 

Dischd  Aug.  10,  ’62  ; disability. 

Mustered  out  July  5,  ’64. 

Killed  at  Chiekamauga  Sept.  10,  ’63. 
Mustered  out  July  5,  ’64. 

Disch’d  March  11,  ’64;  disability. 
Killed  at  Stone  river  Dec.  30,  ’62. 
Mustered  out  July  5,  ’64. 

Discharged  Oct.  1,  ’61. 

Mustered  out  July  5,  ’64. 

Disch’d  Sept.  29,  ’62,  wounds. 
Transferred  to  in  v.  corps,  March  23,  ’64. 
Mustered  out  July  5,  ’64. 

Re-enlisted  as  vet. ; died  Oct.  30,  ’64. 
Re-enlisted  as  vet.  ; mustered  out  July 
13,  ’65.  Prisoner  of  war. 

Mustered  out  July  5,  ’64. 

Disch’d  April  30,  ’62;  disability. 
Discharged  Oct.  7,  ’61. 

Mustered  out  July  5,  ’64. 

Mustered  out  July  5,  ’64. 

Mustered  out  July  5,  ’64  as  corp. 

Re-eniisted  as  vet  ; mustered  out 
Dec.  16,  ’65. 

Died  at  Annapolis,  Md.,  Nov.,  ’64. 
Re-enlisted  as  vet.  ; mustered  out 
Dec.  16,  ’65. 


Mustered  out  July  5,  ’64. 

Re  enlisted  as  vet.;  mustered  out  Dec. 
16,  ’65,  as  corporal. 

Discharged  to  re-enlist  in  15th  U.  S. 
Inf.,  Dec.  24,  ’62. 

Re-enlisted  as  vet. ; prom.  1st  lieut. 
Mustered  out  Dec.  16,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  July  5,  ’64. 

Re-enlisted  as  vet. ; mustered  out  Dec. 
16,  ’65. 

Disch’d  Aug.  18,  ’63 — disability. 

Died  Jan.  7,  ’63 — wounds. 

Mustered  out  July  5,  ’64. 

Died  Jan.  22,  ’63,  of  wounds. 


RECRUITS. 


John  Cram.  Oct.  12,  ’61. 

John  Eckart,  Jan.  22,  ’62. 
Martin  Fitzpatrick,  Oct.  12,  '61. 
Taylor  Florney,  Oct.  12,  61. 
Albert  Fowkes,  Oct.  12,  ’61. 
Silas  W.  West,  Aug.  13,  ’61. 


Died  Nov.  10,  ’62. 

Mustered  out  Jan.  28,  ’65. 
Mustered  out  12,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  April  27,  ’65. 

Discharged  Feb.  1,  ’62 — disability. 


COMPANY  “ IC.” 


CAPTAINS. 

A.  M.  Pattison,  May  16,  ’61.  Resigned  Nov.  21,  ’62. 

John  L.  Wilson,  Nov.  21,  ’62.  Promoted  Major. 

Sydney  B.  Wade,  July  18,  ’65.  Mustered  out  Dec.  16,  ’65. 


PRIVATES. 

Pat.  S.  Curtis,  June  14,  ’61. 

John  F.  Weitzel,  June  25,  ’61.  Promoted  sergeant  and  2d  lieut. 

UNASSIGNED  RECRUITS. 

John  Barrett,  Dec.  19,  ’63. 

THIRTY-FIFTH  (35th)  ILLINOIS  INFANTRY. 

COL.  G.  A.  SMITH. 

The  Thirty-fifth  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry  was  organized  at 
Decatur,  July  3d,  1861,  and  on  July  23d,  was  accepted  by  the 
Secretary  of  War,  as  Col.  G.  A.  Smith’s  Independent  Regiment  of 
Illinois  Volunteers. 

August  4th.  Left  Decatur,  and  reached  Jefferson  Barracks,  Mo. 
next  day.  One  week  afterward  eight  companies  were  mustered 
into  the  United  States’  service,  making  the  aggregate  strength  of 
the  regiment  seven  hundred  and  ninety-three.  - 

Sept.  15.  Moved  by  railroad  to  Jefferson  City,  thence  (Sept. 
25th)  to  Otterville. 

October  15th.  Marched  to  Sedalia,  and  joined  General  Siegel’s 
advance  on  Springfield. 

Nov.  10th.  Advanced  to  Wilson’s  Creek.  Returning  left 
Springfield,  Mo.,  Nov.  13th,  for  Rolla. 

January  23d,  1862.  Began  the  advance  on  Springfield,  reaching 
that  place  on  the  13th.  Next  followed  Price’s  retreating  army,  and 
after  a hard  and  fatiguing  march,  arrived  at  Cross  Hollows,  Ark., 
January  21st,  having  formed  line  of  battle,  and  skirmished  nearly 
every  day  with  the  enemy  for  a distance  of  two  hundred  and  twenty- 
eight  miles. 

March  7th.  Participated  in  the  hotly-contested  battle  of  Pea 
Ridge,  winning  fresh  laurels  by  its  bravery,  and  driving  the  stub- 
born enemy  from  every  commanding  position.  The  regiment  lost, 
in  this  contest,  fifteen  killed,  forty-five  wounded,  and  fifty-five 
prisoners,  Col.  Smith  having  been  so  severely  wounded  that  he 
never  afterward  resumed  command  of  the  regiment. 

April  5th.  Major  Mcllwain  in  command.  Commenced  march 
to  Batesville,  Ark.,  arriving  May  8th,  the  distance  being  two 
hundred  and  ninety-one  miles.  The  regiment  afterward  participated 
conspicuously  in  the  following  battles : — Siege  of  Corinth,  Perry- 
ville,  Stone  River  (losing  in  the  latter  battle  eleven  killed,  forty-four 
wounded,  and  twenty-nine  missing,  out  of  twenty  commissioned 
officers  and  four  hundred  and  nineteen  that  went  into  action), 
Chiekamauga  (losing  three  commissioned  officers  and  fifteen  men 
killed;  five  commissioned  officers  and  one  hundred  and  twenty-five 
men  wounded  ; twelve  men  missing  out  of  eighteen  commissioned 
officers  and  two  hundred  and  eighty-one  enlisted  men  that  entered 
the  battle),  Mission  Ridge,  gallantly  leading  the  storming  columns, 
and  being  the  first  to  plant  the  stars  and  stripes  on  the  enemy’s 
stronghold,  all  the  color-guard  of  the  regiment  having  been  either 
wounded  or  killed,  and  Lieut.  Col.  Chandler,  commanding  regiment, 
carrying  the  colors  “ into  the  jaws  of  death  ; into  the  mouth  of 
hell.”  The  losses  in  this  battle  being  six  men  killed;  two  commis- 
sioned officers,  and  forty-six  men  wounded,  out  of  two  hundred  and 
twelve  officers  and  men  engaged;  Rocky  Face  Ridge,  Resaca, 
Dallas,  Mud  Creek,  Kenesaw,  losing  in  these  last  campaigns,  six 
commissioned  officers  and  one  hundred  and  eighteen  men.  Major 
Mcllwain  was  killed  at  Kenesaw,  June  22d,  1864.  He  was  a brave 
and  efficient  officer,  having  greatly  distinguished  himself  in  the 
battle  of  Stone  River. 

The  regiment  having  marched,  during  its  term  of  service,  in  all 
three  thousand  and  fifty-six  miles,  was  mustered  out  at  Springfield, 
111  , September  27th,  1864. 


88 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


MUSTER-ROLL  THIRTY-FIFTH  RFGIMENT  INFANTRY. 


G.  A.  Smith,  July  2d,  ’61. 

W.  P.  Chandler,  Sept.  22,  ’63. 


John  Mcllwain,  July  3d,  ’61. 


COLONELS. 

Prom.  Brig.-Gen.  Sept.  19,  ’62;  dis. 
Sept.  22,  ’63. 

Term  expired  Sept.  27,  ’64  ; was  Lieut. 
Colonel. 

MAJOR. 

Killed  at  Kenesaw  Mountain,  June  22, 
’64. 


ADJUTANTS. 

W.  J.  Usrey,  Sept.  1,  ’61.  Resigned  April  15,  ’62. 

Uriah  Fox,  April  15,  ’62.  Resigned  Nov.  17,  ’63. 

Samuel  W.  Bird,  Nov.  17,  ’63.  Terra  expired  Sept.  27,  ’64. 

quartermaster. 

John  G.  Miles,  July  3,  ’61.  Term  expired  Sept.  27,  ’64. 

SURGEONS. 

W.  J.  Chenoweth,  Sept.  25,  ’61.  Resigned  Dec.  14,  ’62. 

S.  B.  Hawley,  Dec.  9,  ’62.  Term  expired  Sept.  27,  ’64. 

FIRST  ASSISTANT  SURGEON. 

D.  C.  Titball,  Sept.  25,  ’61.  Term  expired  Sept.  27,  ’64. 

SECOND  ASSISTANT  SURGEON. 

Jonathan  D.  Wylie,  Dec.  8,  ’62.  Term  expired  Sept.  27,  ’64. 

CHAPLAINS. 

P.  D.  Hammond,  July  3,  ’61.  Resigned  May  12,  ’62. 

R.  E.  Harris,  May  12,  ’62.  Left  at  Florence,  Ala.,  Aug.  18,  ’62 ; 

not  heard  from. 


7th,  took  part  in  the  siege  of  Corinth,  Col.  Pugh  commanding 
brigade  ; July  6th,  marched  to  Memphis  via  Holly  Springs,  reach- 
ing the  former  place,  July  21st,  and  remaining  there  till  September 
6th,  when  it  marched  to  Bolivar ; thence  to  Grand  Junction, 
Hatchie  River,  Lagrange,  Lamar, Somerville,  Holly  Springs,  Water- 
ford, Beaver  Creek,  Yocona  Creek,  Water  Valley,  returning  to 
Holly  Springs,  January  5th,  1863.  The  regiment  went  into  camp 
at  Moscow,  Tennessee,  and  remained  till  March,  when  it  was 
ordered  to  Memphis  as  a part  of  the  Sixteenth  Army  Corps,  under 
command  of  Major  General  Hurlbut ; April  3d,  engaged  in  an  ex- 
pedition to  Hernando,  Mississippi ; at  Cold  Water,  met  the  enemy 
under  General  Chalmers,  and  was  under  heavy  fire  seven  hours, 
fully  sustaining  its  former  reputation  for  dauntless  courage  and 
daring  deeds;  May  12th,  moved  to  Vicksburg,  where  it  bore  a 
prominent  part  in  the  great  siege  and  battles  around  that  confeder- 
ate stronghold;  July  5th,  marched  to  Jackson,  and  participated  in 
the  battle  near  that  city,  leaving  40  killed  on  the  field,  and  having 
122  wounded,  Major  Long  being  among  the  former.  Returning  to 
Vicksburg,  the  regiment  was  ordered  to  Natchez,  where  it 
remained  till  November  28th  ; December  3d,  marched  to  Big  Black 
River,  where  it  erected  winter  quarters,  and  was  afterwards  consoli- 
dated with  the  Fifty-third  regiment. 


NON-COMMISSIONED  STAFF. 


MUSTER  ROLL  FORTY-FIRST  REGIMENT  INFANTRY. 


SERGEANT  MAJOR. 

Geo.  B.  Peake,  July  3,  ’61.  Prom.  2d  Lieut,  Co.  A,  and  Captain. 

HOSPITAL  STEWARD. 

Jos.  T.  DeWatney,  July  3,  ’61.  Reduced,  and  returned  to  Co.  A. 

PRINCIPAL  MUSICIANS. 

Newlin  B.  Davis,  July  3,  ’61. 

Archibald  Monroe,  July  3,  ’61.  Promoted  to  Principal  Musician. 

SECOND-CLASS  MUSICIAN. 

Joseph  Ricketts,  July  3,  ’61. 

COMPANY  “A.” 


CAPTAINS. 

B M.  Tables,  July  3,  ’61.  Resigned  Dec.  20,  ’61. 

Pierre  W.  Thomas,  Dec.  25, ’61.  Resigned  Jan.  31, ’64. 

Geo.  B.  Peake,  July  3,  ’61.  Term  expired  Sept.  27,  ’64. 


FIRST  LIEUTENANTS. 

John  W.  Peen,  Jan.  31,  '64.  Died  July  8,  ’64. 

George  F.  Deitz,  Dec.  25,  ’61.  Term  expired  Sept.  27,  ’64. 

SECOND  LIEUTENANT. 

Jas.  Shoaff,  July  3,  ’61.  Resigned  Feb.  3,  ’62. 


PRIVATES. 


Augusta  Glatz,  July  3,  ’61. 
Conover  Hatfield,  July  3,  ’61. 
Wm  C.  Stewart,  July  3,  ’61. 
Andrew  Stewart,  July  3.  ’61. 
Joseph  McMullen,  July  3,  ’61. 
John  D.  McMadden,  July  3,  '61. 
John  Hager,  July  3,  ’61. 

Curtis  Austin,  July  3,  ’61. 

Frank  Rea,  July  3,  ’61. 

N.  L.  F.  Monroe,  July  3,  ’61. 


Discharged  Aug.  9,  ’62 — wounds. 
Discharged  Dec.  12, ’61 — disability. 
Discharged  June  15,  ’62 — disability. 


Transferred  to  59th  regiment. 
Discharged  Mch  24th,  ’63 — disability. 


FORTY-FIRST  ILLINOIS  INFANTRY. 

ISAAC  C.  PUGH,  COLONEL. 

The  Forty-first  Infantry  was  organized  at  Decatur,  Illinois,  in 
August,  1861,  by  Col.  Isaac  C.  Pugh,  companies  A and  E and  pait 
of  company  I being  recruited  in  Macon  county.  A few  belonging 
to  other  companies  of  the  regiment  were  also  enlisted  in  this  county. 

The  regiment  moved  to  Bird’s  Point,  Missouri,  August  29th,  and 
was  assigned  to  the  command  of  General  Prentiss  ; September  8th, 
it  was  ordered  to  Paducah,  Kentucky ; thence  February  5th,  1862, 
to  Fort  Henry;  February  lltli,  to  Fort  Donelson,  engaging  in  the 
siege,  February  13th,  14th,  and  15th;  March  10th,  moved  to  Pitts- 
burgh Landing,  and  engaged  in  the  battle  of  Shiloh  ; April  6th  and 


COLONEL. 

Isaac  C.  Pugh,  July  27,  ’61.  Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 


LIEUTENANT  COLONELS. 


Ansel  Tupper,  July  27,  ’61. 

Jno.  Warner,  April  8,  '62. 
Jno.  II.  Nale. 


Killed  at  Pittsburg  Landing  April  6, 

’62. 

Discharged  Nov.  26,  ’62. 

Mustered  out  Aug.  2,  ’64. 


F.  M.  Long. 

R.  H.  McFadden. 


MAJORS. 

Killed  in  action  July  12,  ’63. 
Transferred  to  field  staflfas  consolidated. 


B.  G.  Pugh,  Dec.  12, ’61. 
Wm.  C.  Gillespie. 


ADJUTANTS. 

Res.  March  17,  ’62. 
Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 


QUARTERMASTERS. 


H.  C.  Bradsby,  July  27,  ’61. 

I.  R.  Pugh,  Sept.  30,  ’62. 
John  Boughman. 

Wm.  M.  Gray. 

Chas.  Carle. 


Res.  June  9,  ’62. 

Res  Aug.  1 , 63. 

M ustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

SURGEONS. 

Mustered  out  March  29,  ’62. 
Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 


FIRST  ASSISTANT  SURGEON. 

Geo.  W.  Short,  July  27,  ’61.  Resigned/ 

O.  M.  Warmoth,  April  12,  ’62.  Transferred  to  field  and  staff  as  con- 

solidated. 

SECOND  ASSISTANT  SURGEON. 

Jno.  W.  Coleman,  Sept.  30,  ’62.  Term  expired  ’66. 


COMPANY  “A.” 


CAPTAINS. 

Jno.  II.  Nale,  July  27,  ’61.  Promoted. 

M.  F.  Ivanan,  April  8,  ’62.  Transferred  to  Co.  A as  consolidated. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANTS. 

Geo.  R.  Steele,  April  8,  ’62.  Res.  Aug.  3,  ’63. 

Rolando  Bell,  April  8,  ’62.  Prom,  from  2d  lieut. ; must’d  out  Aug. 

20,  ’64. 


NON-COMMISSIONED  STAFF. 

SERGEANT  MAJOR. 

Bartley  G.  Pugh,  Aug.  5,  ’61.  Promoted  adjutant. 

QUARTERMASTER  SERGEANT. 

Alonzo  Burgess,  Aug.  5,  ’61.  Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

HOSPITAL  STEWARD. 

Jas.  W.  Roulh,  Aug.  5,  ’61.  Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

PRINCIPAL  MUSICIAN. 

Alex.  Allsburv,  Aug.  5,  61.  Reduced  to  ranks  Sept.  1,  ’62. 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


89 


Lewis  B.  Morton,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 


FIRST  SERGEANT. 

Died  at  Paducah,  Ky.,  Sept.  1!),  ’61. 


Sweet  Michael,  Aug.  5,  '61. 
Sense  man,  Daniel,  Aug.  5,  '61. 


Roland  Bell,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Bryant  Kelsey,  Ang.  5,  ’61. 
W.  E.  Winholtz.  Aug.  5,  ’61. 

David  S.  Mprse,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 


SERGEANTS. 

Promoted  2d  licut. 

Died  June  20,  ’63;  wounds 
Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64,  as  1st  sergt. ; 
wounds. 

Died  at  Moscow,  Tenn.,  Jan.  23,  ’63. 


CORPORALS. 

Win.  II.  Hecocks,  Aug.  5,  ’61.  Sergt.,  killed  at  Jackson,  Miss.,  July 

12,  ’63. 

Moses  A.  Stare,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 

Henry  C.  Payne,  Aug.  5,  ’61.  Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

II.  M.  Streever,  Aug.  5, ’61.  Mustered  ont  Aug.  20,  ’64.  as  sergt. 

Jno.  W.  Sheperd,  Aug.  5,  ’61.  Discharged  Nov.  10,  ’62;  wounds. 

Fred.O.  Spooner.  Aug.  5,  ’61.  Killed  at  Shiloh,  April  6,  ’62. 

Horace  W.  Clark,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 


PRIVATES. 


Smith,  Win.  II.,  Aug.  5,  '61. 
Short,  Wm.  T.,  Aug.  5,  '61. 
Spainhower,  I).,  Aug.  5,  '61. 
Stewart,  Jas.  IT.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Troxell,  Jas.  B.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Todd,  Geo.  E-,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Tuttle,  George,  Aug.  5,  '61. 
Thompson,  G.  W.,  Aug.  5,  '61. 
Timmons,  S.  H , Aug  5,  ’61. 
Timmons,  M.  F.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Tansy,  Alex.  W.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Vaughan,  Win.  D.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Westcott,  W.  H.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
White,  John  R.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 

Williams,  Andrew,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 


Discharged  Sep.  20,  ’63,  as  corporal ; 
wounds. 

Serg’t;  died  April  16,  ’62;  wounds. 
Discharged  Feb.  27,  ’63;  disability. 
Discharged  Sep.  18,  ’62 ; disability. 

M.  O.  Aug.  20,  ’64;  wounded. 

M.  O.  Aug.  20,  ’64  ; wounded. 
Discharged  April  7,  ’62;  disability. 
Killed  at  Shiloh,  April  6,  ’62. 
Discharged  Nov.  17,  ’62;  disability. 
Mustered  out  Vug.  20,  ’64. 

Died  at  Natchez  Oct.  20, ’63,  of  wounds. 
Discharged  Nov.  25,  62;  disability. 
Discharged  Aug.  4,  ’62 ; disability. 

M istered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

Re-enlisted  as  vet. ; transferred  to  Co. 
A.,  Vet.  Bat. 

Transferred  to  invalid  corps,  Sept.  15, 
’63. 


Anderson,  Jas.  W.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Asher,  Robert,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Albert,  John,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Bryant,  James,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Boring,  John,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Bearner,  Marion,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Betzer,  Geo.  W-,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Bell,  Albert,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Bridleman,  Sam.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Bear,  Sam.  W.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Brancet,  Marion,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Buck,  Latham,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 


Cole,  Aaron,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Chambers,  Henry,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Collady,  Hen.  S.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Crandall,  Chris.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Clark,  Henry  G.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Culver,  L.  L.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 

Cox,  Jas.  A.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Drennen,  J.  B.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Dubois,  M.  C.,  Aug.  5,  61. 
Delaney,  Elijah,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Davis,  Geo.  W.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Davis,  John  M.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Edmundson,  J.  W-,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Ebord,  Adam,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Fuller,  Henry,  Aug.  5,  61. 

Fike,  John,  Aug.  5,  61. 

Fennor,  Elijah  B.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Forin,  John  L , Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Greene,  Enoch  D.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Giblin,  Michael,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Glassie,  R.  W.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Guthbred,  Richard,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Greene,  Wm.  H.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Hays,  John,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 

Hull,  John  R.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 

Hull,  James  E..  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Harter,  Tlios.  J.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Huston,  Walt.  B.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Huston,  Norv.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Hackney,  Tlios.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Jordan,  I.  N.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 

Jennison,  Geo.,  Aug.  5, ’61. 
Ivelse,  Oscar  A.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 

Kile,  Isaac  W.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Kummisson,  J.  W.,  Aug.  5, ’61. 
Longabaugh,  R.,  Aug.  5,  61. 
Longabaugh,  C.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 

Morlan,  Wm.  M.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Manderville,  Geo.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Moore,  Jas.  W.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
McDonald,  Hugh,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Monohon,  J.  M.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Parr,  Win.,  Aug.  5.  ’61. 

Ray,  Jos.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 

Smick,  Aaron,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 

Sides,  Jas.  M , Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Stookey,  H.  L.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Siookey,  Win.  H.,  x\.ug.  5,  ’61. 

Si i ope,  Tlios.  B.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Smith,  Wm.  W.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 

12 


Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

Mustered  out  Aug  20,  ’64. 

Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

Discharged  Sept.  28,.  ’62 ; wounds. 
Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

Discharged  Oct.  18, ’62;  disability.  • 
Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

Re-enlisted  as  vet  ; transferred  to  Co. 
A.  vet.  bat. 

Re-enlisted  as  vet. ; wounded. 
Discharged  June  10, ’62;  disability. 
Discharged  for  disability. 

Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

Died  Nov.,  ’61. 

Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

Killed  at  Shiloh  April  6,  ’62. 

Killed  at  Donelson  Feb.  15,  ’62. 

Died  at  home  Sept.  23,  ’63;  wounds. 
Mustered  ont  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

Discharged  Nov.  24,  ’61 ; disability. 
Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64  ; wounded. 

Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

Mustered  out  Aug.  21,  6 4. 

Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

Supposed  died  at  Decatur,  III. 

Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

M istered  ont  Aug  20,  ’64. 

Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64,  as  corp. 
Discharged  Aug  6,  ’61,  by  writ  of 
habeas  corpus. 

Discharged  April  8,  ’63,  as  corporal ; 
disability. 

Died  in  hands  of  enemy  ; wounded. 
Discharged  Dec.  5,  ’62  ; wounds. 
Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

Killed  at  Shiloh  April  6,  ’62. 
Discharged  September  12,  ’62  ; wounds. 
Wounded  at  Shiloh;  killed  at  Vicks- 
burg June  7,  ’63. 

Captured,  paroled. 

Wounded  at  Donelson  ; discharged  Oct. 

23,  ’63,  as  corp.,  and  prom. 

Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64,  as  corp. 
Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

Trans,  to  inv.  corps  Sep.  15,  ’63. 
Re-enlisted  as  vet. ; transferred  to  Co. 
A,  vet.  bat. 

Discharged  Nov.  7,  ’62  ; wounds. 
Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

Died  at  Paducah,  Ky.,  Feb.  7,  ’62. 

Died  at  Paducah,  Kv.,  Dec.  28,  ’61. 
Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64  (vet.  bat.) 
Wounded  at  Shiloh  : re-enlisted  as  vet. ; 

transferred  to  Co.  A. 

Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64,  as  sergeant; 
wounded. 

Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

Discharged  Aug.  2,  ’64;  wounds. 

Died  at  Alexandria,  La.,  April  17,  ’64. 
Discharged  April  27,  ’62  ; disability. 
Discharged  Sep.  19,  ’62;  wounds. 


Williams,  John  E.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Wilson,  Hiram  R,  Aug.  5,  61. 
Ward,  John  J.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Whitesell,  W.  H.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 


Died  at  Jackson,  Tenn. 
Discharged  Aug.  2,  ’62:  wounds. 
Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  64. 
Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 


Crain,  Jas.  H. 

Hull,  Joel. 

M :D  mil  1,  S imuel  A. 
Robey,  Kilburn  H. 
Schroll,  George  B. 
Wheeler,  William. 


RECRUITS. 

Died  at  home,  Oct.  27,  ’63. 

Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

Deserted. 

Discharged  Nov.  24,  ’61  ; disability. 
Discharged  Sept.  18,  ’62  ; wounds. 
Mustered  out  May  3,  ’66,  to  date  Aug. 
25,  ’62. 

COMFANY  “ B.” 


CAPTAINS. 

A.  B.  Lee,  July  27,  ’61.  Resigned  Aug.  11,  ’63. 

John  H.  Davis,  Aug.  15,  63.  Term  expired  Aug.  20,  64;  was  1st 

lieutenant. 


FIRST  LIEUTENANT. 

Win.  H.  Palmer,  Aug.  15,  ’63.  Transferred  to  Co.  B,  as  consolidated; 

was  2d  lieutenant. 


SECOND  LIEUTENANT. 

Jackson  A.  Alelick,  July  27,  ’61.  Died  at  Mound  City,  March  1,  ’62. 


Good,  John  C.,  Jan.  3,  ’64. 


PRIVATE. 

Transferred  to  Co.  B,  Vet.  Bat.;  trans- 
ferred to  Co.  G,  53d. 

COMPANY  “E.” 


Jno.  L.  Armstrong,  July  27, ’61. 
W.  S.  Oglesby,  Dec.  12,  ’61. 

Oscar  Short,  Sept.  1,  ’62. 


CAPTAINS. 

Died  Dec.  11,  ’61. 

Killed  in  action,  April  6,  ’62  ; was  1st 
lieutenant. 

Term  expired  Aug.  20,  ’64. 


FIRST  LIEUTENANTS. 

Ribert  W irnick,  Dec.  12,  ’61.  Dismissed  as  2d  lieut. 

Jas.  A.  Wilson,  April  18,  ’62.  Term  expired  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

SECOND  LIEUTENANTS. 

Jas.  M.  Taylor,  Dec.  12,  ’61.  Resigned  April  26,  ’62. 

S.  R.  Appleton,  Sep.  30  ’62.  Resigned  Nov.  18,  ’62. 

Jos.  Catherwood,  Nov.  18,  ’62.  Term  expired  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

SERGEANT. 

Palsey,  Buckner  H.,  Aug.  5,  ’61.  Mustered  ont  Aug.  20,  ’64. 
Wilsoa,  Jas.  A-  Aug.  5.  ’61.  Promoted  1st  lieutenant. 

Yick,  Joseph,  Aug.  5,  ’61.  Died  April  8,  ’62;  wounds. 


Rose,  Albert  D. , Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Bennett,  Jno.  H.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Strait,  Oscar,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Stevens,  Henry,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Graham,  Harrison,  Aug.  5, ’61. 
Stevens,  .Jas.  M.,  Aug.  5,  ’ 61. 
Birke,  Jas.  W-,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Graham,  Jacob,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 


Armstrong,  T.  J.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Austin,  Edmiston,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Botts,  Win.  D-,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Berry,  Jesse  R.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Barrell,  John  P.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Beinett,  Wm.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Blair,  YVui.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 


CORPORALS. 

Discharged  Sept.  6,  ’62  ; disability. 
Discharge!  April  18,  ’62;  disability. 
Promoted  sergeant,  then  captain. 

M.  O.  Aug.  20,  ’64,  as  private. 

Drowned  near  Decatur,  June  19,  ’62. 
Mastered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

Discharged  Oct.  9,  ’62. 

Killed  at  Shiloh,  April  6,  ’62. 

PRIVATES. 

Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

Discharged  Sept.  19,  ’62  ; disability. 
Died  Nov.  11,  ’63  ; wounds. 

Discharged  March  2,  ’63;  disability. 
Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

Re-enlisted  as  vet. ; transferred  to  Co. 
A,  Vet.  Bat. 


90 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


Beslile,  John,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Berry,  Benjamin,  Aug.  5,  '61. 
Brookshire,  J.  P.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Barker,  C.  S.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Bentley,  Charles,  Aug.  5,  61. 

Brewington,  H.  I.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 

Clark,  Benjamin,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 

Clark,  Martin,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Crouch,  Alex.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 

Carmean,  Pearson,  Aug.  5,  61. 
Davis,  David  M.,  Aug.  5,  '61. 
Douglas,  Edward,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Dillon,  Job  A.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Evans,  Bobert,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Graham,  Wm  J.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 

Griffee,  Levi,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 

Gull,  John  Z.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Hemstead,  Henry,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Herring,  Thomas,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Jostis,  Henry,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Jostis,  William,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Jones,  David,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Kirbaugh,  Wm.,  Aug.  5,  '61. 
Langdon,  S.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Long,  Jas.  W.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Little,  James  W..  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Lutrelle,  John.  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
McQuality,  Jas.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Malon,  Perry,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Nicholson,  J.  N.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Odor,  Henry  C.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 


Died  Aug.  6,  ’62;  wounds. 

Sergeant;  died  at  Keokuk,  July  1,  ’62. 
Discharged  April  10,  '63;  disability. 

Re-enlisted  as  vet.;  transferred  to  Co. 
A,  Vet.  Bat. 

Re  enlisted  as  vet. ; transferred  to  Co. 
A. 


COMPANY  “ G.” 

CAPTAINS. 

Francis  M.  Long,  July  27,  ’61.  Prom,  major. 

Daniel  II.  Hall,  Sept.  1,  ’62.  Prom,  by  President  May  26,  ’64;  was 

1st  lieut. 

T.  J.  Anderson,  May  27,  ’64.  Term  expired  Aug.  20,  ’64;  was  1st 

and  2d.  lieut. 


In  marine  service;  said  to  have  been 
discharged. 

Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

Re-enlisted  as  vet.;  transferred  to  Co. 
A,  Vet.  Bat. 

Discharged  Dec.  7,  ’61 ; disability. 
Killed  at  Shiloh,  April  2,  ’62. 
Re-enlisted  as  veteran. 

Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

Discharged  June  19,  ’63  ; disability. 
Prisoner  of  war  ; mustered  out  of  regi- 
ment. 

Discharged  Jan.  8,  ’62  ; disability. 
Died  at  Albany,  Ind.,  June  9,  ’62 


FIRST  LIEUTENANTS. 

John  B.  Butler,  Sept.  1,  ’62.  Res.  June  18,  ’63;  was  2d  lieut. 

Chas.  G.  Young,  May  27,  ’64,  Term  expired  Aug,  20,  ’64. 

SECOND  LIEUTENANT. 

John  C.  Cox,  July  27,  ’61.  Died  April  9,  ’62  ; wounds  received  at 

Pittsburg  Landing. 

privates. 

Reddy,  Wm.  H.,  July  26,  ’61.  Killed  at  Shiloh  April  6,  ’62. 

Ready,  John  W.  Discharged  Sep.  18,  ’62;  disability. 

COMPANY  “ H.” 

CAPTAINS. 


Sergeant;  died  July  18, ’62;  wounds. 
Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

Discharged  June  17,  ’62;  disability. 
Re-enlisted  as  veteran. 

Died  at  Paducah,  Ky.,  Dec.  2,  ’61. 
Died  July  21,  ’63;  wounds. 

Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

Died  at  Columbus,  Ky.,  Dec.  4,  ’62. 
Discharged  Nov.  25,  ’62  ; disability. 

Mustered  out  Aug.  20.  ’64. 

Missing  since  Feb.  10, ’62;  supposed 
dead. 


H.  Blaekstone,  July  27,  ’61. 
John  II.  Huffner,  J an.  28,  ’62. 

Luther  II.  Wilber,  April  7,  ’62. 
Wm.  F.  Turney,  April  29,  ’62. 


FIRST 

James  S.  Steen,  July  27,  ’61. 

D.  M.  Turney,  April  29,  ’62. 

SECOND 

IL  II.  Hardy,  Dec.  25,  ’61. 

Chris.  Corneley,  May  22,  ’62. 


Res.  Jan.  14,  ’62. 

Killed  in  battle  April  6, ’62;  was  1st 
lieut. 

Died  April  28,  ’62;  was  1st  lieut. 

Term  expired  Aug.  20,  ’64;  was  2d 
lieut. 

lieutenants. 

Res.  Dec.  21,  ’61. 

Term  expired  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

LIEUTENANTS. 

Res.  May  21  ,’62. 

Killed  in  action  July  12,  ’63. 


Ordleb,  Lewis,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Peck,  Geo.  A.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 

Pasley,  Jos.  A.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Pasley,  M.  L.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Pope,  John,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Read,  John,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Ralls,  Geo.  W.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Rose,  Wm.  C.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Scott,  John,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Shortel,  John,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Stephens,  Jos.  F.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Stith,  Geo.  W.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Sinnard,  Ben.  P.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Smith,  Simon  D.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 

Ulmer,  Chas.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Ward,  John,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 


Sergeant;  died  at  Mound  Citv,  March 
8,  ’62. 

Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

Died  at  Paducah,  Ky.,  Dec.  4,  ’61. 
Trans,  to  inv.  corps  Dec.  1,  ’63. 

Killed  at  Ft.  Donelson. 

Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

Died  April  13,  ’62;  wounds. 

Mustered  out  in  the  field. 

Discharged  Dec.  20,  ’61;  disability. 
Killed  at  Shiloh  April  6,  ’62. 
Discharged  Feb.  14,  ’63;  disability. 
Discharged  Sep.  1,  ’62,  as  corporal ; 
disability. 

Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64,  aB  sergeant ; 
wounded. 


RECRUITS. 


Allsbury,  Alex. 

Green,  Aaron. 

Murray,  Patiick. 

Nevins,  Chas. 

Perdue,  James  T-,  Dec.  22,  ’63. 
Stevens,  F.  M. 

Stevens,  John  D. 

Smith,  Joseph. 

Walker,  Joseph  L.,  Jan.  5,  ’64. 

Wheeler,  And.  M., 

t 


Re-enlisted  as  vet. 

Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64,  as  1st  sergt. 
Transferred  to  Co.  A,  vet.  bat. 

Re  enlisted  as  vet. 

Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64 
Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

Died  at  Memphis,  Tenn.,  April  3,  ’63. 
Trans,  to  Co.  A,  vet.  bat. 

Mustered  out  May  29,  ’65. 


COMPANY  “ F.” 


David  P.  Brown,  July  27,  ’61. 
J.  C.  Lewis,  March  28,  ’62. 

Jesse  F.  Ilarrold,  Oct.  16,  ’62. 


CAPTAINS. 

Res.  March  28,  ’62. 

Resigned  Oct.  16,  ’62 ; was  1st  and  2d 
lieut. 

Term  expired  Aug.  20,  ’64 : was  1st 
lieut. 


FIRST  LIEUTENANT. 


PRIVATES. 

Pugh,  Isaac  R.  Prom,  regimental  quartermaster. 

COMPANY  “ I.” 
captains. 

Ben.  B.  Bacon,  July  27,  ’61.  Res.  March  4,  ’62. 

F.  M.  Green,  March  5,  ’62.  Term  expired  Aug.  20,  ’64 ; was  2d 

lieut. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANTS. 

B.  R.  Parish,  July  27,  ’61.  Res.  Sept.  28,  ’62. 

Leander  Green,  Nov.  5, ’62.  Term  expired  Aug.  20,  ’64;  was  2d 

lieut. 


SECOND  LIEUTENANT. 


P.  J.  Frederick,  Sep.  28,  ’62. 


Term  expired  Aug.  20,  ’64. 


PRIVATES.’ 


Carmon,  Jno.  I’.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Gross,  Samuel  E.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Jacobs,  Geo.,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Wells,  Elijah,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
White,  Henry,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 
Wellhouse,  Peter,  Aug.  5,  ’61. 


Promoted  commissary  sergt. 
Discharged  Aug.  16.  ’61. 

Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

Died  accidental  wounds  Sep.  13,  ’62. 
Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’64. 


Conrad,  Edward,  Jan.  21,  ’64. 
Frazee,  Ben.  F.,  Dec.  18, ’63. 
Jones,  James,  Jan.  5,  ’64. 
Snyder,  Henry.  Dec.  18,  ’63. 
Smith,  Wm.  H , Dec.  18,  ’63. 
Woodward,  Sara.,  Feb.  10,  ’64. 
Davidson,  Jo.,  April  5.  ’64. 
Gaines,  Maxwell,  Oct.  31,  ’63. 
Stingley,  Daniel,  Jan.  15,  ’64. 


VETERANS. 

Transferred  to  Co.  A,  vet.  bat. 
Transferred  to  vet.  bat 
Transferred  to  vet.  bat. 
Transferred  to  vet.  bat. 
Transferred  to  vet  bat. 
Transferred  to  vet.  bat. 


ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FIFTEENTH  INFANTRY. 


H.  C.  McCook,  July  27,  ’61.  Promoted  chaplain. 

Henry  Bevis,  Oct.  1,  ’61.  Res.  Feb.  10,  ’62. 

Wm.  II.  Taylor,  Oct.  16, ’62.  Terra  expired  Aug.  20,  ’64;  was  2d 

lieut. 

SECOND  LIEUTENANT. 

Term  expired  Aug.  20,  ’64. 

PRIVATES. 

Re-enlisted  as  vet. 

Mustered  out  Aug.  20,  ’61. 

Discharged  May  5,  ’62  ; disability. 


COL.  JESSE  II.  MOORE’S  REGIMENT. 

Of  the  115th  Regiment,  parts  of  Companies  E,  F,  and  II  were  re- 
cruited in  Macon  county.  The  regiment,  Col.  Jesse  H.  Moore,  of 
Decatur,  commanding,  was  ordered  to  the  front  from  Camp  Butler( 
111.,  Oct.  4th,  1862,  and  was  assigned  to  the  Second  Brigade,  Second 
Division,  Army  of  Kentucky. 

October  20th,  marched  via  Falmouth,  Cyuthiana,  Paris,  and 
Lexington  to  Richmond,  Ky.  There  Col-  Moore  took  command  of 


Ed.  C.  Sackett,  Oct.  16,  62. 

Rogers,  Henry,  Aug.  7, ’61. 
Petrey,  Solomon. 

Rouse,  Levi. 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


91 


the  post,  and  remained  about  two  months  scouting  between  that 
place  and  the  gaps  of  the  Cumberland  Mountains.  December  21st, 
marched  to  Danville,  Ivy.,  and  joined  the  main  part  of  the  Army 
of  Kentucky;  January  26th,  1863,  moved  to  Louisville ; February 
10th  to  Nashville,  remaining  in  camp  there  till  March  1st,  and 
thence  to  Franklin,  Tennessee,  and  camped.  No  casualties  from 
battle  had  as  yet  occurred  to  the  regiment;  but  from  exposure  on 
marches  during  the  severe  winter  of  1862-3  it  had  lost  two  hundred 
men  either  by  death  or  permanent  disability.  During  the  month 
of  March  the  regiment  encountered  the  rebel  general,  Van  Dorn, 
and  drove  him  across  Duck  river ; returned  to  camp,  remaining 
there  till  June  1st,  and  then  marched  to  Triune,  Tenn. ; June  24th, 
marched  against  the  confederate  army  under  Gen.  Bragg,  driving 
it  across  the  Tennessee  river,  and  afterward,  with  the  brigade, 
camping  at  Wartrace,  Tenn. ; thence  the  regiment  moved  to  Tulla- 
lioma,  and  held  that  place  till  Sept.  5th,  setting  out  then  in  the 
direction  of  Chattanooga ; Sept.  14th,  made  forced  march  across 
the  Cumberland  mountains  to  within  five  miles  of  Chattanooga ; 
Sept.  19th,  engaged  in  the  battle  of  Chiekamauga,  losing  six  men  ; 
Sept.  20th,  supported  Gen.  Thomas  on  the  extreme  right,  and  in 
the  fearful  struggle  that  ensued  bravely  held  the  ground  from  1 p.  M. 
till  night  put  an  end  to  the  sanguinary  contest.  Half  of  the  entire 
command  was  cut  down.  The  colonel  and  his  invincible  regiment 
received  special  commendations  in  orders — an  honor  richly  merited 
by  deeds  of  valor  that  will  live  forever.  The  regiment  participated 
in  all  the  great  engagements  around  Chattanooga  and  Mission  Ridge, 
in  which  campaign  it  lost  in  killed,  wounded,  and  captured,  during 
the  fall  of  1863,  two  hundred  and  thirty-five  men  and  ten  officers, 
among  whom  was  Lieut.-Col.  Kinman,  of  Jacksonville,  a brave  and 
efficient  officer. 

February  21st,  marched,  under  command  of  Gen.  Palmer,  against 
Dalton,  Georgia,  skirmishing  ten  days  and  losing  six  men ; re- 
mained there  till  May  3d,  and  then,  with  Sherman’s  Grand  Army, 
started  on  the  Atlanta  campaign  ; May  7th,  the  regiment  gallantly 
led  the  charge  upon  Tunnel  hill,  Georgia,  driving  the  enemy 
through  Buzzard  Roost  gap ; May  15th  and  16th,  took  part  in  the 
battle  of  Resaca,  Ga.,  stubbornly  sustaining  the  charge  on  the  left 
flank,  for  which  the  regiment  was  commended  in  orders.  It  lost  in 
this  contest  thirty  men  and  one  officer ; the  entire  loss  of  the  regi- 
ment during  the  Atlanta  campaign  was  one  hundred  men.  By 
special  order  all  the  principal  engagements  of  the  Military  Division 
of  the  Mississippi,  which  resulted  in  the  fall  of  Atlanta,  were  in- 
scribed upon  the  regimental  banner. 

October,  1864,  Company  D,  115th  Regiment,  occupied  a block- 
house in  Buzzard  Roost  gap,  and  held  in  check  for  ten  hours 
Hood’s  whole  army,  heroically  refusing  to  surrender  till  the  house 
had  been  demolished  by  the  enemy’s  artillery  and  one-third  of  the 
company  killed  or  wounded.  For  this  special  act  of  bravery  the 
captain,  Samuel  Hymer,  of  Schuyler  county,  111.,  was  brevetted 
major,  and  has  since  been  appointed  captain  in  the  regular  army. 
In  November  and  December,  1864,  the  regiment  took  an  active  part 
in  the  series  of  battles  which  destroyed  Bragg's  veteran  army,  then 
under  command  of  the  rebel  general  Hood,  and  known  as  the  Army 
of  the  Tennessee. 

The  Second  Brigade,  to  which  the  115th  Regiment  belonged,  had, 
by  its  magnificent  deeds  of  daring,  won  the  title  of  the  “ Iron 
Brigade,  and  on  the  23d  of  December,  1864.  Col.  Moore  of  the 
115th  took  command  of  this  splendid  brigade,  which  position  he 
held  till  the  close  of  the  war.  Having  achieved  a most  glorious 
record,  the  115th  was  mustered  out  of  service  June  11th,  1865,  and 
received  its  final  pay  and  discharge  at  Camp  Butler,  111.,  June  23d, 
1865. 


MUSTER  ROLL  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FIFTEENTH  REGIMENT 

INFANTRY. 


COLONEL. 

Jesse  H.  Moore,  Sept.  13,  ’62.  Promoted  Brvt.  Brig. -Gen.,  May  15, ’65. 

LIEUTENANT  COLONELS. 

William  Kinman,  Sept.  13,  '62.  Killed  in  battle,  Sept.  20,  ’63. 

George  A.  Poteet,  Sept.  20,  ’63.  Mustered  out  June  11,  ’65;  was  Major. 

MAJOR. 

John  W.  Laphara,  Sept.  20,  63.  Mustered  out  June  11, ’65;  was  Capt. 

Co.  A. 

ADJUTANTS. 

John  H.  Woods,  Sept.  13,  ’62.  Resigned  April  10,  ’63. 

A.  Litsinberger,  April  10,  ’63.  Resigned  October  26,  ’63. 

W.  W.  Peddecord,  Oct.  28, ’63.  Mustered  out  June  11,  ’65. 

QUARTERMASTERS. 

B.  F.  Farly,  Sept.  13,  ’62.  Resigned  April  1,  ’63. 

Charles  W.  Jerome,  April  1,  ’63.  Mustered  out  June  11,  ’65. 

SURGEONS. 

Enoch  W.  Moore,  Oct  4,  ’62.  Resigned  April  17,  ’63. 

Charles  W.  Higgins,  June  8,  ’63.  Declined  commission. 

Garner  II.  Bane,  June  17,  ’63.  Mustered  out  June  1 1,  ’65. 

FIRST  ASSISTANT  SURGEONS. 

N.  G.  Blalock,  Sept.  13,  ’62.  Resigned  July  27,  ’63. 

Clark  E.  Loomis,  Aug.  17,  ’64.  Mustered  out  June  11,  ’65. 

SECOND  ASSISTANT  SURGEON. 

James  A.  Jones,  Oct.  3,  ’62.  Murdered  by  guerrillas,  Tunnel  Hill, 

Ga.,  July  11,  ’64. 

CHAPLAINS. 

Arthur  Bradshaw,  Sept.  23,  ’62.  Resigned  Dec.  30,  ’63. 

Richard  Holding,  Jan.  1,  ’63.  Declined  commission. 

Wm.  S.  Crissey,  July  20,  ’63.  Mustered  out  June  11,  ’65. 


COMPANY  ‘‘  A.” 

CAPTAIN. 

Jesse  Hannon,  Sept.  20,  ’63.  Mustered  out  June  11,  ’65;  was  1st 

and  2d  lieutenant. 


FIRST  LIEUTENANTS. 

A.  C.  Bankson,  Sept.  13,  ’62.  Resigned  Dec.  30,  ’62. 

Jos.  B.  Gore,  Sept.  20,  ’63.  Mustered  out  June  11, ’63;  was  2d  lieut. 

PRIVATE. 

Wm.  Reese,  Aug.  11,  62.  Died  at  Nashville,  Tenn  , Oct.  12,  ’63  ; 

wounds. 

COMPANY  “e.” 


CAPTAINS. 

John  M.  Lane,  Sept.  13,  ’62.  Resigned  May  11,  ’63. 

James  A.  Whitaker,  May  11,  ’63.  Mustered  out  June  11, ’65;  waslstlieut. 


FIRST  LIEUTENANTS. 

David  S.  Moffitt,  Sept.  13,  ’62.  Resigned  March  25,  ‘63. 

Jesse  F.  Hedges,  May  11,  ’63.  Mustered  out  June  1 1,  ’65  ; was  2J  lieut. 


SECOND  LIEUTENANTS. 

Adam  C.  Allison,  Sept.  13,  ’62.  Resigned  Feb.  28,  ’63. 

I.  H.  C.  Royse,  May  11,  ’63.  Mustered  out  June  11,  ’65. 

PRIVATES. 


Abrams,  F.  M.,  Aug.  3,  ’62. 
Armstrong,  J.  A.,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 
Armstrong,  M.  S.,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 
Ashmead,  M.J.,  Aug.  13, ’62. 
Amsle^,  John,  Aug.  22,  ’62. 

Biddle,  Alexander  W.,  Aug.  22,  ’62. 
Breeden,  John  M.,  Aug.  22,  ’62. 
Breeden,  C.  M.,  Aug.  22,  ’62. 

Barnes,  John  A.,  Aug.  22,  ’62. 
Bivens,  Robert.  Aug.,  22,  ’62. 
Clements,  D.  T-,  Aug.  22,  ’62. 
Clements,  M.  H„  Aug.  22,  ’62. 
Clements,  Philip,  Aug.  22,  ’62. 
Cummings,  John,  Aug.  22,  ’62. 
Cummings,  J.  H.,  Aug.  22,  ’62. 
Crocks,  G.  W.,  Aug  15,  ’62. 

Crafton,  John,  Aug.  22,  ’62. 
Clements,  E.  T„  Aug.  13,  ’62. 
Douglas,  A.  C.,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 
Darmer,  John  O , Aug.  15,  ’62. 
Darmer,  Wm.  C.,  Aug.  15,  ’62. 
DeAtley,  A-  II.,  Aug.  13,  62. 

Gay,  David  H , Aug.  13,  ’62. 


Mustered  out  June  11,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  11,  ’65. 

Died  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  Sept.  3.  ’63. 
Killed  at  Chiekamauga,  Sept.  20,  ’63. 
Discharged  June  20,  ’63;  disability. 
Trans,  to  V.  R.  C.,  April  30,  ’64. 
Discharged  Jan.  5,  ’63;  disability. 
Mustered  out  June  11,  ’65,  as  corporal. 
Mustered  out  June  11,  ’65,  as  corporal. 
Discharged  March  23, ’65;  wounds. 
Missing  in  action,  Sept.  20,  ’63. 
Discharged  Dec.  14,  ’62;  disability. 
Mustered  out  June  11,  ’65,  as  corporal. 
Absent,  sick,  at  muster  out  of  regiment. 
Mustered  out  June  11,  ’65. 

Died  in  Christian  Co.,  111.,  Nov.  6,  ’62. 
Died  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  March  4,  ’63. 
Mustered  out  June  11,  ’65,  as  sergeant. 
Promoted  hospital  steward. 

Discharged  May  15,  ’65 ; wounds. 
Mustered  out  July  1,  ’65;  was  prisoner. 
Died  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  March  3,  63. 
Discharged  April  3, ’63;  disability. 


92 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS 


Hight,  James  L.,  Ang.  13,  ’62. 

Hedges,  Jesse  T.,  Aug.  13,  ’G2. 
Johnson,  Jos  , Aug.  11,  ’62. 

Jacobs,  James  C.,  Aug.  22, '62. 
Markwell,  W.  A.,  Aug.  22,  ’62. 
Myers,  John  W.,  Aug.  15,  '62. 
Martin,  James  M.,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 
Pope,  Zachariah,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 
Pope,  James  M.,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 
Quick,  Samuel  W-,  Aug.  13,  62. 
Roberson,  Jer.,  Aug,  13,  ’62. 
Rose,  John  V.,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 
Ruby,  Henry  J.,  Aug.  13,  '62. 
Rubv,  Janus  A.,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 
Rugh,  Samuel,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 
Wood,  Newell,  Aug.  13,  '62. 
Whitaker,  J.  A.,  Aug.  15,  ’62. 
White,  Levi,  Aug.,  13,  ’62. 
Waterman,  G.  B.,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 

Deatley,  Jos  A.,  Jan.  22,  ’63. 
Elder,  Wm.  F.,  Jan.  28,  ’63. 
liugle,  John. 


Corporal ; transferred  to  V.  R.  C.  April 
30,  ’64. 

1st  sergeant;  promoted  2d  lieutenant. 
Corporal ; killed  at  Chiekamauga,  Sept. 
20,  ’63. 

Mustered  out  June  11, ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  11,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  11,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  11,  ’65,  as  sergeant. 
Died  at  Lexington,  Ivy.,  Nov.  10,  ’62. 
Died  at  Danville,  Ivy.,  Dec.  31, ’62. 
Mustered  out  June  11,  ’65. 

Transferred  to  eng.  corps  Aug  11,  ’64. 
Died  at  Resaca,  Ga.,  May  26,  ’64. 
Killed  at  Chiekamauga,  Sept.  20,  ’63. 
Mustered  out  June  11,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  11,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  11,  ’65. 

Promoted  1st  lieutenant. 

Discharged  Aug.  6,  ’63;  disability. 

RECRUITS. 

Transferred  to  Co.  A,  21st  111.  Infantry 
Discharged  Jan.  2,  ’65;  wounds. 

Died  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  Sept  14,  ’63. 


COMPANY  “ r. 
CAPTAINS. 


F.  L.  Hays  Sept.  13,  ’62. 
Chas.  Griffith,  April  7,  ’64. 


Promoted  by  President  to  major  and 
payment,  April  6,  ’64. 

Austered  out  June  11,  ’64. 


FIRST  LIEUTENANTS. 

James  Smith,  Sept.  13,  ’62.  Resigned  Feb.  6,  ’63. 

Mat.  Freeman,  Feb.  6,  ’63.  Died  March  30,  ’63;  was  1st  lietit. 

Wm.  F.  Slocum,  March  30,  ’63.  Resigned  Nov.  28,  ’63;  was  1st  lieut. 

Jacob  Porter,  Nov.  28,  ’63.  Killed  May  15,  ’64. 

Gordon  W.  Mills,  May  15,  ’64.  Resigned  Feb.  14,  ’64. 

C.  C.  McComas,  March  13,  ’65  Mustered  out  June  11,  ’65. 


SECOND  LIEUTENANT. 


David  Reed,  March  30,  ’63. 


Died  Sept.  27,  ’63  ; wounds. 


PRIVATES. 


Carter  James  F.,  Aug.  7,  ’62. 
Lutrell,  Alexander,  Aug.  12,  ’62. 
Goodman.  Charles,  Aug.  16,  ’62. 
Moore,  Edward,  Aug.  18,  ’62. 
Sanderson,  J.  D.,  Aug.  21,  ’62. 
Cline,  Andy,  Aug.  6,  ’62- 
Chew,  William  L.,  Aug.  13,  62. 
Freeland,  G.  C.,  Aug.  12,  '62. 
Garver,  Abe.  M.,  Aug.  14,  ’62. 
Imboden,  C.  M.,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 
Kramer,  Elias,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 
Kepler,  Andrew,  Aug.  11,  62. 
Kaufman,  I.  S.,  Ang.  12,  ’62. 
Kaulman,  M.  S.,  Aug.  11,  ’62. 
Kolp,  William  H.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Lutrell,  The.,  Aug.  6,  62. 

Moore  Albert  T.,  Aug.  6,  62. 
Meridith,  James  W.,  Aug.  7,  ’62. 
Oglesby,  C.  E.,  Sept.  11,  ’62. 
Priest,  John,  Sept.  6,  62. 

Pierce,  William  W.,  Aug.  11,  '62. 
Roe,  George  L.,  Aug.  11,  ’62. 
Ross,  Jos.,  Aug.  15,  62. 

Roberts,  Richard,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Shively,  A If. , Ang.  11,  ’62 


Shull,  Richard,  Aug.  11,  ’62. 


Henry  Pratt,  Sept.  13,  ’62. 

J.  O.  Reardon,  April  24,  ’63. 


Mustered  out  July  12,  ’65. 

Killed  at  Chiekamauga  Sept.  20,  ’63. 
Mustered  out  June  11,  ’65. 

Discharged  Aug.  6,  ’63;  disability. 
Mustered  out  June  11,  ’65. 

Discharged  May  30,  ’63 ; disability. 
Discharged  April  1,  ’63;  disability. 
Mustered  out  .June  11,  ’65,  as  corporal. 
Mustered  out  June  11,  ’65. 

Discharged  Feb.  29,  64;  wounds. 
Discharged  Oct.  4,  '62  ; disability. 
Mustered  out  June  11,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  11,  ’65,  as  sergeant. 
Muetered  out  June  11,  ’65,  as  corporal. 
Promoted  principal  musician. 
Dicharged  Dec.  16,  ’63  ; disability. 
Mustered  out  June  11,  ’65,  as  sergeant. 
Mustered  out  June  11,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  11,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  11,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  11,  ’65. 

Died  at  Franklin,  Tenn.,  April  6,  ’63. 
Discharged  April  14,  ’63;  disability, 
Discharged  Jan.  22,  63;  disability. 
Sergeant;  killed  at  Chiekamauga  Sept, 
20,  ’63. 

Mustered  out  June  11,  '65. 


company  “h. 
CAPTAINS. 


Resigned  April  16,  '63. 

Mustered  out  June  11,  ’65;  was  1st 
and  2d  lieutenant. 


FIRST  LIEUTENANTS. 

Silas  Parker,  Sept.  13,  ’62.  Resigned  Nov.  12,  ’63. 

Jos.  J.  Slaughter,  April  24,  '63.  Mustered  out  June  11,  ’65. 

SECOND  LIEUTENANT. 


S.  R.  Hatfield,  March  12,  ’63. 

Boze,  Alvis  IL,  Aug.  15,  ’62. 
I’litsenberger,  A.,  July  6,  ’62. 
Peddecord,  W.  W.,  Aug.  5,  ’62. 
Quinlan,  John,  Aug.  7,  ’62. 
Weatherford,  W.,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 


Mustered  out  June  11,  ’65. 
PRIVATES. 

Discharged  March  31,  ’63. 
Promoted  commissary  sergeant. 
Promoted  sergeant-major. 
Discharged  March  20,  ’63. 
Mustered  out  June  11,  ’65. 


company  “k.” 


James  Steele,  Sept.  13, ’62. 
Alanson  Pierce,  March  3,  ’63. 
Philip  Riley,  Sept.  24,  ’64. 


CAPTAINS. 

Dismissed  March  3,  ’63. 

Resigned  Sept.  24,  ’64. 

Mustered  out  June  11,  ’65;  was  1st 
and  2d  lieutenant. 


FIRST  LIEUTENANTS. 

Sylvester  Baily,  Sept.  13,  ’64.  Resigned  Dec.  28,  ’63. 

Samuel  Alexander,  Sept.  24.  Mustered  out  June  11,  ’64. 


Throckmorton,  J.  W. 


PRIVATE. 


SIXTY-THIRD  INFANTRY. 

COL.  FRANCIS  MORO’s  REGIMENT. 

The  Sixty-third  regiment,  to  which  company  H was  attached,  be- 
longed mostly  to  Macon  co.,  and  was  organized  at  Camp  Dubois, 
Anna,  Illinois,  Dec.  1861,  Colonel  Francis  Moro,  commanding,  and 
was  mustered  into  the  United  States’  service,  April  10th,  1862.  It 
was  ordered  to  Cairo,  April  27th,  and  thence  to  Henderson,  Ky., 
July  12th  ; Aug.  4th,  was  sent  to  Jackson,  Tennessee,  and  assigned 
to  the  Fourth  Brigade,  Seventh  Division,  Seventeenth  Army  Corps, 
Brig.-General,  John  A.  Logan,  commanding  division.  September 
29th,  Col.  Moro  resigned,  and  Lieut.  Colonel  McCown  took  com- 
mand ; Nov.  10th,  moved  to  La  Grange ; Nov.  28th,  was  in  the 
advance  against  Pemberton,  driving  him  to  Grenada,  Miss  ; May 
10th,  1863,  ordered  to  Vicksburg,  and  crossing  the  river,  completed 
the  investment  of  the  city  on  the  extreme  left ; May  24th,  narrowly 
escaped  capture;  June  7th,  was  assigned  to  Mower’s  Brigade,  Se- 
venteenth Army  Corps,  and  moved  to  Milliken’s  Bend,  to  protect 
that  place;  June  16th,  took  part  in  the  fight  and  destruction  of 
Richmond,  Louisiana,  and  returned  to  Young’s  Point,  remaining 
there  till  after  the  surrender,  and  then  going  on  post  duty  at  Vicks- 
burg, July  5th,  1863;  Sept.  12th,  moved  to  Helena,  Arkansas; 
thence,  Sept.  28th,  to  Memphis;  Oct.  6th,  to  Chattanooga;  Nov. 
16th,  reached  Bridgeport,  Alabama ; Nov.  23d  and  24th,  partici- 
pated in  the  famous  battle  of  Mission  Ridge,  and  afterward  pursued 
the  enemy  to  Ringgold,  Ga.  ; December  21st,  ordered  to  Huntsville, 
where  it  went  into  winter  quarters,  Dec.  26th ; January  21st,  1864, 
272  men  of  the  regiment  re  enlisted  as  veterans,  and  after  a fur- 
lough of  thirty  days,  commencing  April  3d,  and  doiug  various 
guard  duty,  the  regiment  w'as  ordered,  Nov.  11th,  to  join  the  army 
under  General  Sherman,  and  Nov.  15th,  1864,  left  Atlanta, 
reaching  the  defenses  of  Savannah,  Dec  10th,  and  taking  part  in 
the  attack  on  the  Ogeechee  canal ; performed  picket  duty  till  Dec. 
21st,  when  the  city  surrendered.  January  19th,  1865,  started  on 
an  expedition  through  the  Caroliuas,  participating  in  all  the  skir- 
mishes and  battles  of  that  celebrated  campaign  ; lost  one  officer 
and  twenty-five  men  by  the  explosion  of  the  arsenal  at  Columbia, 
South  Carolina;  also,  lost  five  men  at  Little  Lynch’s  Creek;  did 
gallant  service  in  the  battle  of  Beutonville,  North  Carolina,  March 
21st,  and  entered  Goldsboro’,  March  24th,  1865.  The  regiment 
was  highly  complimented  by  the  Inspector  General  of  the  Army  of 
the  Tennessee,  for  the  fine  appearance  of  the  camp  and  the  soldierly 
bearing  of  the  men  The  non-veterans  of  the  regiment  were  mus- 
tered out  April  9th.  April  10th,  moved  to  Raleigh  ; April  29th, 
left  Raleigh,  and  May  10th,  reached  Richmond ; May  24th,  par- 
ticipated in  the  grand  review  at  Washington,  and  after  having 
made  a brilliant  record  in  defense  of  the  nation’s  life,  was  mustered 
out  of  service,  July  13th,  1865.  The  original  number  of  men  in 
the  regiment  was  888 ; present  when  re-enlisted,  322 ; veterans  of 
eight  companies,  (two  companies  being  ineligible),  272;  arrived  at 
Camp  Butler  for  final  discharge,  272;  distance  the  regiment  tra- 
veled by  railroad,  2208  miles;  distance  by  water,  1995  miles; 
marched,  2250  miles;  total,  6453  miles. 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


93 


MUSTER-ROLL  SIXTY-TIIIRD  INFANTRY. 


COLONELS. 

Francis  Moro,  Dee.  1,  ’61.  Resigned  Sept.  29,  ’62. 

Jos.  B.  McCown,  Sept.  29,  ’62.  M.  O.  April  9,  ’65;  was  lieut.  col. 

James  Isaminger,  July  12,  ’65.  M.  O.  July  12,  ’65;  was  lieut.  col. 

LIEUTENANT  COLONEL. 

Henry  Glaze,  Sept.  24, ’62.  Resigned  June  30,  ’63;  was  major. 

MAJORS. 

Josepli  K.  Lemen,  Sept.  29,  ’62.  Mustered  out  April  9,  ’65. 

J.  R.  Stanford,  June  4,  ’65.  Mustered  out  July  13,  ’65. 

ADJUTANTS. 

C.  S.  Chambers,  April  10,  ’62.  Resigned  Dec.  16,  ’62. 

W.  P.  Richardson,  Dec.  16,  ’62.  Mustered  out  April  9,  ’65. 

Theodore  Elfes,  June  6,  ’65.  Mustered  out  July  13,  ’65. 


quartermasters. 

John  M Maris,  Feb.  23,  ’62.  Mustered  out  April  9,  ’65. 

Benj.  Robertson,  June  6,  ’65.  Mustered  out  July  13,  ’65. 

SURGEONS. 


Wm.  M.  Gray,  May  26, '62. 

J.  W.  McKinney,  Sept.  15,  ’62. 
Alex.  A.  Lodge,  June  6,  ’65. 


Resigned  Sept.  12,  ’62. 

Mustered  out  April  9,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  July  13, ’65  ; was  1st  and 
2d  Asst.  Surgeon 


FIRST  ASSISTANT  SURGEON. 

Lyman  Hall,  April  10,  ’62.  Resigned  Dec.  31,  ’62 

CHAPLAINS. 

Stephen  Blair,  April  10,  ’62.  Died. 

John  Glaze,  Feb.  2,  ’63.  Commission  canceled. 

George  Compton,  May  22,  ’63.  Mustered  out  July  13,  ’65. 

COMPANY  “ H.” 


CAPTAINS. 

S.  G.  Parker,  April  10,  ’62.  Discharged  July  14,  ’63. 

John  M.  Davis,  July  14, ’63.  Discharged  April  30,  ’64;  was  1st 

lieutenant. 

George  W.  Baxter,  July  12.  Mustered  out  July  12,  ’65;  was  1st 

lieutenant. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANTS. 

Wilson  F.  Cox,  July  14, ’63.  Mustered  out  May  24,  ’65;  was  2d 

lieutenant. 

A.  J.  Bixler,  July  12,  ’65.  Mustered  out  July  13,  ’65. 

SECOND  LIEUTENANTS. 

James  Houselman,  April  10,  ’62.  Discharged  Dec.  2,  ’62. 

Thos.  Abernethy,  July  12.  Mustered  out  July  13,  ’65. 

FIRST  SERGEANT. 

Snides,  Daniel  D.,  Dec.  16,  ’61- 

sergeants. 

Cox,  Wilson  T.,  Dee.  16,  ’61.  Promoted  2d  lieut. 

Baxter,  Geo.  W-,  Dec.  16, ’61.  Re-enlisted  as  a veteran. 

Freeman,  R.,  Dec.  16,  ’61.  Re-enlisted  as  veteran. 

Mettlin,  Jas.  C.,  Dec.  16,  ’61.  Re-enlisted  as  veteran. 

CORPORALS. 

MoQuay,  Jos.,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 

Peterson,  J.  M.  B.,  Dec.  16,  ’61.  Died  at  Jackson,  Tennessee,  Sept.  15, 

’62. 

Dawson,  D.  L.,  Dec.  16,  ’61.  Re-enlisted  as  veteran. 

Kohr,  Samuel  W.,  Dec.  16,  '61.  Re-eulisted  as  veteran. 

Robinson,  David,  Dec.  16,  61.  Died,  Jackson,  Tenn.,  Sept.  14,  ’62. 

Lawrence,  Y.  P.,  Dec.  16,  ’61.  Mustered  out  April  9, ’65. 

Hill,  Joel,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 

Holmes,  W.  H.,  Dec.  16,  ’61.  Disch’d  Nov.  14,  ’62;  disability. 

WAGONER. 

Rowe,  Absalom,  Dec.  16,  ’61.  Disch’d  Nov.  14,  ’62;  disability. 


Burch,  George,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 

Barnhart,  Jacob,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 
Baily,  Samuel,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 
Crawford,  Eli,  Dec.  16,  61. 
Crawford,  Wm.,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 

Crawford  S.,  Dec.  16,  '61. 
Culver,  S.  M.  Dec.  16,  ’61. 
Campbell,  S.  D.,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 

Cadwallader,  A.,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 

Church,  George,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 
Cline,  Simon,  Dec.  16,  61. 
Crigler,  Wm.  II.,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 
Doolan,  J.  L.,  Dec.  16,  '61. 
Day,  Richard,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 
Earles,  Joshua,  Dec.  16,  '61. 
Earls,  Booker,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 
Ebbert,  John  J.,  Dec.  16,  61. 
Ford,  Wm.  C.,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 
Flaherty,  J no.,  Dec.  16, ’61. 
Harrigan,  Jno.,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 

Holly,  Michael,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 
Harman,  Jesse,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 
Hogan,  John,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 

Jones,  James  IT.,  Dec.  16,  ’61, 
Lynch,  My  ter,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 
Lacost,  John,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 

Lord,  Andrew,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 
Middleton,  B.,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 
McWilliams,  H.,  Dee.  16,  ’61. 
Moore,  John  Dec.  16,  ’61. 
Morgan,  Samuel,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 
Newton,  Wm„  Dec.  16,  ’61. 
Platt,  Phineas,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 
Querry,  Wm.,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 

Roberts,  Jos.,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 
Sheets,  Joseph,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 
Sheets,  Isaiah,  Dec.  16,  ’16. 
Smith,  James,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 
Smith,  George,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 
Sparling,  And,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 
Sparling,  Isaac,  Dec.  61,  ’61. 
Suck,  Jacob,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 
Sullivan,  Orren  S.,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 

Umbert,  Chas.  F.,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 
Wimmer,  B.,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 
Wilson,  W.  A.,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 
Wilson,  John  B.,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 
Wright  Harrison,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 

Watkins,  Joel,  Dec  16,  ’61. 
Waller,  Eli,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 
Weiver,  Isaac,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 
Waggoner,  Thos.,  Dec.  ’16,  61. 
Waggoner  R , Dec.  16,  16. 
Young,  George,  Dec.  16,  ’61,. 
Young,  Jas.  B.,  Dec.,  16,  ’61. 


Re-enlisted  as  vet.;  mustered  out  July 
13,  ’65. 

Died  ai  Anna,  111.,  April  27, ’62. 
Discharged  June  28,  ’64. 

Re-enlisted  as  vet. ; mustered  out  July 
15,  ’65. 

Disch’d  Nov.  14,  ’62;  disability. 
Mustered  out  April  9,  ’65. 

Died  at  Nashville,  Tennessee,  Jan.  3, 
’64. 

Re-enlisted  as  vet. ; mustered  out  July 
13,  ’65. 

Disch’d  Nov.  14,  ’62 ; disability. 


Mustered  out  April  9,  ’65. 

Disch’d  Sept.  9,  ’62;  disability. 
Re-enlisted  as  veteran. 

Re-enlisted  as  veteran. 

Re-enlisted  as  vet. ; mustered  out  July 
12,  ’65. 

Re-enlisted  as  veteran. 

Re-enlisted  as  vet. ; mustered  out  July 
15,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  April  9,  ’65. 

Retained  to  make  good  the  time 
lost. 

Mustered  out  April  29,  ’65. 


Mustered  out  April  11,  ’65. 

Re-enlisted  as  vet. ; musterod  out  July 
15,  ’65. 


Died  at  Mound  City,  May  20,  ’62. 
Re-enlisted  as  vet. ; mustered  out  July 
13,  ’65. 

Re-enlisted  as  veteran. 

Re-enlisted  as  veteran,  mustered  out 
July  13,  ’65. 

Re-enlisted  as  veteran. 

Mustered  out  April  9,  ’65. 

Disch’d  July  19,  ’62;  disability. 
Mustered  out  April  9,  ’65. 

Re-enlisted  as  vet.;  mustered  out  July 
13,  ’65. 


Re-enlisted  as  veteran. 


Discharged  July  23,  ’62. 
Re-enlisted  as  veteran. 


RECRUITS. 


Abbott,  Isaiah  Dec.  16,  ’61. 
Beach,  Harmon,  Feb.  27,  ’64. 
Davis,  Allen,  Feb.  27,  ’64. 


Mustered  out  July  13,  ’65. 
Mustered  out  July  13,  ’65* 
Mustered  out  July  13,  ’65. 


ONE  HUNDRED  AND  SIXTEENTH  INFANTRY’. 


Ayers,  Dan.  C.,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 

Armstrong,  S.  A.,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 
Abbott,  Jo-iah,  Dec.  16,  '61. 
Abernethy,  Thos.,  Dec.  16,  '61. 

Asbury,  Levi,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 
Barnes,  Wm.  R.,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 
Brockway,  A..  Dec.  16,  ’61. 
Brockway,  D.  L.,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 
Bixler,  A.  J.,  Dec.  16,  ’6i. 

Bruce,  Franklin,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 
Brower,  Godfrey,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 
Bozarth,  Jno.  S.,  Dec.  16,  ’61. 


privates. 

Re-enlisted  as  vet.;  mustered  out  Julv 
13,  ’65. 

Died  at  Cairo,  May  12,  ’62. 

Re-enlisted  as  vet.;  mustered  out  July 

13,  ’65,  asserg’t. 

Re-enlisted  as  veteran. 

Re-enlisted  as  veteran. 

Disch’d  Nov.  14,  ’62;  disability. 
Re-enlisted  as  vet. ; mustered  out  July 

14,  ’65,  as  1st  serg’t. 

Mustered  out  May  31,  ’65. 

Re-enlisted  as  vet.;  mustered  out  Julv 
13,  ’65. 


COLONEL  N.  W.  TUPPER’S  REGIMENT. 

The  116th  Illinois  Infantry,  Colonel  N.  W.  Tupper,  belonged 
almost  exclusively  to  Macon  county.  The  regiment  was  organized 
at  the  fair  grounds,  near  Decatur,  during  August  and  September, 
1862.  On  the  sixth  of  September,  the  companies,  not  yet  being 
full,  were  sworn  into  the  United  States  service  and  mustered  as 
a battalion.  September  thirty-first,  the  ranks  having  been  filled 
up,  the  regiment  was  mustered,  and  November  eighth  was  ordered 
to  Cairo;  thence,  November  ninth,  to  Memphis,  remaining  at  the 
latter  place  till  the  twenty-sixth  ; the  Fifteenth  Army  Corps  having 
meanwhile  been  organized  under  command  of  Gen.  W.  T.  Sherman, 
and  the  116th  assigned  to  the  first  brigade,  second  division.  Gen. 


94 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


Morgan  L.  Smith  was  assigned  to  the  command  of  the  division, 
and  Gen.  Giles  A.  Smith  to  the  command  of  the  brigade.  The 
regiment  marched  from  Memphis  and  reached  Tallahatchie  De- 
cember thirteenth  ; December  twentieth  started  down  the  Mississippi 
river;  December  twenty-sixth  entered  the  Yazoo  river,  and  landed 
fifteen  miles  above  its  mouth.  For  the  next  three  days  the  regiment 
received  its  first  baptism  of  fire  in  the  battle  of  Chickasaw.  Janu- 
ary, 1863,  passed  down  the  Yazoo  and  up  the  Mississippi  and  the 
Arkansas  to  the  Arkansas  Post,  where,  January  tenth  and  eleventh, 
it  fought  its  second  battle ; January  twenty-second,  landed  at 
Young’s  Point,  Louisiana,  opposite  Vicksburg  and  during  the 
winter  took  part  in  the  attempt  to  construct  canals  around  that 
strongly  fortified  city.  In  the  spring  crossed  the  river  near  Port 
Gibson,  and  participated  in  the  battles  at  Black  river  and  Cham- 
pion Hills,  and  the  bloody  charges  upon  the  works  in  the  rear  of 
Vicksburg,  May  eighteenth  and  twenty-second,  and  in  the  final 
siege  of  that  city,  which  resulted  in  its  surrender,  July  fourth. 
July  fifth  started  in  pursuit  of  the  rebel  general  Johnston,  and 
followed  him  to  Jackson,  Mississippi ; afterward  drove  him  beyond 
Pearl  river. 

July  twenty-fifth,  went  into  camp,  called  Camp  Sherman,  near 
Black  river,  remaining  there  until  October ; then  moved  back  to 
Vicksburg ; thence  to  Memphis  and  Corinth,  whence  the  regiment 
marched  to  Chattanooga,  reaching  that  place  November  twenty-first. 
During  the  night  of  November  twenty-third,  the  116th  and  the  6th 
Missouri  floated  down  the  Tennessee  river  on  pontoons,  and  landed 
at  the  mouth  of  the  Chickamauga,  distant  less  than  a mile  from  the 
rebel  entrenchments  on  Missionary  Ridge.  Holding  the  position 
there  till  the  remainder  of  the  corps  had  been  brought  over,  and 
all  of  Bragg’s  pickets  had  been  captured,  the  regiment  marched  to 
the  foot  of  the  Ridge,  on  the  evening  of  the  twenty-fourth,  and 
engaged  in  a skirmish  in  which  Gen.  Giles  A.  Smith  was  wounded, 
leaving  Col.  Tupper  to  command  the  brigade.  November  twenty- 
fifth  took  part  in  the  storming  of  Missionary  Ridge,  and,  after  this 
victory,  marched  to  the  relief  of  Knoxville,  being  constantly  on  the 
move  till  January  ninth,  1864,  when  it  went  into  winter  quarters 
at  Larkensville,  Alabama,  remaining  there  till  May  sixteenth  ; was 
afterwards  engaged  in  the  charge  and  capture  of  Resaca  ; was,  also, 
in  the  battles  of  Dallas  and  Big  Shanty,  from  May  twenty-fifth  to 
twenty-eighth;  June  twenty -seventh  fought  the  battle  of  Kenesaw 
mountain  ; thence  crossed  the  Chattahoochie,  and  participated  in  the 
battle  of  Stone  mountain,  driving  the  enemy  to  the  vicinity  of 
Atlanta  where  the  severe  battles  of  July  twentieth,  twenty-second 
and  twenty-eighth  were  fought,  the  federal  forces  recapturing  the 
works  after  the  enemy  had  taken  them  ; shortly  after  fighting  the 
battle  of  Ezra  Chapel,  beating  the  rebels  badly  and  repulsing  them 
at  every  point ; August  third,  formed  battle  line  within  eight  hun- 
dred yards  of  the  Atlanta  fortifications,  and  took  part  in  the  siege 
of  that  place,  fighting  the  battle  of  Jonesboro’  August  fourteenth, 
thereby  virtually  ending  the  siege ; went  into  camp  at  Atlanta  and 
remained  there  till  orders  came  for  Sherman’s  famous  “ March  to 
the  Sea,”  in  which  the  regiment  bore  a conspicuous  part,  participa- 
ting, on  the  way,  December  thirteenth,  in  the  capture  of  Fort 
McAlister ; marched  to  Savannah  and  went  into  camp  there,  Decem- 
ber twenty-first;  next  moved  by  water  to  Beaufort,  S.  C.,  and 
marched  thence  to  Pocotaligo,  where  a battle  was  fought,  and 
general  skirmishing  ensued  until  the  city  of  Columbia  was  reached; 
after  the  burning  of  the  city,  the  regiment  went  into  camp  there; 
moved  thence  to  Bentonville,  N.  C.,  where  a heavy  battle  was 
f night;  marched  then  to  Raleigh,  which  surrendered  without  oppo- 
sition ; thence,  the  great  rebellion  being  virtually  crushed,  the 
regiment  was  ordered  *to  Washington,  where  it  remained  till  mus- 


tered out  of  the  service,  June  seventh,  1865.  For  some  cause, 
unknown  to  the  writer,  no  record  of  this  noble  regiment  and  its 
memorable  deeds  appears  either  in  the  Adjutant  General's  Reports 
or  in  the  Patriotism  of  Illinois.  The  data  for  the  foregoing  imper- 
fect sketch  were  partly  taken  from  Smith’s  History  of  Macon  County, 
to  which  indebtedness  is  hereby  acknowledged,  and  partly  fur- 
nished by  the  kindness  of  some  of  the  surviving  members  of  the 
regiment,  who,  we  hope,  may  live  many  years  yet,  to  enjoy  the  rich 
blessings  of  a united  country,  in  defense  of  which  they,  with 
thousands  of  other  patriots,  endured  untold  hardships  in  camp  and 
field.  The  brave  Colonel  Tupper,  after  having  faced  death  in  many 
a hard-fought  battle,  died  at  Decatur,  March  tenth,  1864,  and 
beneath  the  beautiful  monument  in  Greenwood  cemetery,  Decatur, 
erected  to  his  memory  by  the  citizens  of  Macon  county,  his  remains 
now  repose  in  the  bivouac  of  the  dead.  Peace  to  his  ashes,  and  to 
the  other  noble  dead  of  the  regiment  whose  patriotic  deeds,  though 
no  pen  may  portray,  or  tongue  describe,  are  emblazoned  in  golden 
letters  of  immortality  on  freedom’s  eternal  scroll. 


MUSTER-ROLL  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  SIXTEENTH  INFANTRY. 

COLONELS. 

N.  W.  Tupper,  Sept.  30,  'G2.  Died  at  Decatur,  March  10,  ’64. 

John  E.  Maddox,  June  7,  ’65.  Mustered  out  June  7,  '65  ; was  Lieut. 

Colonel. 


LIEUTENANT  COLONELS. 


J.  P.  Boyd,  Sept.  6.  ’62. 
Anderson  Froinan,  Jan.  28,  ’64. 
John  A.  Windsor,  May  15,  '65. 


Resigned  Jan.  28,  ’64. 

Died  June  16,  ’64;  was  Major. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65;  was  Major. 


MAJORS. 

Austin  McCleery,  Jan.  28,  ’64.  Resigned  Sept.  26,  '64. 

Nich  Geshwind,  June  7.  Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65,  as  Captain 

Company  F. 


ADJUTANTS. 

Chas.  II.  Fuller,  Sept.  30,  ’62.  Resigned  June  27,  ’63. 

Wm.  E.  Crissey,  June  27,  ’63.  Discharged  Jan.  30,  ’65. 

Myron  Holcomb,  Jan.  30,  ’65.  Mustered  out  June  7,  '65. 

QUARTERMASTERS. 

Lyman  King,  Sept.  3,  ’62.  Resigned  March  2,  ’63. 

Charles  F.  Emery,  March  2,  ’62.  Prom,  by  President  Jan.  9,  ’64. 
John  H.  Porter,  Jan.  9,  ’64.  Mustered  out  June  7,  '65. 

SURGEON. 

Ira  N.  Barnes,  Mch.  23,  '63.  Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 


FIRST  ASSISTANT  SURGEON. 

J.  A.  Heckleman,  Sept.  17,  ’62.  Mustered  out  June  7,  '65. 

SECOND  ASSISTANT  SURGEON. 

J.  A.  W Hostetler,  Oct.  1,  ’62.  Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

CHAPLAINS. 

N.  M.  Baker,  Sept.  30,  ’62.  Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 


NON-COMMISSIONED  STAFF. 


Crocker,  R.  C.,  Aug.  7,  ’62. 
Holcomb,  Myron. 

Ward,  Thos.  J.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Porter,  John  J. 

Hopkins,  Allen  F.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Crissey,  Win.  E.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Jennings,  I.  D.,  Aug.  7,  '62. 
Lukens,  Edward,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 
Barret,  Martin  L.,  Aug.  14,  ’62. 
Ilenneby,  Francis,  Aug.  7,  ’62. 


Sergt.  Major,  trans.  to  Co.  D. 

Promoted  Adjutant. 

Mustered  out  June  7, ’65;  was  priso- 
ner. 

Promoted  Regiment  Quartermaster. 

Quartermaster  Sergeant;  mustered  out 
June  7,  ’65. 

Com.  Sergt.;  promoted  Adjutant;  was 
Com.  Sergt. 

Com.  S>  rgt. ; mustered  out  June  7, 
’65. 

Hospital  Steward;  mustered  out  June 
7,  ’65. 

Principal  musician;  mustered  out  June 
7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65;  principal 
musician. 


COMPANY  “A.” 


CAPTAINS. 

W F.  Brown,  Sept.  6,  ’62.  Resigned  April  20,  ’63. 

Guston  F.  Hardv,  April  20,  '63.  Died  June  12,  ’63  ; was  2d  lieut. 

William  Grasson,  June  12,  ’63.  Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65  ; was  1st  lieu- 

tenant. 


/ 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


95 


FIRST  LIEUTENANTS. 

John  B Perdew,  Sept.  6,  ’62.  Died  March  27,  ’63. 

J.  L.  Shellabarger,  June  12,  ’63.  Mustered  out  June  12,  ’65;  was  2d  It. 

SECOND  LIEUTENANT. 

Jas.  Boswell,  June  7,  ’65.  Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 


SERGEANTS. 

Boswell,  James  IT.,  July  26,  ’62.  Sergeant;  mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 
Stephens,  A.  C.,  Aug.  4,  ’62.  Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Farrow,  George  L-,  Aug.  4,  ’62. 


CORPORALS. 


Harrington,  R.  H.,  Aug.  9,  '62. 
Cox,  Jerome  A.,  Aug.  8,  ’62. 
Stine,  James,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 

Eads,  James,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 

Baty,  Samuel,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 
Perdew,  Wm.  M.,  Aug.  4,  ’62. 


Discharged  Feb.  2,  ’63;  disability. 
Mustered  out  May  20,  ’65. 
Discharged  Feb.  2,  ’65,  as  Sergeant. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  '65. 

Killed  at  Vicksburg,  May  19,  ’63. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 


MUSICIANS. 

Widick,  Jas.  IT.,  Aug.  6,  ’62.  Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65,  as  Private. 

Lyons,  Geo.  W.,  Aug.  7,  ’62.  Mustered  out  June  7,  ’75,  as  Private. 

WAGONER. 

Steel,  Wm.  M , Aug,  4,  ’62.  Discharged  March  4,  ’63  ; disability. 

PRIVATES. 


Agen,  Monathan,  Aug.  8,  ’62. 
Allen,  Elisha,  Aug.  2,  ’62. 

Balch,  Alex.  H.,  July  26,  ’62. 

Bear,  Wm.,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 

Bear,  Henry  C.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Beamer,  Jacob  E.,  August  21,  ’62. 
Bilby,  George,  August  14,  ’62. 
Bowen,  Daniel,  Aug  9,  ’62. 
Bowdle,  Wm.  H.,  Aug.  6,  ’62 
Bowman,  Sol.  S.,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 

Brackney,  Eli,  Aug.  4,  ’62. 

Brown,  Wes.  M.;  Aug.  6,  ’62. 
Brown,  Thos.  W-,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 

Bundy,  Hardin,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Burke,  Thomas  F.,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 
Caulk,  Albert,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Cheek,  Alonzo,  Aug.  26,  ’63. 
Davis,  George  W-,  Aug.  2,  ’62. 

Green,  Michael,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 

Glaze,  Wm.,  July  26,  ’62. 

Guffy,  Nathaniel,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 
Gufly,  Jacob,  Aug.  14,  ’62. 

Hickman,  Wm  , Aug.  6,  ’62. 

/ Hollandsworth,  W.,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 
Houseman,  John,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 
Houseman,  N.,  Aug.  21,  ’62. 

Houseman,  W-,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 
Jabine,  Jas.  T.,  Aug.  12,  ’62. 
Littleton,  T.  M.,  Aug.  28,  ’62. 
Long,  James,  Aug.  6,  62. 

Long,  Thomas  M., 

McKee,  And,  Aug.  7,  ’62. 

Makey,  Horace  D.,  Aug.  8,  ’62. 
Marsh,  Samuel  D.,  Aug.  22,  ’62. 
Micheuer,  J.  A.,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 

Miller,  Daniel,  Aug.  24,  ’62. 
Morris,  Lewis,  Aug.  5,  ’62. 

Morris,  Wm.  T.,  Aug.  8,  ’62. 

McCurdy,  Charles,  Aug.  7,  ’62. 
Nelson,  Samuel  July  30,  ’62. 
Neyhard,  John  J , Aug.  6,  '62. 
Nichols,  John  W.,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 
Perdew,  Joel  F.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Page,  Moses  B.,  Aug.  21,  ’62. 
Peck,  John,  July  21,  ’62. 

Peck,  Jacob,  July  24,  ’62. 

Pas  ley,  Arthur,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 

Palmer,  Jos.  V.,  Aug.  8,  ’62. 
Porter,  Jno  IT.,  Aug.  20,  ’62. 
Reason,  Wm.  J.,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 


Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Died  of  wounds  received  Arkansas 
Post,  Jan.  11,  ’63. 

Died  at  Van  Buren,  Arkansas,  June  1, 
’63. 

Died  at  Young’s  Point,  March  5,  ’63. 
Absent,  wounded  at  mustering  out  of 
regiment. 

Died  at  Memphis,  Sept.  23,  ’63. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Discharged  Dec.  21,  ’64 ; wounds. 
Transferred  to  V.  R.  C.,  January  10, 
’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Transferred  to  Inv.  Corps,  August  1, 
’63. 

Died  at  Benton  Barracks,  July  17,  ’63. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65,  as  Sergeant. 
Andersonville  Prison  Record  says  died. 
Died  at  Young’s  Point,  La. 

Sergeant;  killed  at  Atlanta,  Ga.,  July 
22,  ’64. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Absent,  sick  at  mustering  out. 

‘i  <<  ,, 

Transferred  to  Inv.  Corps,  August  1, 
’63. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65,  as  Corporal. 
Died  at  Young’s  Point,  April  19,  ’63. 
Blustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Absent,  sick,  at  mustering  out  of  regi- 
ment. 

Transferred  to  V.  R.  C.,  Aug.  10,  ’64. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65,  as  Corp. 
Blustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Blustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Transferred  to  Inv.  Corps,  Sept.  1,  ’63. 
Blustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

“ June  26,  ’65. 

Died  at  St.  Louis,  April  29,  ’63. 

Died  at  Camp  Butler,  111.,  January  4, 
’64. 

Died  at  Young’s  Point,  Biarch  4,  ’63. 
Sergt.  ; wounded  ; transferred  to  Inv. 

Corps,  Feb.  15,  ’64. 

Died  at  Biarietta,  Ga.,  Aug.  3,  ’64 ; 
wounds. 

Died  at  Blemphis,  June  28,  ’63. 
Discharged  March  16,  ’t3  ; disability. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  65. 

Discharged  Feb.  6,  '64  ; wounds. 
Absent,  sick,  at  mustering  out  of  regi- 
ment. 

Blustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Sergeant  ; died  at  home,  Sept.  28,  ’63. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Transferred  to  Invalid  Corps,  Decern. 
1,  ’63. 

Died  June  4, ’63  ; wounds. 

Promoted  Quartermaster  Sergeant. 
Blustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 


Rimmell,  II.  BL,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Ritter,  John  BL,  Aug.  11,  ’62. 
Rose,  Elijah  T.,  Aug.  7,  ’62. 

Bundle,  Charles  W-,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 
Rogers,  Jno.  W-,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 

Scheer,  F.  W-,  Aug.  23,  ’62. 
Skinner,  John  R.,  Aug  6,  ’62. 
Stafford,  Nelson,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 
Stapp,  David,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 
Stewart,  Thos.  C.,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 
Walker,  Henry,  Aug.  11,  ’62. 
Walker,  Peter,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Wear,  Jonathan,  Aug.  6, ’62. 
Wilson,  George,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 

Wright,  C.  F.,  Aug-  6,  ’62. 


Died  at  Blemphis,  Tenn.,  Jan.  21,  ’63. 
Blustered  out  June  7,  ’65,  as  Sergeant. 
Died  Blay  22,  ’63,  wounds  at  siege  of 
Vicksburg. 

Blustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Killed  near  Kingston,  N.  C.,  Blarch  8, 
’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Discharged,  Sept.  16,  ’63,  for  wounds. 
Blustered  out  June  7,  .65. 

Died  at  Lawson  Hospital,  Blay  5,  ’63. 
Mustered  out  Jun.  7,  ’65  ; was  prison’r. 
Died  at  Memphis,  Tenn.,  April  3,  ’64. 
Blustered  out  June  7,  ’65  ; wounded. 
Blustered  out  June  7,  ’65  as  Corporal. 
Absent,  sick,  at  mustering  out  of  regi- 
ment. 

Died  at  Jefferson  barracks,  J uly  2,  ’63 


RECRUITS. 


Bloffet,  Joseph  E.,  Feb.  1,  ’64. 
Walters,  William  J.,  Feb.  1,  ’64. 

John  Leslie. 

Joseph  Blythe. 

W.  H.  Clay. 

John  W.  Steward. 

Josiah  D.  Steward. 

BL  M.  Betzer. 

James  Peck. 

John  BlcKee. 

James  BlcKee. 


Transferred  to  Co-  IT,  55th  111.  Inf. 
Died  at  Kenesaw  Blountain,  June  27, 
’61;  wounds. 

Died  of  wounds  received  at  Kenesaw 
June  27,  ’64. 

Wounded  at  Kenesaw,  June  27. 
Wounded  at  Fort  McAllister. 

Died  in  hospital. 

Killed  at  Jonesboro,  Aug.  13. 
Transferred  to  55th  111. 

Transferred  to  55th  111. 

Transferred  to  55th  111. 

Transferred  to  55th  111 


COMPANY  “B.” 


CAPTAINS. 

Austin  MeClurg,  Sept.  6,  ’62.  Promoted  Blajor. 

C.  Reibsame,  Jan.  28, ’64.  Blustered  out  June  7,  ’65;  was  1st 

Lieutenant. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANTS. 

John  S.  Taylor,  Sept.  6,  ’62.  Killed  Jan.  8,  ’63. 

Charles  E.  Bolles,  January  28,  ’64.  Commission  canceled  ; was  2d  Lieut. 
John  H.  Miller,  Jan.  28,  ’64.  Blustered  out  June  7,  ’65;  was  2d 

Lieut. 


SECOND  LIEUTENANT. 

A.  J.  Williams,  Sept.  6,  ’62.  Resigned  Blarch  17,  ’63. 


FIRST  SERGEANT. 

Isaac  D.  Jennings,  Aug.  7,  ’62.  Promoted  Com.  Sergeant. 

SERGEANTS 

Promoted  2d  Lieutenant. 

Absent,  sick,  at  muster  out  of  regimt. 
Blustered  out  July  10,  ’65,  as  Private. 

CORPORALS. 

Blustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Blustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Blustered  out  June  7,  ’65  as  Private. 
Absent,  sick,  at  muster  out  of  reg. 
Blustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Blustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

MUSICIANS. 

Carter,  H.  W.,  Aug.  8,  ’62.  Discharged  Jan.  28,  ’63. 

Goodman,  J.  E.,  Aug.  11,  ’62.  Discharged  Sept.  20,  ’63. 


Brown,  Iv.  A , Aug.  7,  ’62. 
Funk,  William,  Aug.  8,  ’62. 
Rogers,  Reuben,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Shirley,  Geo.  W.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Troutman,  J.  W-,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Troutman,  Sam.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 


Bliller,  John  H.,  Aug.  7,  ’62. 
Btenaugh,  W.  T.,  Aug.  7,  ’62. 
Sunger,  John  A.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Songer,  Adiniron,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 


Welty,  Geo.  H.,  Aug.  12_  ’62. 


Adams,  James,  Aug.  5,  ’62. 
Andrews,  J.  B.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Boles,  Chas.  E.,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 

Billings,  Milton,  Aug  8,  ’62. 

Bear,  John  M.  Aug.  6,  ’62. 
Bradon,  John  E.,  Aug.  11,  ’62. 
Burgess,  T.  J.,  Aug.  5,  ’62. 
Bailey,  John  W.,  Aug.  15,  ’62. 

Beck,  William,  Aug.  15, ’62. 
Bills,  R.,  Jr.,  Aug.  14,  ’62. 

Braden,  S.  R.,  Aug.  12,  ’62. 

Bradshaw,  S.  C.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 


WAGONER. 

Blustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

PRIVATES. 

Blustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Absent,  sick  at  muster  out  of  reg. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65,  as  sergt.; 
corn’d  lieut. 

Blustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Sergeant ; absent,  sick  at  muster  out 
of  regiment. 

Blustered  out  June  7, ’65. 

Blustered  out  July  1,  ’65,  as  corp. 
wounded. 

Absent,  sick  at  muster  out  of  reg. 

Killed  at  Arkansas  Post:  January 
11,  ’63. 

Absent,  wounded  at  muster  out  of 
regiment. 

Died  at  Young’s  Point,  La.,  April 
3,  ’63. 


96 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS . 


Burke,  Patrick,  Aug-  7,  ’62- 

Burke,  William,  Aug.  7,  ’62. 

Bell,  Charles  V.,  Aug.  15,  ’62. 
Dilliner,  Janies,  Aug.  7,  ’62. 

Daily,  Austin,  Aug.  19,  ’62, 
Disbrow,  Lewis,  Aug.  14,  ’62. 

Dugan,  Michael,  Aug.  14,  ’62. 
Earls,  Stephen,  July  19,  ’62. 
Enterline,  E.,  Aug.  19,  ’62. 

Enos,  Thomas,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Enterline,  Conrad,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Ellis,  David  A.,  Aug.  14,  ’62. 
Frank,  S.  G.,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 

Foster,  John  W.,  Aug.  20,  ’62. 

Fry,  Amos,  July  19,  ’62. 

Fuller,  Fred.,  Aug.  7, ’62. 

Gill,  John,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Garver,  F.  M.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Garver,  C.,  Aug.  14,  ’62. 

Houck,  Lewis,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Huggins,  J.  H.,  Aug.  14,  ’62. 
Henson,  R.  S.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Houck,  Geo.  L.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Hays,  Thompson,  Aug.  7,  ’62. 
Henley,  or  Heneby,  F.,  Aug.  7,  ’62. 
Hays,  John  G.,  Aug.  7,  ’62. 

Hough,  John  S.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Jordan,  John  W.,  Aug.  8,  ’62. 

Jordan,  Wm.  H.,  Aug.  8,  ’62. 
Jordan,  Jeremiah,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Kelley,  Michael,  Aug.  15,  ’62. 
Larken,  T.  H , Aug.  7,  ’62. 

Malier,  Edward,  Aug.  15,  ’62. 
McWhinney,  Jno.,  July  30,  ’62. 
Myer,  William,  Aug.  2,  ’62. 
McDonald,  R.,  July  17,  ’62. 

Nolan,  Patrick,  Aug.  21,  ’62. 

Nix,  Wm.  H.,  Aug.  7,  ’62. 

Nesbitt,  H.  W.,  Aug.  11,  ’62. 
Olney,  Geo.  W.,  Aug.  11,  ’62. 
Pricer,  Aaron,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Peaker,  John  W.,  Aug.  8,  ’62. 
Patterson,  A.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Patterson,  G.  W-,  Aug.  20,  ’65. 

Quackenbush,  S , July  30, *’62. 
Rogers,  R.  A.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Reibsame,  C.,  Aug.  11,  ’62. 
Rutherford,  G-  IV.,  Aug.  8,  ’62. 
Smoot,  Ben.  F.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Street,  Wesley,  Aug.  15,  ’62. 

Stains,  John  A.,  Aug.  8,  ’62. 
Shelton,  Martin,  Aug.  11,  ’62. 
Shepherd,  J.  H.  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Sickafonse,  J.  W.,  Aug.  15,  ’62. 
Shepherd,  A.,  Aug  8,  ’62. 

Shutter,  Daniel,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Tolies,  Cyrus  N„  Aug.  8,  ’62. 

Wall,  Richard,  Aug.  14,  ’62. 
Wydick,  John,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Weikel,  Samuel,  Aug.  15,  ’62. 
Westfall,  J W.,  July  30,  ’62. 
Wheeler,  Amos,  Aug.  11,  ’62. 
Warnick,  W.  C.,  Aug.  15, ’62. 
Wheeler,  A.  J.,  Aug.  12,  ’62. 


Died  at  Young’s  Point,  La.,  April 
8,  ’63. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Died  in  Mississippi,  Mar.  23,  ’63. 
Absent,  sick  at  muster  out  of  reg. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Sergeant  ; died  at  Young’s  Point, 
April  15,  ’63. 

Mustered  out  July  2,  ’65. 

Absent,  sick  at  muster  out  of  reg. 
Discharged  March  14,  ’63. 

Died  at  Young’s  Point,  Feb.  11,  ’63. 
Discharged  March  20,  ’64. 

Trans,  to  V.  R.  C.,  Sept.  1,  ’63. 

Died  at  St.  Louis,  April  11,  ’63. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  July  19,  ’65  ; w’nded. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65  as  corp. 

Died  at  St.  Louis,  May  17,  ’63. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65  ; was  pris’r. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Promoted  principal  musician. 
Discharged  Aug.  7,  ’63. 

Absent,  sick  at  muster  out  of  reg. 
Died  at  Young's  Point  La.,  Feb., 
8,  ’63. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Died  at  Young’s  Point,  February 
11,  ’63. 

Mustered  out  June  7.  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65,  as  corp. 
Deserted  Nov.  13,  ’62. 

Died  at  Memphis,  Oct.  4,  ’63. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Absent,  sick  at  muster  out  of  reg. 

Died  at  Keokuk,  la.,  Jan.  27,  ’63„ 
Died  at  Memphis,  March  17,  ’63. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Absent,  wounded,  at  M.  O.  of  reg. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Killed  at  Kenesaw  Mountain,  June 
27,  ’64. 

Mustered  out  July  10,  ’65. 

Absent,  sick,  at  muster  out  of  reg. 
Promoted  sergt.,  then  1st  lieut. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Died  at  Young’s  Point,  February 
15,  ’63. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Died  at  Y^oung’s  Point,  June  4, ’63. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Killed  at  Arkansas  Post,  January 
11,  ’63. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Absent,  sick  at  muster  out  of  reg. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65,  as  sergt. 

Sick  at  muster  out  of  regiment. 

Sick  at  muster  out  of  regiment. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 


RECRUITS. 

Sites,  Henry,  Feb.  25,  ’64.  Trans,  to  Co.  F.,  55th  111.  Inf. 

Shutter,  Felix,  Feb  24,  ’64.  Trans,  to  Co.  F.  55th  111.  Inf- 

Westfall,  Jas.  K.,  April  13,  ’64.  Trans,  to  Co.  F.  55th  III.  Inf. 

company  “c.” 

CAPTAINS. 

Thos.  White,  Sept.  6,  ’62.  Killed  in  battle  May  26,  ’64. 

R.  M.  Foster,  June  7, ’64.  Mustered  out  June  7, ’65  ; was  1st 

and  2d  lieut. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANTS. 

Jas.  M.  Wallace,  Sept.  6,  ’62.  Resigned  March  2,  ’63. 

Z-  R.  Prather,  April  20, ’65.  Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65;  was  2d 

lieut. 

SECOND  LIEUTENANT. 

Jacob  B.  Schroll,  June  7.  Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 


FIRST  SERGEANT. 

Ellis,  John,  W.,  Aug.  9,  ’62.  Died  at  Young’s  Point  Feb.  23,  ’63- 

SERGEANT. 

Metzler,  Abe.,  Aug.  13,  ’62.  Wounded  at  muster  out  of  regiment. 


Camp,  W.  P.,  Aug.  i 9,  ’62. 

Montgomery,  T.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Davidson,  John  B.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 


Died  at  Milliken’s  Bend  June  23, 
’63. 

Trans,  to  V.  R.  C.,  Feb.  1,  ’64. 

Died  at  Young’s  Point  Feb.  8,  ’63. 


Dunbar,  Elias  L.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Edwards,  J.  W„  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Fenton,  Philo  S.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Maeyers,  Sam.  T.,  Aug.  ’62. 
Jones,  Jas.  IL,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 
Markel,  Israel  W-,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Prather,  Z.  R.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Warnick,  R.  G.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 


CORPORALS. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Diseh’d  April  13.  ’63  ; disability. 
Absent,  wounded  at  muster  out  of 
regiment. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Disch’d  Feb.,  ’63  ; wounds. 

Died  at  Memphis  Feb.  30,  ’63. 
Promoted  2d  lieut. 

Died  at  Memphis,  May  22,  ’63. 


Ilelpman,  D.  C.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Wallace,  W.  R.,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 


Niles,  Erastus,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 


MUSICIANS. 

Mustered  out  July  22,  ’65  ; was 
prisoner. 

Died  on  steamer  D.  A.  January, 
March  7,  ’63. 

WAGONER. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 


privates. 


Aaron,  James  L.,  Aug.  9,  ’62- 
Ahum,  Jas.  W.,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 
Black,  Robert  M.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Beedles,  Jas.  P.,  Aug  9,  ’62. 

Bohrer,  John  W.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Bohrer,  Geo.  W.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Champion,  A.  B , Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Cochran,  Jas.  A.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Coomb,  Elijah,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Devore,  Jos.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Dickey,  Jno.  B.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Davidson,  Jas.  B.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Davidson,  D.  L.,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 

Davis,  Wm.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Davidson,  R.  L.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Davidson,  Alex.,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 
Davidson,  D.  P.,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 
Davidson,  T.  K.,  Aug.  15,  ’62. 

Ellis,  Jas.  A.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Gregory,  David,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Grennel,  Chas.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Goff,  Edward  L.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Goff,  Leonard  J.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Gault,  John  M.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Hopkins,  A.  F.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Hill,  Joshua  F.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Herrington,  D.  J.,  Aug.  11,  ’62. 
Howell,  E.  J.,  Aug.  11,  ’62. 

Jones,  Hugh,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 

Krone,  Jacob,  Sept.  15,  ’62. 
Mcllheran,  John,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Maeyers,  John,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Montgomery,  Eli,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
McConnaughty,  S.  B.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Myers,  Wm.  J.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Mav,  Henrv  F.,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 
McMurty,  j.  L.,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 
Pound,  D.  K.,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 

Riber,  E.,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 

Stoner,  John  II.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Smith,  John  R.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Smith,  Jos.  P.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Snyder,  Sam.  W-,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Stine,  Hiram  S.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Scott,  James  T.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Scott,  Henry  C.,  Aug.  9, ’62. 

Schroll,  Jacob  B,  Aug.  9, ’62. 


Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Died  at  Young’s  Point  Feb.  10,  ’63. 
Disch’d  June  3,  ’63;  disability. 

Died  on  City  of  Memphis,  March 

16,  ’63. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Disch’d  Jan.  9,  ’63;  disability. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65,  as  sergt. 
Mustered  out  July,  ’65,  as  corporal, 
prisoner  of  war. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Discharged  April  25,  ’64. 

Trans,  to  signal  corps  June  7,  ’64. 
Disch’d  Feb.  5,  ’63  ; disability. 
Mustered  out  July  11,  ’65;  prisoner 
of  war. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Died  at  home  Dec.  5,  ’63. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Killed  near  Jonesboro,  Ga.,  Aug. 
31,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Died  at  Louisiana  April  16,  ’63. 

Died  at  Mound  City  Dec.  15,  '63. 

Died  at  Mound  City  Nov.  2,  ’63. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65,  as  wagoner. 
Absent,  wounded  at  muster  out  of 
regt. 

Prom,  sergt.,  then  quartermaster  sergt. 
Prisoner  of  war;  (lied  July  23,  ’63; 
wounds. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65,  as  musician. 
Died  at  Richmond,  Va.,  Feb.  15,  ’65. 
Prisoner  of  war. 

Died  at  Memphis,  Tenn.,  Dec.  24,  ’62. 
Died  at  Paducah,  Ky.,  Feb.  20,  ’64. 
Absent,  wounded  at  muster  out  of 
regt. ; prisoner  of  war. 

Died  at  Andersonville  prison,  June 

17,  ’64. 

Died  at  Mound  City  Dec.  7,  ’64. 

Died  at  Walnut  Hills,  Miss.,  May  19, 
’63  ; wounds. 

Disch’d  Jan.  24,  ’63;  disability. 
Disch’d  March  20,  ’63;  disability. 
Must’d  out  July  1,  ’65 ; was  prisoner. 
Mast'd  out  June  7, ’65;  was  prisoner. 
Must’d  out  June  7,  ’65  ; was  promoted, 
sergt. 

Mustered  out  May  27,  ’65. 

Disch’d  Feb.  6,  ’64;  disability. 

Disch’d  Aug.  4,  ’63;  disability. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Disch’d  July  7,  ’63  ; disability. 

Disch’d  Jan., ’63;  disability. 

Died  at  Memphis  July  8,  ’63; 

wounds. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65,  as  sergt. 
Com.  2d  lieut. ; was  prisoner. 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


97 


Spaulding.  J.  A.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Turpin,  Beechem,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Thomas  Wm.,  August  9,  ’62. 

Traughber,  R.  S.,  August  9,  ’62. 

Travis,  J.  D.  C.,  August  13,  ’62. 
Travis,  Isaac  W.,  August  13,  ’62. 
Travis,  Samuel  H.,  Augt.  13,  ’62. 
Travis,  U.  D.  August  13,  ’62. 
Timmons,  Ephraim,  Aug.  12,  ’62. 
Timmons,  Lam.,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 
Traughber,  H.  C.,  August  18,  ’62. 
Urbain,  John,  August  9,  ’62. 
Yliet,  Amos  W.,  August  9,  ’62. 
Wallace,  William,  August  9,  ’62. 
Ward,  Thomas  J.,  August  9,’  62. 

Wilson  Robert  D.,  August  9,  ’62 
Webber,  Lewis,  August  18,  ’62. 


Died  at  Camp  Sherman,  Miss.,  Aug. 
6,  ’63. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Died  at  Richmond,  Va.  February  10, 
’64;  prisoner  of  war. 

Died  on  steamer  City  of  Memphis, 
February  8,  ’63. 

Discharged  February  16,  ’63,  disability. 
Died  at  St.  Louis,  September  2,  ’63. 
Died  on  steamer  Planet  January  5,  ’63. 
Died  at  Louisiana,  April  27,  ’63. 
Discharged  Feb.  25,  ’63;  disability. 
Died  at  Memphis,  March  16,  ’63. 
Mustered  out  June,  ’65. 

Disch’d  September  5.  ’63  ; disability. 
Mustered  out  June  ’65. 

Discharged  April,  ’63;  disability. 
Sergeant;  prom’d  sergeant-major  ; was 
prisoner  of  war. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Died  at  Richmond,  Va.,  March  16,  ’64. 


RECRUITS. 


Aaron,  John  C.,  Feb.  11,  ’64. 
Baker,  N.  M. 

Devore,  Benjamin  F. 

Dulaney,  John,  March  29,  ’64. 
Johnson,  W.  H.,  February  27,  ’64. 
Kimberlin,  John  A. 

Kitt,  Samuel. 


Transferred  to  Co.  F,  55th  111.  Inf. 

Transferred  to  Co.  K,  before  muster  in, 
Transferred  to  Co.  F,  55th  111.  Inft. 
Transferred  to  Co.  F.,  55th  III.  Inf. 
Transferred  to  Co.  K,  before  muster  in. 


COMPANY  D. 


CAPTAINS. 

Joseph  Lingle,  Sept.  6,  ’62.  Resigned  February  29,  ’64. 

George  A.  Milmine,  Feb.  29,  ’64.  Discharged  January  ’30,  ’65;  was  1st 

and  2d  lieut. 


FIRST  LIEUTENANTS. 

Jas.  R.  Briggs,  Sept.  6,  ’62.  Resigned  April  6,  ’63. 

Thad.  Collins,  Feb.  29,  ’64.  Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65  ; was  2d  lieut. 

SECOND  LIEUTENANT. 

Hugh  A.  Lyons,  June  7.  Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

FIRST  SERGEANT. 

George,  J.  W.,  August  15,  ’62.  Discharged  Aug.  3,  ’63. 


SERGEANTS. 


Hoagland,  J.  E.,  August  7, ’62. 
Williams,  G.  W-,  August  7,  ’62. 

Collins,  Thad.,  Aug.  7,  ’62. 
Lyons,  Hugh  A.,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 


Discharged  June  7,  ’63;  disability. 
Died  on  steamer  City  of  Memphis, 
February  18,  ’63. 

Promoted  2d  lieut. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65,  as  1st  sergt. 
coin’d  2d  lieut. 


CORPORALS. 


Armstrong,  T.  D.,  August  13,  ’62. 
Bowser,  John  F , Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Gill,  David,  Aug.  9, ’62. 

Watson,  A.  J.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Streever,  J.  B.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Spore,  Seth  F.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Slifer,  N.  W.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Long,  J.  J.,  August  9,  ’62. 


Sergeant ; died  at  St.  Louis  April  7,  ’63. 
Died  at  Chattanooga  May  21,  ’64. 
wounds. 

Died  at  Chickasaw  Bayou,  Dec.  31,  ’62. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Died  at  Annapolis,  Md.,  Nov.  1,  ’63. 
Transferred  to  Co.  F,  55th  111.  Inf. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65,  as  sergt. 

Died  at  Richmond,  Va.,  Feb.  20,  ’64; 
prisoner  of  war. 


MUSICIANS. 


Barger,  Elias,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Robertson,  Amos,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 

Emery,  C.  F.,  August  8,  ’62. 

Armstrong,  John,  Aug.  15,  ’62. 
Adams,  Andrew,  Aug.  11,  ’62. 

Antrim,  B.  F.,  Aug.  7,  ’62. 
Allen,  J.  L.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Amber,  Wm.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Amber,  H.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Adams,  Joel  B.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Arbuckle,  J.  I.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Alexander,  Sam.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Briggs,  Wm.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Belford,  R.  A.,  Aug.  12,  ’62. 
Chism,  John  A.,  Aug.  8,  ’62. 
Chapman,  L.  N.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Cory,  Arthur  O.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Cooper,  N.,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 

13 


Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65,  as  corp. 


Corporal ; died  at  Richmond,  Va.,  Jan. 

27,  ’64  ; prisoner  of  war. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65,  as  sergt. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Died  at  Young’s  Point  Jan.  20,  ’63. 
Died  at  Vicksburg,  July  25,  ’63. 
Mustered  out  June  8,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65,  as  corp. 

Died  at  home  Dec.  21,  ’63. 

Discharged  Feb.  1,  ’63. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65,  as  corp. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65,  as  prisoner  of 
war. 

Died  at  Memphis,  Tenn.,  March  6, ’63. 


WAGONER. 

Discharged  March  2,  ’63. 
PRIVATES. 


Craft,  John,  Aug.  15,  ’62. 

Corn,  A.  F.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Crocker,  R.  C.,' Aug.  7,  ’62. 
Davidson,  E.  II.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Daves,  Wm.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Evans,  Andrew,  Aug.  13,  '62. 
Emerick,  Geo.,  Aug.  7,  ’62. 

Elliott,  J.  W.,  Aug.  15,  ’62. 
Fesler,  Isaac,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Fenner,  John  W.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Fesler,  Larkin,  Aug.  15,  ’62. 
Gash,  II.  B.,  Aug,  9,  ’62, 
Huckaboy,  Jas.,  Aug.  7,  ’62. 
Kline,  John,  Aug.  15,  ’62. 
Kennedy,  John,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 
Lukens,  Edwards,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 
Lukens,  Wm.  F.,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 
Liston,  J.  E.,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 
Locke,  Philip,  Aug.  27, ’62. 
MeKeever,  H.  D.,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 
Miller,  John,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 
Miller,  Clark,  Aug.  7,  ’62. 
Millmine,  E.  K.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Martin,  Robert,  Ang.  13,  ’62. 
O’Neal,  Rarnett,  Aug-  13,  ’62. 
Pope,  Richard,  Aug.  23,  ’62. 
Payne,  Sandford,  Aug.  13, ’62. 
Plater,  J.  Y.,  Aug.  7,  ’62. 

Querry,  James,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 
Querry,  Eri,  Aug.  18, ’62. 

Ray,  Alonzo,  Aug.  8,  ’62. 
Rinehart,  Wm.,  Aug.  15,  ’62. 

Reed,  Squire,  Aug.  7,  62. 

Ryan,  Joseph,  Aug.  7,  ’62. 
Shannon,  W.  G.,  Aug.  22,  ’62. 
Schenck,  B.  W-,  Aug  7,  ’62. 
Schenck,  Wm.,  Aug.  7,  ’62. 
Sperling,  Jacob,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Smith,  Fred.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Scott,  David,  Aug.  7,  ’62. 

Sellers,  Peter,  Aug.  18,  ’62. 
Salters,  J.  W.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Shannon,  John,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Sandy,  Ed  ward,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Thornburg,  Thos.,  Aug,  7,  ’62. 
Towers,  Wm.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Tooly,  Charles,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Vanler,  Wm.  A.,  Aug.  5,  ’62. 
VanVoorhees,  S.  N-,  Aug.  9.  ’62. 
Williams,  A.  G.,  Aug.  11,  ’62. 

Williams,  M.  J.,  Aug.  11,  ’62. 
Withers,  Alexander,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Withers,  Ira,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Wright,  A.  J.,  Aug.  12,  ’63. 

Zinn,  Jacob,  Aug.  15,  ’62. 


Died  at  St.  Louis  April  5 ’64. 

Died  on  steamer  City  of  Memphis  Feb. 
18,  ’63. 

Promoted  sergeant  major. 

Absent,  sick  at  muster  out  of  regt. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65,  as  sergt. 

Corporal;  died  at  Annapolis,  Md., 
Aug.  25,  ’63. 

Discharged  April  3,  ’63. 

Killed  at  Walnut  Hills,  Miss.,  May  19, 
’63. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65,  as  corp. 
Discharged  Jan.  19,  ’63. 

Promoted  hospital  steward. 

Died  in  Mississippi  June  22, ’63. 
Killed  at  Atlanta,  Ga.,  July  22,  ’64. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65,  as  prisoner. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Discharged  Sept.  2,  ’63. 

Discharged  Sept.  23,  ’63. 

Discharged  March  12,  ’63. 

Sergeant ; died  at  Memphis  April  4,  ’63. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65;  prisoner. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Discharged  Jan.  19,  ’63. 

Died  at  Camp  Butler,  111.,  March  19, 
’64. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65  as  corp. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65,  as  corp. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65  as  sergt. 
Sergeant  ; died  at  Cleveland,  Tenn., 
Jan.  28,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65;  was  pris. 
Discharged  Aug.  12,  ’63. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Discharged  Feb.  6,  ’64. 

Mustered  out  June  7, ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7, ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65,~as  corp. 
Discharged  Jan.  16,  ’63. 

Discharged  Jan.  ’63. 

Died  at  Richmond,  Va.,  March  5,  ’64  ; 
prisoner  of  war. 

Died  at  St.  Louis,  March  26,  ’63, 

Died  at  Young’s  Point,  March  23,  ’63. 
Died  at  Milliken’s  Bend,  April  27, 

’63. 

Died  at  Young’s  Point,  February  17, 
’63. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 


Briggs,  Alexander. 
Gill,  Wm.  H.  H. 
Harris,  E. 


RECRUITS. 

Died  on  Steamer  Planet,  Jan.  20,  ’63. 


COMPANY  “ E.” 


CAPTAINS. 


Lewis  J.  Eyman,  Sept.  6,  ’62. 

J.  S.  Windsor,  January  31,  ’63. 

R.  M.  Hamilton,  September  26,  ’64. 


Killed,  January  11,  ’63. 

Promoted  major. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65;  was  1st 
lieutenant. 


FIRST  LIEUTENANTS. 

S.  H.  Varney,  September  6,  ’62.  Resigned  March  5,  ’63. 

Joseph  D.  Noon,  March  5,  ’62.  Died  June  18,  ’63. 

Wm.  N.  Streeter,  June  3,  ’63.  Resigned  May  27,  ’64. 

Samuel  J.  Varney,  September  26,  ’64.  Died  small-pox,  Feb.  13,  ’65. 
W.  H.  Dickerson,  April  20,  ’65.  Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 


SECOND  LIEUTENANTS. 

W.  L.  Harris,  September  6,  ’62.  Resigned  June  28,  ’63. 

Amsi  H.  Baker,  June  7.  Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

SERGEANTS. 

Mackey,  L.  J.,  Aug.  15,  ’62.  Absent,  sick  at  muster  out  of  regi- 

ment. 

Hamilton,  R.  M.,  August  15,  ’62.  Promoted  1st  Lieut. 


98 


HISTORY  OF  MAO  ON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


Noon,  Joseph  D.,  August  6,  ’62. 
Baker,  Amsi  H.,  August  6,  ’62. 


Eyinan,  Ed.  C.,  August  6,  ’62. 
Boyd,  E.  H.,  August  2,  ’62. 

Gepford,  Jer.,  August  2,  ’62. 
Rinehart,  Joel,  August  2,  ’62. 
Eyinan,  John,  August  6,  ’62. 
Danley,  John,  August  6,  ’62. 
Parr,  Andrew,  August  7,  ’62. 
Goodner,  George,  August  7,  ’62. 


Died  at  Memphis,  June  18,  ’63. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65;  corn’d  2d 
lieutenant. 


Died  at  Milliken  Bend,  April  26,  ’63. 
Died  at  Young’s  Point,  February  23. 
’63. 

Mustered  out  June  2,  ’65. 

“ June  7, ’65. 

Trans,  to  V.  R.  C.,  January  15,  ’64. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 


Rittenliouse,  I.  W.,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 

Rager,  William  H.,  Aug.  2,  62. 
Shartzer,  A.,  Aug  2,  ’62. 

Sprague,  James  H.,  Aug.  2,  ’62. 
Stockton,  R.  M.,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 
Sollars,  R.  G.,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 

Stout,  Leonard,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 
Sprague,  Nathaniel,  Aug.  5,  ’62. 
Smalley,  Allen,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 

Snyder,  Thomas  A.,  Aug.  18,  '62. 
Van  Gundy,  Geo.,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 
Varney,  Sam.  J.,  Aug.  14,  ’62. 

Wheeler,  Larkin,  Aug.  2,  ’62. 
White,  Lewis  E.,  Aug.  2,  ’62. 
Wood,  Basil,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 

Young,  Joseph  H.,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 


Corporal ; died  at  Decatur,  111.,  Sept’r 
29, ’64;  wounds. 

M.  O.  June  7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  .65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65  as  Sergt. 
Disch’d  Sept.  16,  ’64. 

Disch’d  March  28,  ’64. 

M.  O.  June  7,  ’65,  as  Corp. 

Died  at  Camp  Sherman,  Miss.,  Aug. 
31,  ’63. 

Died  at  St.  Louis  July  3,  ’63. 

Died  at  Yog’s  Point,  March  16,  ’63, 
Sergeant;  corn’d  lstlieut. ; not  mstr’d; 
died  at  Annapolis  Feb.  3,  ’65. 

Disch’d  Aug.  14,  ’63. 

M.  O.  June  7,  ’65. 

Died  at  Memphis  Jan.  13,  ’63. 


MUSICIANS. 

Kitch,  Robert  G.,  Aug.  6,  ’62.  Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Gepford,  Silas,  Aug.  10,  ’62. 

WAGONER. 


CORPORALS. 


Nicholson,  H.  B.,  Aug  6,  ’62.  Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

PRIVATES. 

Allen,  William  G.,  Aug.  8,  ’62. 

Boyd,  James  H.,  Aug.  2,  ’62. 


Benton,  William  P. 


RECRUITS. 

Died  at  Memphis,  Jan.  13,  ’63. 


CAPTAINS. 

Sam’l  N.  Bishop,  September  6,  ’62.  Resigned  April  12,  ’63. 

N.  Geschwind,  April  12,  ’63.  Promoted  Major. 

William  P.  Goodner,  June  7.  M.  O.  June  7,  ’65. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANTS. 

John  B.  Tutt,  September  6,  ’62.  Died  Jan.  26,  ’63. 

S.  R.  Riggs,  April  12,  ’63.  Resigned  December  11,  ’64. 

John  A.  Cochran,  June  7.  M.  0.  June  7,  ’65. 

SECOND  LIEUTENANTS. 

E.  R.  Pratt.  September  30,  ’62.  Died  March  30,  ’63. 

J.  C.  Stansbury,  April  28,  ’63.  Died  April  19,  ’63. 

John  P.  Lewis,  June  7.  M.  O.  June  7,  ’65. 

privates. 

Lourish,  Benjamin,  September  5,  ’62.  Died  at  Yng’s  Point,  February  15,  ’63. 
Lourish,  David,  Aug.  11,  ’62.  Discharged  March  20,  ’63. 

Young,  George  E.,  September  14,  ’62.  Absent,  sick  at  M.  O.  of  regiment. 


CAPTAINS. 

Alonzo  B.  Davis,  September  30,  ’62.  Died  December  22,  ’63. 

Harvey,  Mahannab,  December  22,  ’63.  M.  O.  June  7,  ’65;  was  1st  Lieut. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT. 

James  P.  Barrett,  December  22,  ’63.  M.  O.  June  7,  ’65 

SECOND  LIEUTENANTS. 

Lafayette  Helm,  September  30,  ’62-  Died  Feb.  16,  ’63. 

Byron  Barrett,  March  15,  ’63.  M.  O.  June  7,  ’65. 

FIRST  SERGEANT. 

Barnett,  James  P-,  Aug.  11,  ’62.  Promoted  1st  Lieut. 


Landis,  D.  B.,  Aug.  18,  ’62. 

Davis,  William  B.,  Aug.  12,  ’62. 
Dovle,  Michael,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Burdick,  Z.  C-,  Aug.  12,  ’62. 


Smith,  William,  Aug.  11,  ’62. 
Rouse,  Oren  S.,  Aug.  12,  ’62. 
Kitrick,  Abe,  Aug.  14,  ’62. 
Bragg,  John  E.,  Aug-  12,  '62. 


Rea,  David,  Aug.  12,  ’62. 


SERGEANTS. 

Wounded ; transferred  to  V.  R.  C. 
September  15,  ’63. 

M.  O.  June  7,  ’65. 

M.  O.  June  7,  ’65. 

CORPORALS. 

M.  O.  June  7,  ’65,  as  Sergeant. 

M.  O.  June  7,  ’65,  as  Sergt. 

M.  O.  June  7,  ’65. 

M.  O.  June  7,  ’65. 

MUSICIAN. 

M.  O.  June  7,  ’65. 


WAGONER. 


Horton,  William  IL,  Aug.  12,  ’62. 


PRIVATES. 


Benton,  Charles  F.,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 

Brewer,  George  \V. , Aug.  6,  ’62. 
Bullard,  Charles  S.,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 
Bruce,  Joel,  Aug.  8,  62. 

Bruce,  George  W.,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 
Benton,  E.  L.,  Aug.  8,  ’62. 
Barnhart,  J.,  Aug.  10,  ’62. 

Burt,  Silas,  Aug.  2,  ’62. 

Clark,  Ira  E.,  Aug.  6,  62. 

Corn,  John  W,,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 

Cross,  Jacob,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 

Clark,  Charles  H.,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 
Carver,  M , Aug.  7,  ’62. 

Cox,  John  H.,  Aug.  7,  '62. 

Cross,  Israel  M.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Dickerson,  W.  H.,  Aug.  2,  ’62. 

Downey,  John  Aug.  6,  ’62. 

Danley,  F.  M.,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 

Douglas,  S.  A.,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 
Dunham,  L.  H.,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 
Eaton,  Michael,  Aug.  8,  ’62. 

French,  H.  W.,  Aug.  2,  ’62. 

Farnam,  M.  A.,  Aug.  2,  '62. 
Farnam,  Stephen,  Aug.  2,  ’62. 
Farnam,  Chester,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 

Farnam,  David,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 
Farnam,  Lindsay,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 

Free,  James,  Aug  6,  ’62. 

Fowler,  J.  W.,  Aug.  6,  ’61. 

Gooden,  Joseph,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 
Greeley,  M.,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 

Graham,  Thomas,  Aug.  7,  ’62. 

Gass,  E.  M.,  September  29,  ’62. 
Gepford,  W.  IL,  September  16,  ’62. 
Hornbeek,  S.  C.,  September  18,  ’62. 
Houser,  Geo.  W.,  September  18,  ’62. 
Houston,  William,  Aug.  2, ’62. 
Hunt,  William,  Aug.  2.  ’62. 
Holcomb,  Byron,  Aug.  2,  ’62. 

Hawk,  James  M„  Aug.  6,Y62. 
Hobbs,  Jacob  J.,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 
Havener.  Joseph,  Aug.  6,  ’62- 
Harrison,  Benjamin,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 

Hatchett,  John  II. , Aug.  6,  ’62. 
Jones,  Young  P.,  Aug.  7,  '62. 
Johnson,  F.  M.,  Aug.  6.  ’62. 

Jones,  William  G.,  Aug.  7,  ’62. 
Johnson,  E.  M.,  Aug.  7,  ’62. 

James,  J.  L.,  Aug.  8.  ’62. 

Kitch,  Solomon,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 

Kile,  Edward  M.,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 
Kelsey,  Harper,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 

Kile,  John  W.,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 

Land,  Moses,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 

Nelson,  Eli,  Aug.  7,  ’62. 

Pettit,  Geo.,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 

Parr,  James  IL,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 


Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Absent,  sick  at  muster  out  of  regi- 
ment. 

Absent,  sick  at  muster  out  of  regi- 
ment. 

M.  O.  June  7,  ’65. 

Absent,  sick,  at  M.  O.  of  regiment. 
Died  at  Young’s  Point,  Feb.  9,  ’63. 
Died  at  Decatur,  Aug.  31,  ’62. 

Died  on  hospital  boat,  March  18,  ’63. 
M.  O.  June  7,  ’65  ; prisoner  of  war. 

M.  O.  June  7,  ’65. 

Died  at  Decatur,  111.,  Nov.  6,  ’62. 

M.  O.  June  7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Died  at  Young’s  Point,  Feb.  11. 
Discharged  at  St.  Louis. 

Died  at  Young's  Point,  March  26,  ’63. 
Promoted  Corporal,  Sergeant,  and  1st 
Lieutenant. 

M.  O.  June  7,  ’65. 

Died  at  Young’s  Point,  March  5,  ’63. 
M.  O.  June  7,  ’65. 

Transferred  to  V.  R.  C.,  May  1,  ’64. 
Discharged  Nov.  25,  ’63. 

Transferred  to  Inv.  Corps,  September 
30,  ’63. 

M.  O.  June  7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65,  as  Sergeant. 
Corporal ; killed  at  Resaca,  Ga.,  May 
14,  ’64. 

M.  O.  June  7,  ’65. 

Absent,  sick  at  M.  O.  of  regiment. 

M.  O.  June  7,  ’65. 

Killed  at  Walnut  Hills,  Miss.,  May  19, 
’63. 

M.  O.  June  7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65,  as  Corporal. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Died  at  Memphis,  October  31,  ’63. 
Mustered  out,  June  7, ’65,  as  Corporal. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65,  as  Corporal. 
Killed  near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  July  22,  ’64. 
M.  O.  June  7,  ’65. 

Promoted  Sergeant  Major. 

M.  O.  June  7,  ’65,  as  Corporal. 
Sergeant;  died  July  30,  ’64;  wounds. 
M.  O.  June  7,  ’65. 

Died  at  Camp  Butler,  February  24, 
’64. 

M.  O.  June  7,  ’65;  Sergeant. 


Absent,  sick  at  M.  O.  of  regt. 

Died  at  Decatur,  111.,  Oct.  16,  ’63. 
Discharged,  June  14,  ’63. 

M.  O.  June  7,  ’65,  as  Corporal. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Died  at  Memphis,  Aug.  5,  ’63. 

M.  O.  June  7,  ’65. 

Died  at  Cherry  Grove,  111.,  Novemb’r 
25,  ’63. 

Disch’d  February  8,  ’65  ; disability. 
Died  near  Dallas,  Ga>,  May  31,  ’64. 
Died  at  Y’ng’s  Point,  March  2,  ’63. 


Andrews,  Elijah,  September  28,  ’62. 
Andrews,  Elias,  September  28,  ’62. 
Barret,  M.  L.,  Aug.  14,  ’62. 

Barrett,  Charles,  September  14,  ’62. 
Brooks,  William,  Aug.  12,  ’62. 
Baird,  Joseph  C.,  Aug.  12,  ’62. 
Cotterell,  Thomas,  August  12,  ’62. 
Crissey,  William  E.,  . Aug.  12,  ’62. 
Dickey,  William  W.,  Aug.  15,  ’62. 
Dickey,  D.  A.,  Sept.  9,  ’62. 

Fry,  William,  September  9,  ’62. 


Promoted  Principal  Musician. 

Died  at  Young’s  Point  Feb.  22,  ’63. 
Discharged  March  31,  ’63. 

M.  O.  June  7,  ’65. 

Promoted  Com.  Sergeant. 

Killed  at  Atlanta,  Ga.,  July  22,  ’64. 
Corporal;  killed  at  Atlanta,  Ga.,  July 
22,  ’64. 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS 


99 


Fuller,  Lafayette,  September  29,  ’62. 
Gant,  Jackson,  September  11,  ’62. 

Higgins,  Jno.  T.,  Aug.  14,  ’62. 
Howell,  Brice,  Aug.  12,  ’62. 

Howell,  Lewis,  Aug.  15,  ’62. 

Hoots,  Alexander,  Aug.  12,  ’62. 
Helm,  John  S.,  Aug.  IS,  ’62. 

Harper,  C.  R.,  Aug.  11,  ’62 
Hooker,  William  C.,  Aug.  15,  ’62. 
Huston,  Servantus,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 
Hunsley,  C.  E.,  Aug.  14,  ’62. 
Henson,  J.,  Aug.  20,  ’62. 

Hanks,  Dunham,  Aug.  12,  ’62. 
Kemp,  Isaac,  Aug.  12,  ’62. 

Kemp,  Philip,  Aug.  15,  ’62. 

Lyons,  William,  Aug.  12,  ’62. 
Lickliter,  G.  W.,  September  29,  ’62. 
Lukens,  John,  Aug.  14,  ’62. 

Latham,  Henry,  Aug.  2,  ’62. 

Moore,  David,  Aug.  20,  ’62. 

Moore,  William,  Aug.  15,  ’62. 
Mohannah,  H.,  Aug.  11,  ’62. 

Mott,  George  W.,  September  11,  ’62. 

Rosa,  S.  W.,  Aug.  12,  62. 

Rhodes,  William  II.,  Sept.  18,  ’62. 
Smith,  A L.,  Aug.  12,  ’62. 

Smith,  William  C-,  Aug  21,  ’62. 
Shupp,  Samuel,  Aug.  26,  ’62. 

Shasted,  William  E.,  Aug.  14,  ’62. 
Smith,  T.  W.,  Aug.  11,  ’62. 
Startsman,  L.,  Aug.  18,  ’62. 

Secrist,  William,  Aug.  12,  ’62. 
Smith,  John  W.,  September  18,  ’62. 
Schmitz,  M.,  September  13,  ’62. 
Spear,  William,  Aug.  14,  ’62. 
Troxell,  John  A.,  Aug.  14,  ’62. 
Willett,  Jas.  L.,  Aug  12,  ’62. 
Williams,  L.  A.,  Aug.  17,  ’62. 

Wheeler,  Wesley,  Aug.  12,  ’62. 


Absent,  sick  at  M.  O.  of  regiment. 
Died  at  Memphis,  Tenn.,  October  10, 
’63. 

Detached  at  M.  O.  of  regiment. 


M.  O.  June  7,  ’65,  as  Corporal. 
M.  O.  June  7,  ’65. 

Died  Jan.  12,  ’65;  wounds. 

Died  at  Memphis,  March  30,  ’63. 
M.  O.  June  7,  ’65. 

M.  O.  June  7,  ’65. 

M.  O.  June  7,  ’65. 


M.  O.  June  7,  ’65,  as  SergeantT-' 
Absent,  sick,  at  M.  O.  of  regiment. 
Died  at  Memphis  May  1,  ’63. 

M.  O.  June  7,  ’65;  wounded. 

M.  O.  June  7,  ’65. 

M.  O.  June  7,  ’65. 

M.  0-  June  7,  ’65. 

Discharged  Feb.  18,  ’65,  as  sergeant; 
wounds. 

Discharged  March  11,  ’63. 

Discharged  December  18,  ’62. 

Died  at  Young’s  Point,  Jan.  27,  ’63. 
1st  Sergeant ; absent,  sick  at  muster 
out  of  regiment. 

Died  at  Y'oung’s  Point  Feb.  20,  ’63. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Died  at  Mound  City,  111,  Aug.  1,  ’63. 
Discharged  September  12,  ’63. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Discharged  March  3,  ’65. 

Transferred  to  V.  R.  C.  June  15,  ’63. 
M.  O.  June  7,  ’65,  as  Corporal. 
Transferred  to  V.  R.  C.,  December  15, 
’63. 

Discharged  June  6,  ’63. 


COMPANY  “ H.” 


CAPTAINS. 

J.  L.  Dobson,  September  30,  ’62.  Resigned  June  13,  ’63. 

John  P.  Lamb,  June  13,  ’63.  Resigned  December  22,  ’64. 

Charles  P.  Essick,  April  20,  ’65.  Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANTS. 

Isom  Simmons,  April  28,  ’63.  Killed  December  22,  ’64. 

Jas.  Goodwin,  April  20,  ’65.  Mustered  out  June  7,t’65’ 

SECOND  LIEUTENANTS. 

The.  Short,  September  20,  ’62.  Died  Feb.  6,  ’63. 

William  W.  Winn,  June  7.  Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

MUSICIAN. 

Robinson,  Joseph,  September  18,  ’62.  Transferred  to  Inv.  Corps  Dec.  17,  ’63. 

PRIVATE. 

Sollars,  Charles,  September  10,  ’62. 

RECRUIT. 

Bacon,  George  W.,  Feb.  28,  ’64.  Transferred  to  Co.  F,  55th  Illinois 

Infantry. 

COMPANY  “i.” 


CAPTAINS. 

Lriah  P.  Forbes,  September  30, ’62.  Resigned,  April  25,  ’63. 

John  F.  Bishop,  April  25,  ’63.  Resigned  March  30,  ’64;  was  1st  lieut. 

Isaac  N.  Martin,  March  16,  ’64.  Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65  ; was  1st  lieut. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT, 

Fred.  Schwab,  March  13,  ’64.  Mustered  out  June  7,  '65. 


SECOND  LIEUTENANTS. 

Irwin  Miller,  September  30,  ’62.  Dismissed  Jan.  19,  ’65. 
Joshua  K.  Carr,  June  7.  Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 


Sheppard,  F.  M.,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 
Carr,  Joshua  K.,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 

Workheiser,  E.,  Aug.  14,  ’62. 
Phillips,  W.  H„  Aug.  22,  ’62. 


SERGEANTS. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65,  as  private. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65  as  1st  sergt.; 
com.  2d  lieut. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65,  as  private. 
Priv. ; detached  at  muster  out  of  regt 


Carter,  J.  E.,  Aug.  8,  ’62. 

Martin,  George,  Aug.  12,  ’62. 
Hammond,  J.  II.,  August  14, ’62. 
Schuh,  Peter,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 
Kingsberry,  Asa,  Aug.  8,  ’62. 
Scott,  John,  Aug.  14,  ’62. 
Mendenhall,  G.  W.,  Aug.  8,  ’62. 

Whelan,  Henry,  Aug.  22,  ’62. 


Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65,  as  private. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65,  as  sergeant. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65,  as  private. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Absent,  sick  at  muster.out  of  regiment, 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65,  as  private. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65  ; war  pris’r. 


MUSICIAN. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 


PRIVATES. 

Died  on  hospital  boat  March  15,  ’63. 
Died  on  hospital  boat  March  15, ’63. 


Art,  Joseph,  Aug.  12,  '62. 

Barth,  Jacob,  Aug.  22,  ’62. 

Bratz,  Aug.  14,  ’62. 

Bailey,  G.  C.,  Aug.  18,  ’62. 

Barnett,  Samuel,  September  27,  ’62. 
Conaley,  M.  C.,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 

Collins,  E.  R.,  Aug.  8,  ’62. 

Cline,  Henry,  Aug.  15,  ’62. 

Cothen,  Cors,  Aug.  14,  ’62. 

Church,  Geo.  W.,  Aug.  11,  ’62. 

Drain,  Joseph,  Aug.  22,  ’62. 

Enkie,  John  Q.,  Aug.  14,  ’62. 

Ebert,  Henry,  Aug.  14,  ’62. 

Fry,  Michael,  Aug.  8,  ’62. 

Flaherty,  J.  J.,  Aug.  13,  ‘62. 

Folk,  Henry,  Aug.  16,  '62. 

Flaherty,  M„  Aug.  27,  ’62. 

Fulk,  John  W.,  Aug.  22,  ’62. 

Fry,  John,  Aug.  22,  ’62. 

Guthrie,  David,  Aug.  14,  ’62. 

Guthrie,  William  S.,  Aug.  14,  ’62. 
Gehrt,  Ferd.,  Aug.  21,  ’62. 

Garver,  Daniel  H.,  September  19,  ’62. 
Gloden,  Michael. 

Goodpasture,  J.,  Aug.  9.,  ’62. 

Hammond,  T.  R.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Hoff,  Michael,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Harris,  Henry,  Aug.  22,  ’62. 

Heinold,  Andrew,  Aug.  12,  ’62. 
Herrindeen,  O.,  September  27,  ’62. 
Jenkins,  S.  T.,  Sept.  10,  62. 

Keller,  Mathias,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Kitchen,  J.  B.,  Aug.  12,  ’62. 

Koehler,  Ernest,  Aug.  12,  ’62. 

Latch,  J.,jr.,  Aug.  8,  ’62. 

Latch,  Geo.  B.,  Aug.  8,  ’62. 

Latch,  Theo.  R.,  Aug.  8,  62. 
Morganthall,  J.,  Aug.  8,  62. 

Martin,  John,  Aug.  14,  ’62. 

Miller,  Alex.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 

Miles,  Samuel,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 

Mang,  John,  Sept.  26,  ’62. 

Miller,  Henry  S.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Morrell,  Andrew,  Aug.  14,  ’62. 
Mendenha,  H.  Aug.  20,  ’62. 

Nier,  Fred.,  Aug.  12,  ’62. 

Odle,  Wm„  Aug.  12,  ’62. 

Reynolds,  S.  V.,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 

Smith,  Yah,  Aug.  14,  ’62. 

Smoot,  M.  A.,  Aug.  14,  ’62. 
Strickland,  Jos.,  Aug.  15,  ’62. 
Shinnaman,  II.,  Aug.  19,  ’62. 

Stumpff,  John,  Aug  19,  62. 

Smith,  Fred.,  Aug.  22,  ’62. 

Smith,  E.,  Sept.  13.  ’62. 

Tool,  Geo.,  Aug.  22,  ’62. 

Yogle,  Philip  A.,  Aug.  14,  ’62. 

Veail,  David,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 

Witt,  Michael,  Aug.  29,  ’62. 
Westerhaver,  H.,  Aug.  8,  ’62. 

Y"ounger,  Josiah,  Aug.  12,  ’62. 
Younger,  J.  Q.,Aug.  14,  ’62. 

Young,  Wm.i  Aug.  12,  ’62. 


Died  at  Young’s  Point,  La.,  Feb.  22,  63. 
Mustered  out  June  ’7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65,  as  corporal. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65,  as  sergt. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Transferred  to  Co.  A,  55th  111.  Infantry. 
Discharged  May  5,  ’65;  disability. 
Discharged  April  8,  ’63;  disability. 
Sergeant;  absent,  sick  at  muster  out  of 
regiment. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65,  as  corporal. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Absent,  sick  at  muster  out  of  regiment. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65  ; was  prisoner. 
Died  at  Young’s  Point,  La.,  Jan.  29,  ’63. 
Transferred  to  Co.  A,  55th  111.  Infantry. 
Mustered  out  June  7, ’65. 

Died  at  Young’s  Point,  Feb.  9,  ’63. 
Absent,  sick  at  muster  out  of  regiment. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65  as  corporal. 
Discharged  Oct.  9,  ’62 ; writ  habeas 
corpus. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65,  as  sergeant. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65,  as  corporal. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Died  at  Quincy,  111.  March  25,  ’65. 
Died  on  hospital  boat  March  13. 
Discharged  Jan.  24,  ’63  ; disability. 
Died  at  Quincy,  111.,  Oct.  25,  ’63. 
Discharged  March  27,  ’63  ; disability. 
Died  at  Chattanooga,  Tenn.,  Feb.  19,  ’64. 


Absent  sick,  at  muster  out  of  reg. 

Killed  at  Resaca,  Ga  , May  14,  ’64. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Discharged  Sept.  2,  ’63  ; disability. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Killed  at  Arkansas  Post  Jan.  11,  ’63. 
Discharged  March  6,  ’63 ; disability. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  '65. 

Discharged  March  11,  ’63;  disability. 
Died  at  Decatur  Oct.  8,  ’62. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Died  on  steamer  Planet  Feb.  18,  ’63. 
Died  at  Evansville  Jan.  10,  ’65. 

Died  at  St.  Louis  March  4,  ’63. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65,  ascorp. 

Trans,  to  V.  R.  C.,  May  1,  ’64. 
Discharged  May  22,  ’63  ; disability. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Wagoner ; absent,  sick  at  muster  out 
of  regiment 

Corp. ; killed  at  Vicksburg  July  2,  ’63. 
Discharged  March  28,  63  ; disability. 
Corporal ; absent,  wounded,  at  muster 
out  of  regiment. 


RECRUIT. 

Miller,  Wm.  H.,  Aug.  12,  ’62.  Trans,  to  Co.  A,  55th  111.  Inf. 

COMPANY  “ K.” 


CAPTAINS. 

John  E.  Maddox,  Sept,  30,  ’62.  Promoted  Lieut.  Col. 

Jas.  H.  Glore,  June  15,  ’64.  Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65 ; was  1st  and 

2d  lieut. 


CORPORALS. 

Vermillion,  M.,  Aug.  14, ’62.  Priv.;  died  Larkinsville,  Ala.,  Feb. 

4,  ’64. 


FIRST  LIEUTENANTS. 

John  S.  Windsor,  Sept.  30,  ’62.  Promoted  Captain  Co.  E. 

Jos.  D.  Mackey,  June  15,  ’64.  Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 


100 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


SECOND  LIEUTENANTS. 


N.  W.  Wheeler,  Sept.  30,  ’62. 
H.  G.  Eppler,  June  7. 


Killed  March  19,  '63;  siege  of  Vicks- 
burg. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 


Green,  G.  W.,  July  17,  ’62, 
McCann,  Thos. 

Dermot,  Jas.,  July  9,  ’63. 


SERGEANTS. 

Absent,  sick  at  muster  out  of  reg. 

Died  at  Milliken’s  Bend,  La.,  May,  8, 

’63. 

Discharged  March  20,  ’64,  as  private. 


Shields,  John,  Aug.  15,  ’62. 
Shoemaker,  David,  Aug.  8,  ’62. 
Shaw,  Henry,  July  15,  ’62. 
Smith,  C.  R-,  July  25,  ’62. 

See,  William,  Aug.  27,  ’62. 
Terri  1,  David  B.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Vest,  Toliver,  July  17,  ’62. 
Wannell,  Jas.  W-,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Wallace,  David, Aug.  12,  ’62. 
Wood,  Jas.  W.,  Aug.  18,  ’62. 


Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7, ’65. 
Discharged  April  15,  ’63. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 
Discharged  April  10,  ’63. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65,  as  corp. 
Com.  in  2d  Miss.  Colored  Inf. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Died  at  Young’s  Point  Jan.  31,  ’63. 


Tedroe,  Wm.  L .,  July  26,  ’62. 
Stackhouse,  John,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 
Purtroff,  John,  July  29,  ’62. 
Young,  J.  J.  H , July  14,  ’62. 
Harbour,  M.  V.,  Aug.  14,  ’62. 

Thompson,  Wm  , Aug.  14,  ’62. 
Herrin,  John,  Aug.  14,  ’62. 
Griffin,  Wm.  T.,  Aug.  6,  62. 

McIntyre,  Dan  , Aug.  15,  ’62- 
Berickman,  B.  C.,  Aug.  19,  ’62. 


CORPORALS. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65  ; was  prisoner. 
• Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Died  at  Mound  City  Sept.  7,  ’63. 
Discharged  April  11,  ’63. 

Sergeant ; absent,  wounded  at  muster 
out  of  regiment. 

Absent,  sick  at  muster  out  of  reg. 

Died  at  Young’s  Point  May  24,  '63. 


MUSICIANS. 

Discharged  July  3,  ’64. 


WAGONER. 


Young,  Wm.,  Aug.  6,  ’62.  Absent,  sick  at  muster  out  of  regiment. 

PRIVATES. 


Ater,  Geo.,  Aug.  7,  ’62. 

Ashberry,  J.  W-,  Aug.  24,  62. 

Brewer,  W.  J.,  Aug.  14,  ’62. 

Burt,  G.  W.,  Aug.  15,  ’62. 

Baird,  C.  M , July  25,  ’62. 

Badger,  James,  July  22,  ’62. 
Brooks,  Jasper,  Aug.  24.  ’62. 
Brooks,  R.  K.,  Aug.  24,  ’62. 
Chafin,  Amos,  Aug.  15,  ’62. 
Coleman  Adam,  Aug,  15,  ’62. 
Clarke,  Michael,  Aug.  28,  ’62. 
Carr,  Clark.  Aug.  22,  ’62. 

Clay,  Wm.,  Aug.  2,  ’62. 

Collins,  Naaman,  Aug.  8,  ’62. 

Cook,  N.  T.,  July  15,  ’62. 

Clark,  Hugh,  July  22.  ’62. 

Cox.  Jerome,  Aug.  8,  ’62. 

Chafin,  Joseph,  Aug.  25,  ’62. 
Debov,  George,  Aug.  13,  ’62. 

Devore,  Benj.,  Aug.  9,  ’62. 
Eldridge,  B.,  Aug.  19,  ’62. 

Epler,  Hiram. 

Follis,  Levi,  Aug.  11.  ’62. 

Follis,  Alex.,  Aug.  11,  ’62. 

Fry,  Jesse,  Aug.  7, ’62. 

Gingle,  Andrew,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 

Hunter,  J.  S.,  Aug.  15,  ’62. 

Hix,  Richard,  Aug.  27,  ’62. 
Hampshire,  Wm,  Aug.  22, ’62. 
Herrold,  J.  A.,  Aug.  22,  ’62. 

Hegar,  or  Haaka,  II.,  Aug.  28, ’62. 

Heck,  John,  Aug.  2,  ’62. 

Holder,  Wm.,  Aug.  1,  ’62. 

James,  Jacob,  Aug.  11,  ’62. 

James,  Daniel,  Aug.  11,  ’62. 
Johnson,  J.,  Aug.  25,  ’62. 

Jones,  J.,  Aug.  2,  ’62. 

Kimberland,  J.  A.,  Aug.  15,  ’62. 
Luster,  Wm.,  Aug.  11,  ’62. 

Leigh,  G.  W.,  Aug.  2,  ’62. 

Mattox,  Maley,  Aug.  14,  ’62. 
McGloughlin,  M.,  Aug.  6,  ’62. 
Murphy,  Patrick,  Aug.  20,  ’62. 
McCantus,  Owen,  Aug.  22,  ’62. 
Maples,  Jacob,  Aug.  15,  ’62. 
McCune,  Wm.,  Aug.  22,  ’62. 
O’Neil,  John,  Aug.  25,  ’62. 
Poindexter,  S-  II.,  Aug.  22,  ’62. 
Poyner,  S.,  Aug.  16,  ’62. 

Turkey,  David,  Aug.  7,  ’62. 

Ryan,  James,  Aug.  15,  ’62. 

Reed,  J.  W.,  Aug.  8,  ’62. 

Reed,  T.  J.,  Aug.  22,  ’62. 

Staines,  Daniel,  Aug.  15,  ’62. 


Trans  to  Inv.  Corps  Sept.  1,  63. 
Corporal ; died  at  Rome,  Ga.,  Sept.  9, 
’64 ; wounds. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Transferred  to  Invalid  Corps  Jan.  17, 
’64. 

Died  at  Young’s  Point  Feb.  23, ’63. 
Absent,  sick  at  muster  out  of  regiment. 
Died  at  Young’s  Point  Feb.  3,  ’63. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65,  as  sergeant. 


Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65,  as  sergeant. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Discharged  July  1,  ’63. 

Died  at  Atlanta,  Ga.,  July  25,  ’64; 
wounds. 

Died  at  Decatur  Nov.  18,  ’63. 

Absent,  sick  at  muster  out  of  regiment. 
Mustered  out  June,  7,  ’65,  as  sergeant. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Died  on  hospital  boat  May  23,  ’63. 
Discharged  January  8,  ’65. 

Missing  since  May  31,  ’65;  supposed 
insane. 

Discharged  May  6,  ’65,  as  corporal.  ] 
Died  on  hospital  boat  Jan.  31,  ’63. 
Absent,  sick  at  muster  out  of  reg. 
Transferred  to  Invalid  Corps  Sept.  30, 
’63. 

Died  at  Big  Shanty  June  23,  ’64  ; 
wounds. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Died  at  Chattanooga  June  14,  ’64. 
Killed  near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  July  22,  ’64. 
Died  at  St.  Louis  July  20,  ’63. 

Died  at  Decatur  Nov.  25,  ’62. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Died  at  Memphis  Nov.  26,  ’62. 

Corp.;  died  at  Young’s  Point  Feb.  1, ’63. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  ’65. 

Discharged  Dec.  4,  ’63. 

Absent,  sick  at  muster  out  of  reg. 
Absent,  sick  at  muster  out  of  reg. 
Discharged  Sept.  29,  ’63. 

Absent,  sick  at  muster  out  of  reg. 

Died  at  Pana,  111.,  June  20,  ’64. 
Transferred  to  Invalid  Corps  Sept.  1,  ’63. 
Sergeant ; died  at  Big  Shanty,  Ga.,  July 
17,  ’64 ; wounded. 

Died  at  Keokuk,  Iowa,  Oct.  5,  ’63. 
Died  at  Young’s  Point  Feb.  11,  ’63. 
Died  at  Young’s  Point  Feb.  7,  ’63. 


Died  at  Memphis  March  21,  ’63. 
Died  at  Memphis  Jan.  31,  ’63. 


RECRUITS. 

Chappin,  E.  C.,  Nov.  3,  ’62.  Killed  at  Resaca,  Ga.,  May  14,  ’64. 

Dobson,  John. 

Hines,  Wm.,  Feb.  15,  ’64. 

Richardson,  Isaac.  Died  at  Camp  Butler  March  26,  ’64. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

ECCLESIASTICAL  HISTORY. 

THE  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH. 

\ BY  REV.  W.  H.  PRESTLEY. 

REVIOUS  to  the  year  1852,  Presbyterianism  of  the 
Calvinistic  type  in  Macon  county,  was  represented  only 
by  families,  in  the  majority  of  instances,  widely  sepa- 
rated. We  find  no  trace  up  to  that  period  of  any 
church  organization  of  this  type  within  the  limits  of  the 
county:  though  there  can  be  no  doubt  but  that  missionaries  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  had  traversed  this  field,  and  preached  in 
various  localities,  in  school-houses  and  in  private  families.  The 
first  church  organization  in  the  county  was  at  Decatur,  and  was 
effected  in  the  spring  of  the  year  1852;  its  history  being  as  follows: 

FIRST  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH  OF  DECATUR,  ILLS. 

This  church  was  organized  in  the  house  of  Mr.  Samuel  Powers, 
on  the  first  day  of  May,  1852,  by  the  Rev.  Robert  H.  Lilly,  who 
had  been  appointed  a committee  for  this  purpose  by  the  Presbytery 
of  Palestine,  (O.  S.),  and  was  received  under  the  care  of  this  pres- 
bytery, on  the  fifth  day  of  October  of  the  same  year,  at  its  meeting 
at  Lawrenceville,  Ills.  The  members  enrolled  at  the  time  of  the 
organization  were  the  following  : 

Mr.  David  Hopkins,  Catharine  his  wife,  and  Miss  Lydia  his 
daughter.  Nancy  Eager,  Mrs.  Mary  Leiby,  Agues  McCormick, 
John  Nicholson  and  Julia  his  wife,  Robert  Maffitt  and  Elizabeth 
his  wife.  Of  this  number  Mr.  David  Hopkins  was  elected  and 
installed  the  first  Ruling  Elder.  Under  the  appointment  of  the 
“ Board  of  Domestic  Missions,”  the  Rev-  Augustus  F.  Pratt  minis- 
tered to  this  church  for  the  term  of  one  year.  As  the  fruits  of  his 
ministrations,  seven  members  were  added  to  the  church.  He  was 
succeeded  by  the  Rev.  David  Monfort,  who  remained  in  charge  of 
the  church  until  the  month  of  October,  1854.  During  his  ministry, 
Messrs.  D.  Frederick  and  Dr.  J.  Roberts,  were  elected,  ordained  and 
installed  Ruling  Elders,  March  the  12th  of  that  year.  In  the 
month  of  September,  the  same  year,  by  order  of  the  General  As- 
sembly, this  church  was  transferred  from  the  care  of  the  Presbytery 
of  Palestine,  and  received  under  the  care  of  the  Presbytery  of  San- 
gamon. Under  the  ministry  of  Mr.  Monfort  twenty-four  members 
were  added  to  the  church.  In  the  month  of  November,  the  same 
year,  Rev.  Erastus  W.  Thayer,  by  invitation,  took  oharge  of  the 
church,  and  remained  as  stated  supply  till  the  spring  of  1857,  the 
membership  under  his  ministrations  being  increased  by  the  addi- 
tion of  twenty-two  persons.  At  a congregational  meeting,  held 
April  12th,  1857,  Rev.  P.  D.  Young  was  invited  to  supply  the 


CH R ISTI A N . 


STAPPS  CHA  PPL  . 


PR  PS  BYT  E P /A  A/  . 


BAPTIST. 


Some  of  the  prominent  Church  Buildings  in  Decatur  III 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


101 


church  for  one  year,  from  the  first  of  May,  prox  During  his  minis- 
try some  sixteen  members  were  added  to  the  church.  In  the 
month  of  June,  1858,  Rev.  T.  M.  Oviatt  was  invited  as  a supply 
for  one  year:  and  in  the  spring  of  the  year  following  was  unani- 
mously elected  the  first  regular  pastor  of  this  church.  In  the 
month  of  November  of  this  year,  Messrs.  Thomas  Lewis  and  S.  C. 
Roberts  were  elected  and  installed  Ruling  Eiders.  Rev.  Oviatt’s 
ministry  continued  till  the  spring  of  1864,  when  the  pastoral  rela- 
tion was  dissolved  by  presbytery.  The  six  years  during  which  this 
pastorate  continued  were  prosperous  years  with  this  church,  there 
being  added  to  the  membership  one  hundred  and  thirty-four 
persons.  In  the  meantime  Messrs.  Orlando  Powers  and  S.  G. 
Malone  were  elected,  ordained  and  installed  Ruling  Elders. 

At  a meeting  of  Sangamon  Presbytery,  held  at  Centre,  Ills., 
Sept.  29th,  1863,  a unanimous  call  was  presented  by  this  church  to 
Rev.  D.  C.  Marquis,  a licentiate,  to  become  their  pastor.  This 
■“call”  being  accepted  by  him,  at  a meeting  of  Presbytery  held  at 
Decatur  in  the  month  of  November  following,  he  was  ordained  and 
installed  as  pastor  of  the  church.  This  pastoral  relation  continued 
till  the  month  of  June,  1866.  Mr.  Marquis  tendering  his  resigna- 
tion, it  was  dissolved  by  the  Presbytery.  During  this  pastorate, 
Messrs.  D.  C.  Brown  and  Geo.  E.  Morehouse  were  elected  and 
installed  Ruling  Elders,  and  one  hundred  and  ten  members  were 
added  to  the  church. 

In  the  month  of  July,  1867,  a call  was  extended  by  the  church 
to  Rev.  Samuel  Conn,  a licentiate,  and  on  Sabbath,  the  twenty- 
first  of  the  same  month,  he  was  ordained  and  installed  as  pastor. 
This  pastoral  relation  continued  till  the  month  of  Sept.,  1868, 
when  on  account  of  ill  health,  Mr.  Conn  resigned,  and  Presbytery 
dissolved  the  relation.  There  was  an  increase  during  this  year  of 
some  nineteen  persons  to  the  membership  of  the  church.  It  was 
during  the  ministry  of  Mr.  Conn  that  the  Second  Church  of  Deca- 
tur was  organized,  when  forty-two  members  of  the  First  Church 
entered  into  that  organization. 

Subsequently  to  the  resignation  of  Mr.  Conn,  the  Rev.  John 
Brown,  D.  D.,  supplied  the  church  for  several  months,  when  in  the 
month  of  June,  1869,  the  congregation  extended  a call  to  Mr.  J.  E. 
Moffat,  a licentiate,  to  become  their  pastor;  which  being  accepted 
by  him,  he  was  ordained  and  installed  pastor  on  Sabbath,  the  13th  of 
the  same  month.  Under  the  ministry  of  this  pastor,  sixty-one 
members  were  added  to  the  church,  and  Messrs.  T.  H.  Allin  and  R. 
P.  Lytle  were  elected  and  installed  Ruling  Elders.  This  pastoral 
relation  continued  some  four  years,  and  was  dissolved  by  action  of 
the  Presbytery,  to  take  effect  June  30th,  1873.  Towards  the  close 
of  this  pastorate  the  First  and  Second  Churches  were  united,  the 
two  Sessions  forming  the  Session  of  the  re-united  church. 

At  the  meeting  of  Presbytery  held  at  Mason  City,  April  15th, 
1874,  this  church  presented  a call  to  Rev.  Robert  Mackenzie  to 
become  their  pastor,  which  he  accepted,  and  was  duly  installed 
pastor  of  the  church.  This  pastorate  lasted  a few  months  over  two 
years,  being  dissolved  May  17th,  1876.  During  the  ministry  of  Mr. 
Mackenzie  in  this-  church,  some  ninety  members  were  added. 
The  church  adopted  the  term-service  eldership,  and  Mr.  Reuben 
Nims  was  elected  and  installed  Ruling  Elder. 

At  the  autumn  meeting  of  Presbytery,  held  in  North  Sangamon, 
Sept.  26th,  1876,  this  church  presented  a call  to  Rev.  AV.  H. 
Prestley  to  become  their  pastor.  This  call  being  accepted  by  him, 
he  entered  on  the  work  of  the  pastorate  the  first  Sabbath  of  the 
following  November,  and  was  duly  installed  the  last  Sabbath  of 
June,  1877.  This  pastoral  relation,  at  the  present  writing,  contin- 
ues, during  which  there  have  been  one  hundred  and  ten  persons 
added  to  the  membership  of  the  Church. 


Thus,  this  Church,  which  twenty-eight  years  previously  had  been 
organized  with  ten  members  and  one  Ruling  Elder,  numbers  to-day 
some  three  hundred  members,  and  a session  of  six  Ruling  Elders; 
viz.:  Messrs.  R.  P.  Lytle,  J.  II.  Lewis,  Reuben  Nims,  AV.  R. 
Scruggs,  R.  C.  Crocker  and  D.  II.  Heilman  ; and  full  boards  of 
deacons  and  trustees.  In  connection  with  this  Church  there  is  a 
large,  influential  Sabbath  School,  supplied  with  an  efficient  corps  of 
teachers,  and  superintended  by  Mr.  AAf.  T.  AVells.  This  school, 
from  its  own  contributions,  has,  for  the  last  two  years,  been  support- 
ing a missionary  among  the  Chinese. 

This  Church,  at  the  time  of  its  organization,  was  destitute  of  a 
church  edifice,  and  worshipped  first,  in  the  old  court-house ; then, 
in  Masonic  Hall;  afterwards  in  a new  building,  belonging  to  Dr. 
Roberts,  on  east  Main  street;  and  finally  the  present  church  edifice 
on  Prairie  street  was  commenced,  and  the  basement  being  completed, 
was  occupied  as  a place  of  worship  by  the  congregation  from  the 
summer  of  1856  to  that  of  1859,  when  they  entered  the  main 
audience  chamber,  and  the  building  was  dedicated  to  the  worship 
of  God. 

FIRST  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH  OF  MAROA. 

The  next  organization  of  a Presbyterian  Church  in  the  county, 
was  that  of  Maroa.  This  organization  was  effected  by  Rev.  A.  T. 
Norton,  on  the  thirtieth  day  of  January,  1859,  and  was  taken  under 
the  care  of  the  Illinois  Presbytery.  (N.  S.,)  in  the  month  of  April 
of  that  year.  Previous  to  this  date  occasional  religious  services 
were  held,  according  to  the  mode  of  worship  observed  by  the  Pres- 
byterians, at  the  station  house  of  the  Illinois  Central  Railroad, 
located  at  that  point.  In  the  month  of  November,  1854,  (as  we 
learn  from  a Manual  of  this  Church,  published  in  the  year  1868, 
and  to  which  we  are  indebted  for  much  of  the  data  of  this  article,) 
Mr.  John  Crocker,  of  Jacksonville,  Illinois,  having  been  appointed 
the  agent  of  the  Illinois  Central  Railroad  company  at  this  place, 
moved  with  his  family  into  the  station  house,  the  then  only  habita- 
ble house  in  the  neighborhood.  Mr.  Crocker  and  his  wife,  being 
members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  were  not  disposed  to  live  in 
their  new  home  without  the  ministration  of  religious  ordinances, 
and  it  was  through  their  active  endeavors  that  the  Church  at 
Maroa  was  finally  organized.  The  first  sermon  ever  preached  at 

this  place  was  by  the  Rev. AVilson,  an  Old  School  Presbyterian 

minister,  of  Clinton,  Illinois.  He  was  followed  by  the  Rev.  A.  T. 
Norton,  a minister  of  the  New  School  Presbyterian  Church.  In 
the  year  1857,  we  find  the  prospect  for  the  organization  of  a Pres- 
byterian Church  growing  brighter,  in  that  during  the  summer  of 
this  year,  Rev.  P.  D.  Young,  supply  pastor  of  the  first  Presbyterian 
Church  of  Decatur,  had  so  arranged  as  to  preach  at  Maroa  once  in 
two  weeks.  During  this  and  the  following  year  there  had  been  a 
steady  growth  of  the  town,  and  several  Presbyterian  families  had 
located  here  and  in  the  immediate  vicinity.  This  was  encouraging 
to  those  cherishing  the  hope  of  organizing  a Church.  At  the  begin- 
ning of  the  year  1859  this  hope  was  realized  ; an  organization  being 
effected,  Sabbath,  January  30,  1858,  by  the  Rev.  A.  T.  Norton,  the 
“ District  Secretary  of  Church  Extension  and  Home  Missions  for 
the  AVest,”  and  the  young  Church  taken  under  the  care  of  the 
Presbytery  of  Illinois,  (N.  S.,)  at  its  session  at  Carrollton,  in  the 
month  of  April  of  that  year,  This  was  the  first  New  School  Pres- 
byterian Church  organized  in  Macon  county,  and  at  the  date  of  its 
organization  consisted  of  the  following  members  : John  Crocker 
and  his  wife,  Mary  Neal,  their  daughter  Abbie,  and  son  Rufus  C. ; 
Mrs.  Harriet  L.  Garver,  Mrs.  Sophia  L.  Lyons,  Mrs.  Sarah  Craw- 
ford, M.  F.  Howard,  Mrs.  Maria  B.  Howard,  Mrs.  Mary  Bassett, 
Tyler  Kittridge,  Mrs.  Laura  Hilt,  James  McCann,  Jr.  Mrs.  Jane 


102 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


McCann,  James  McCann,  Sr.,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  McCann,  Miss  Ellen 
McCann,  Marvin  Humphreys,  Mrs.  Mary  Humphreys,  W.  W. 
Howard,  Mrs.  Candace  Howard,  H.  E.  Hobert,  Mrs.  Lydia  Hobert, 
Miss  Mary  Bassett.  Of  this  number,  Messrs.  John  Crocker  and 
James  McCann,  Jr.,  were  elected  and  ordained  Ruling  Elders  on 
the  same  day  as  the  organization  of  the  Church. 

This  young  organization,  for  the  next  five  years,  had  only  occa- 
sional ministrations  of  word  and  ordinances,  Rev. McMurray,  of 

Cerro  Gordo,  supplying  the  pulpit  every  alternate  Sabbath  for  three 

months;  Rev. Walton,  of  Pana,  every  alternate  Sabbath  for  six 

months ; and  following  these  Rev. Dunn,  of  Winona,  every 

alternate  Sabbath  for  five  months.  During  the  year  1860  the 
Church  was  strengthened  by  the  addition  of  eleven  members  and 
the  session  by  the  election  of  Mr.  Peleg  Kent,  who  had  been  previ- 
ously ordained  an  elder.  For  the  next  three  years  there  was  no 
increase  in  membership.  In  the  month  of  April,  1864,  Rev.  Aratus 
Kent,  of  Galena,  Illinois,  the  great  pioneer  missionary  of  the  north- 
west, and  one  of  the  oldest  members  of  Sangamon  Presbytery,  visited 
this  Church  and  supplied  them  during  the  year ; preaching  every 
alternate  two  Sabbaths.  The  same  energy  and  system  characteristic 
of  the  labors  of  this  father  in  the  Church  at  other  places,  were  man- 
ifested in  this  field;  and  it  was  through  his  influence,  that  the 
Church,  up  to  this  time  worshipping  in  the  school-house,  were  led 
to  take  the  necessary  steps  to  erect  a church  edifice,  though  the 
building  was  not  completed,  so  as  to  be  occupied,  for  two  years 
afterwards.  The  addition  to  the  membershij)  this  year  numbered 
four  persons. 

In  the  month  of  March,  1866,  Rev.  Joseph  Lowrie  was  engaged 
to  supply  the  pulpit  every  alternate  Sabbath.  At  this  date  the 
session  of  the  Church  was  reduced  to  one  Ruling  Elder,  Mr.  John 
Crocker,  Mr.  Peleg  Kent  having  died  and  Mr.  James  McCann 
having  removed  from  the  bounds  of  the  congregation.  At  a meet- 
ing of  the  congregation  held  on  the  third  day  of  March  of  this  year 
Messrs.  John  Lyons  and  Henry  Kent  were  duly  elected  and  installed 
Ruling  Elders.  In  the  month  of  June  following  Mr.  William 
McDonald  was  also  elected  and  installed  in  the  same  office.  Rev. 
Lowrie  remained  with  this  Church  some  fifteen  months,  and  during 
his  ministry  twenty-five  members  were  added  to  the  Church. 

Rev-  J.  A.  Hood  came  as  stated  supply  to  this  church  in  July, 
1867,  and  for  the  first  time  in  its  history  this  Church  enjoyed  the 
regular  ministratiou  of  ordinances ; the  congregation  at  this  time 
also  occupying  their  church  edifice.  In  November  of  the  same 
year,  the  Sabbath  School  was  organized,  and  the  weekly  Prayer 
Meeting  was  established.  The  question  of  the  union  of  the  two 
branches  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  the  old  and  new  schools, 
being  now  agitated  in  the  various  presbyteries  and  synods  of  the 
two  churches,  this  congregation  manifested  a deej)  and  prayerful 
interest  in  all  that  was  being  done  to  heal  the  breach  between 
these  two  bodies,  and  by  their  action  heartily  endorsed  the  steps 
taken  by  the  church  courts  to  consummate  the  union. 

In  the  month  of  February  of  the  next  year,  (1868),  the  congre- 
gation reported  a marked  revival  of  religion  in  the  Church,  through 
which  some  twenty-four  persons  professed  their  faith  in  Christ  and 
were  added  to  the  Church. 

At  a meeting  of  the  Presbytery  of  Illinois,  held  in  this  Church, 
Sept.  16,  1868,  a call  was  presented  by  this  Church  to  Rev.  J.  A. 
Hood  to  become  their  pastor.  This  call  was  accepted,  and  on  the 
evening  of  the  same  day  he  was  duly  installed  as  pastor.  This 
pastoral  relation  continued  until  the  first  of  the  year  1875,  when 
the  relation  was  dissolved  at  the  request  of  Mr.  Hood,  the  Congre- 
gation reluctantly  consenting.  To  the  present  time  (July,  1880), 
Mr.  Hood  has  been  the  only  regularly  installed  pastor  of  this 


Church,  and  during  the  time  of  his  seven  years  pastorate,  the  mem- 
bership of  the  Church  has  been  largely  increased,  one  hundred 
and  twenty-seven  members  having  been  added  to  the  Church, .fifty- 
five  of  these  on  profession  of  faith  in  Christ.  The  Church  edifice 
was  also  improved  in  appearance  by  the  erection  of  a steeple,  and 
placing  therein  a fine-toned  bell,  the  gift  of  Elder  John  Crock- 
er, who  had  since  its  organization  and  up  to  the  time  of  his 
death  taken  a very  deep  and  active  interest  in  all  that  concerned 
the  welfare  and  the  prosperity  of  this  Church.  Through  his  exer- 
tions, the  first  public  religious  service  was  held  in  the  place ; he 
was  the  first  to  enroll  his  name  among  the  members  who  organized 
the  Church  ; he  was  a member  of  the  first  session  ordained  and 
installed  in  the  Church  ; he  has  contributed  largely  of  his  means 
and  personal  influence  to  its  welfare  and  prosperity  ; and  at  his 
death,  (April  6,  1879,)  left  a bequest  of  five  hundred  dollars  for 
the  benefit  of  this  organization  he  loved  so  well  in  his  life.  In  the 
mouth  of  January,  1871,  the  Church  adopted  the  plan  of  “term 
service  eldership,”  and  Messrs.  John  Lyons  and  Anderson  Frank- 
lin were  elected  and  installed  as  Ruling  Elders.  Subsequent  to 
the  dissolution  of  the  pastoral  relation  between  this  Church  and 
Rev.  Hood,  the  pulpit  was  only  occasionally  occupied,  until  in  the 
month  of  January,  1876,  Rev.  A.  H.  Bates  came  as  stated  supply, 
aud  continued  in  this  relation  to  the  Church  till  the  first  Sabbath 
of  July  of  the  present  year,  (1880).  During  his  ministration 
there  have  been  added  to  the  Church  fifty-nine  members. 

The  session  of  the  Church  as  now  constituted  consists  of  Ruling 
Elders  H.  E.  Kent,  John  Lyons,  and  Anderson  Franklin,  Mr. 
Kent  being  the  clerk  of  session.  The  Church  is  free  from  debt, 
and  reported  to  the  last  General  Assembly  a membership  of  one 
hundred  and  nine  persons. 

FIRST  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH  OF  MACON. 

The  third  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  county  was  organized  by 
Rev.  D.  C.  Marquis,  at  Macon,  on  the  12th  of  June,  1865,  and  was 
taken  under  the  care  of  the  Presbytery  of  Sangamon,  (O.  S.),  on 
the  3d  of  October  of  the  same  year. 

The  organization  took  place  at  the  school-house  in  the  village, 
at  which  time  twenty-six  persons  enrolled  their  names  as  members 
of  the  Church.  Twenty  of  these  were  received  by  letter  and  six 
on  profession  of  their  faith  and  examination.  Among  the  former 
were  William  W.  Johnston  and  Marcia  R.  his  wife,  from  Scaffold 
Prairie,  Ind.,  William  Gibson  and  Lucinda  his  wife  from  Cumber- 
land, Ohio,  Mrs.  Berthinda  Kirkendall  and  her  daughters,  Glo- 
vinia  and  Rachel,  from  Corinth,  Ohio,  Patrick  Gibson,  Margaret 
his  wife,  and  Mary  A.  their  daughter,  Mrs.  Jane  Highley  from 
Logan,  Ohio,  Henry  Highley  and  Mrs.  Jane  Collins  from  Buffalo, 
Ohio,  George  Gibson  and  Lucinda  his  wife  from  Hebron,  Ohio, 
Mrs.  Mary  J.  Royse  from  Putuam,  Ohio,  Mrs.  Mary  Cook  from 
Little  Valley,  Pa.,  William  A.  Cochran  and  Julia  his  wife  from 
Towanda,  111.,  and  Harvey  Bray  from  Iowa.  Among  those  who  uni- 
tedon  profession  aud  examination  were  William  Fish,  Mrs.  Frances 
Ruby,  Mrs.  Maria  Hardcastle,  Mrs.  Catharine  M.  Conaughey  and 
her  daughter  Mary,  and  Phoebe  Murphy. 

Of  these  members  of  the  Church,  Messrs.  W.  W.  Johnston  aud 
William  Gibson  were  elected  Ruling  Elders.  The  ordination  and 
installation  of  these  persons  seem,  from  the  records,  to  have  been 
deferred  until  April  thirteenth,  1866,  when  special  services  were 
held  in  the  M.  E.  church  at  Macon  for  this  purpose,  and  these 
persons  were  ordained  and  duly  installed  in  office,  and  W.  W. 
Johnston  was  made  clerk  of  Session. 

The  first  minister  who  served  this  Church  was  Rev.  S.  W.  Mitchell, 
whose  labors  among  them  began  in  the  spring  of  1866  aud  contin- 


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Central  Stores  #1 1-48-9610 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


103 


ued  until  the  summer  of  the  year  following.  Under  his  ministry 
the  Church  enjoyed  a good  degree  of  prosperity;  twenty-four 
persons  having  been  added  to  the  membership  of  the  Church ; and 
the  number  of  elders  being  increased  by  the  election  and  installation 
of  Mr.  S.  H.  Wilson.  The  congregation 'for  want  of  a church  edi- 
fice of  their  own  were  compelled  to  meet  in  various  public  places, 
and  sometimes  in  the  M.  E.  church  in  order  to  worship  ; but  steps  were 
in  the  meantime  taken  to  erect  a building  of  their  own,  which  we 
find  them  occupying  in  the  autumn  of  1867.  Rev.  Clarke  Lowdon, 
about  this  time,  entered  into  an  arrangement  to  supply  the  Church, 
and  remained  as  supply  pastor  for  two  years  and  some  months. 
During  his  ministry  Messrs.  John  D.  Peter  and  John  C.  Baldridge 
were  elected,  ordained  and  installed  Ruling  Elders.  It  was  about 
this  time  (March  eighteenth,  1868,)  that  the  Church  was  subject  to 
very  great  loss  in  the  destruction  of  their  church  building ; which 
was  wrecked  during  the  prevalence  of  a very  severe  storm ; but 
instead  of  despairing  they  proceeded  to  make  good  their  loss,  and 
in  a very  short  time  we  find  them  again  occupying  their  own  church 
edifice,  though  not  finished  till  December,  1876,  and  dedicated 
September,  1877.  The  Church  enjoyed  a fair  degree  of  prosperity 
while  Rev.  Lowdon  ministered  as  their  stated  supply,  some  twenty- 
one  members  having  been  added  to  the  Church.  In  1871,  S.  D. 
Schoolfield  was  elected  and  installed  Ruling  Elder.  The  first  in- 
stalled pastor  of  the  Church  was  Rev.  J.  D.  Jenkins  ; his  installation 
taking  place  on  the  sixth  day  of  December,  1872.  This  pastoral 
relation  was  not  of  long  duration,  being  dissolved  at  a meeting  of 
Presbytery,  on  the  ninth  of  September,  to  take  effect  on  the  first 
day  of  December,  1873.  During  this  pastorate  ten  persons  were 
added  to  the  membership  of  the  Church. 

Subsequent  to  the  resignation  of  Rev.  Mr.  Jenkins,  the  Church 
was  only  occasionally  supplied  with  preaching.  From  the  records 
we  learn  that  on  July  seventeenth,  1875,  the  Church  adopted  the 
“ term  service  eldership.”  Messrs.  S.  D.  Schoolfield,  S.  H.  Wilson, 
J.  D.  Peter  and  J.  C.  Baldridge  were  elected  Ruling  Elders — to 
serve  in  the  order  of  their  names ; the  first,  one  year,  and  the  last, 
four  years.  These  persons  were  duly  installed  in  office.  From 
this  date  till  January,  1878,  the  pulpit  was  supplied  occasionally, 

when  Rev. Thomas,  of  Normal,  engaged  to  supply  the  Church 

for  the  next  two  or  three  months.  After  the  termination  of  this 
engagement  nothing  permanent  was  done  in  the  way  of  obtaining 
either  pastor  or  stated  supply  until  in  the  spring  of  the  year  1879. 
Rev.  J.  W.  Cecil  took  charge  of  the  congregation  as  the  stated  sup- 
ply, and  during  the  year  the  Church  has  been  blessed  with  a good 
degree  of  prosperity  ; there  having  been  added  to  the  Church,  under 
his  ministrations,  seventeen  persons ; the  greater  number  of  whom  are 
by  profession  of  faith  and  examination.  That  his  labors  with  this 
Church  have  been  appreciated  was  manifested  at  a late  meeting  of 
the  Presbytery  at  that  place,  when  a unanimous  call  was  presented 
to  him  by  the  members  of  the  Church  to  become  their  pastor.  This 
call  he  accepted,  and  he  was  duly  installed  pastor  on  the  fourth 
day  of  July,  of  the  present  year.  The  Church  l’eports  a mexnber- 
sliip  of  sixty  persons.  The  members  of  the  Session  are  as  follows : 
Messrs.  J.  C.  Baldridge,  J.  D.  Peter,  S.  S.  Lewis,  J.  Gibson,  W.  H. 
Highly.  J.  C.  Baldridge  is  the  clerk  of  Session. 

SECOND  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH  OF  DECATUR. 

This  Church,  (the  fourth  organization  of  a Presbytei’ian  Church  in 
the  county,  as  to  time)  was  organized  in  Decatur,  Januaiy  eighteenth, 
1868,  by  Drs.  D.  II.  Hamilton  and  W.  D.  Sanders,  in  Powers’ 
Hall,  where  the  Church  subsequently  continued  to  worship.  This 
Church  was  organized  in  connection  with  the  “ New  School  General 
Assembly,”  and  was  composed  of  forty-two  members  from  the  First 


Presbyterian  Church  of  Decatur,  two  from  the  Ninth  Presbyterian 
Church  of  Chicago,  three  from  the  Congregational  Church,  and  two 
on  profession  of  their  faith  in  Christ.  The  term  service  of  the 
eldership  was  adopted,  and  Messrs.  Hazen  Pressey,  J.  II.  Lewis  and 
George  E.  Morehouse  were  elected  Ruling  Elders.  Messrs.  J.  S. 
Clark  and  W.  M.  Barrett  were  elected  Deacons.  These  persons 
were  regularly  inducted  into  their  x-espective  offices  on  the  following 
Sabbath.  This  church  was  taken  under  the  care  of  the  Presbytery 
of  Illinois  (N.  S.)  on  the  sixteenth  day  of  April,  1868,  and  at  the 
same  meeting  of  the  Presbytery  presented  a call  to  the  Rev.  A.  L. 
Brooks  to  become  their  pastor.  This  call  was  accepted  by  him,  and 
he  was  duly  installed  pastor  of  the  church,  Wednesday,  May  fifth, 
the  same  year.  This  pastorate  continued  until  near  the  close  of  the 
year  1870 — when,  in  view  of  the  union  of  the  Old  and  New  School 
Branches  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  it  was  concluded  that  the 
interests  of  Presbyterianism  would  be  better  conserved  in  Decatur 
by  the  union  of  the  First  and  Second  Churches,  and  Rev.  Brooks 
resigned  the  pastox-ate  of  this  church.  This  union  being  consum- 
mated December  twenty-eighth,  1870,  the  sessions  of  the  two 
churches  became  the  session  of  the  united  church. 

The  Second  Church  under  the  pastoral  care  of  Rev.  A.  L.  Brooks 
enjoyed  a good  degree  of  prosperity ; there  having  been  added  to 
the  membership  of  this  church  during  his  ministry  of  nearly  two 
years,  fifty-six  pei’sons. 


THE  METHODIST  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH. 

BY  REV.  WM.  S.  CRISSEY.* 

At  the  Illinois  Annual  Conference,  held  at  Edwardsville,  Sept. 
18th,  1829,  the  Rev.  W.  L.  Denneen,  a young  man  of  promise  and 
entei-prise,  was  appointed  to  the  newly- formed  Salt  Creek  Circuit  in 
the  Sangamon  District,  and  Rev.  Peter  Cartwright,  P.  E.  As  the 
pioneer,  he  soon  found  the  newly-formed  neighborhoods ; and  in  the 
fall  of  1829,  in  the  Stevens’  Creek  settlement,  he  organized  the 
first  class  in  Macon  county,  at  the  house  of  David  Owen,  near 
whei-e  the  brick  school-house  on  the  Pulaski  road  now  stands,  two 
miles  N.  W.  of  Decatur,  as  the  center  of  the  society  ; consisting  of 
Buel,  Luther,  and  Dorus  Stevens  and  their  wives,  Joseph  and 
James  Stevens,  David  Owen  and  wife,  and  John  Frazee  and  wife. 
During  the  fall  and  following  year  others  were  added ; as  John 
Miller  and  family,  Isaac  and  Jonathan  Miller  and  families.  In 
1830,  the  Rev.  Alonzo  Lapham  and  Margaret  Lapham  his  wife, 
Doctor  William  T.  Crissey  and  Margaret  his  wife,  moved  from  Ed- 
gar county  and  joined  the  society.  These  were  the  first  two  local 
preachei’S  in  the  county,  and  the  latter  the  first  resident  physician. 

The  first  Methodist  camp-meeting  was  held  in  the  fall  of  1830, 
about  whei'e  Esq.  George  Goodman  now  lives,  and  continued  for 
several  yeai’s ; thence  was  moved  to  what  was  called  Mt.  Gilead, 
near  John  Wilson’s  x-esidence.  In  the  fall  of  1831,  under  Rev. 
Wilson  Pitnex-,  the  society  and  regular  preaching  was  transferred 
from  Stevens’  Creek  neighborhood  to  Decatur.  So  far  as  is  now 
known,  the  first  sermon  by  a Methodist  preacher  in  Decatur  was  in 
May,  1831,  by  Rev.  W.  S.  Crissey,  who  came  from  Paoli  Circuit, 
Ind.,  on  a visit  to  his  uncle,  Dr.  William  T.  Crissey.  Dux'ing  the 
conference  year  of  Rev.  Mr.  Denneen  and  that  of  Rev-  A.  E. 
Phelps,  his  successor,  a young  man  of  great  worth  and  energy, 

* I visited  Decatur  and  Stevens’  Creek  in  May,  1831,  preaching  at  both 
places ; also  in  fall  of  1831,  and  once  or  oftener  every  year,  as  the  rule,  till  in 
1839  I came  to  reside  in  Decatur.  I have  also  consulted  the  old  settlers  now 
living,  and  documents  and  other  authorities,  that  statements  may  be  reliable. 


104 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


(which  included  the  winter  of  the  deep  snow,)  all  available  places 
were  visited,  and  preaching  places  and  classes  established,  thus 
laying  the  foundation  for  all  future  work  in  the  county.  The  first 
four  years  made  a part  of  “ Salt  Creek  Circuit next  five  years, 
a part  of  “ Athens  Circuit,”  a village  in  Sangamon  county. 
In  1838,  Rev.  David  Coulson  was  appointed  to  “ Decatur  Cir- 
cuit.” The  whole  county  (and  at  first  other  territory)  was  included 
under  this  name,  till  1854,  when  Decatur  was  made  a station,  be- 
ing tw'enty-five  years  in  all. 

The  first  Methodist  church  built  in  the  county  was  under  the  ad- 
ministration of  Rev.  Moses  Clampit,  in  the  fall  of  1834,  in  Decatur, 
a frame  25x30;  it  was  used  several  years  in  an  unfinished  state, 
with  slabs  and  benches  for  seats.  The  lot  was  donated  by  James 
Renshaw  and  a bond  given,  hut  the  deed  was  not  executed  till  June 
25th,  1839,  with  the  following  names  as  the  first  board  of  trustees 
for  M.  E.  C.  in  the  county,  to  wit : Buel  Stevens,  Luther  Stevens, 
James  F.  Montgomery,  William  Greenfield,  J.  M.  Fordice,  Daniel 
Stickel,  Alonzo  Lapham.  When  the  writer  came  to  reside  in  De- 
catur, September  20th,  1839,  by  special  effort  the  church  was  fin- 
ished and  seated.  Prior  to  the  erection  of  this,  the  first  building 
for  church  purposes  in  Decatur,  the  old  “ Log  Court-house  ” was 
used  as  the  place  for  all  preaching.  The  circuit  for  many  years 
was  very  large — three  hundred  miles  around  it ; it  was  gradually 
curtailed,  till  in  1842  it  was  mostly  confined  to  the  county,  with 
eight  and  ten  regular  appointments,  Decatur  having  every  other 
Sabbath,  and  Long  Creek  and  some  other  place  the  other  Sabbath. 
The  other  places  were  all  visited  during  the  week.  During  these 
years  there  was  a regular  growth  with  the  population,  till  in  1854 
Decatur  was  made  a station.  “ Sabbath  preaching,”  instead  of  the 
“ week-day, ’’  was  gradually  introduced,  necessitating  new  divisions, 
as  indicated  by  the  newT  names  mentioned.  Of  the  several  revivals, 
the  one  special  for  Decatur,  with  its  fewr  hundred  population,  was 
during  the  year  of  the  Rev.  W.  S.  Crissey’s  labors — a protracted 
meeting,  beginning  February  3d,  and  continuing  six  weeks.  Some 
seventy  professed  conversion,  and  about  the  same  number  were 
added  to  the  church.  A bright  star,  as  the  fruit  of  this  meeting, 
were  the  families  and  persons  converted  of  Baptist  parentage,  who 
aided  all  through  the  meeting  ; and,  after  its  close,  wisely  followed 
early  proclivities  in  calling  to  their  aid  Elder  H.  W.  Dodge,  of 
Springfield,  for  membership  : and  in  due  time  the  organization  of 
the  Baptist  Church,  thus  born  in  a revival.  May  it  ever  so  continue 
Amen. 

NAMES  OF  THE  PREACHERS  FOR  THIS  WORK  FOR  25  YEARS. 

* 1829,  Wm.  L.  Denneen  ; 1830,  Asabel  E.  Phelps  ; 1831,  Wilson 
Pitner  ; 1832,  Levi  Springer  ; 1833,  James  H.  Dickens ; Emanuel 
Metcalf;  1834,  Moses  Clampit;  1835,  Moses  Clampit  and  S.  P. 
Burr;  1836,  Richard  Bird  and  Moses  Wood  ; 1837,  Levi  Springer; 
1838,  David  Coulson ; 1839,  Elijah  Knox  ; 1840,  Arthur  Brad- 
shaw ; 1841,  Norman  Allin;  1842,  W.  S.  Crissey ; 1843,  John 
Mathers;  1844,  Michael  Shuuk ; 1845-6,  Richard  Bird;  1847-8, 
Calvin  W.  Lewis;  1849,  Joel  Goodrich  the  1st  l year,  Reuben 
Andrus,  last  i of  the  year ; 1850,  Thomas  A.  Eaton  ; 1851-2,  James 
C.  Rucker ; 1853,  S.  T.  Sterrett  and  D.  Bardrick. 

For  cdbvenience  we  will,  of  necessity,  very  briefly,  allude  to  the 
farther  progress  of  the  M.  E.  Church  in  Decatur.  In  1853,  under 
the  labors  of  Rev.  J.  C.  Rucker,  a new  and  commodious  brick 
church  was  erected,  40  by  60  ft.,  with  a basement  story,  built 
under  the  supervision  of  E.  O.  Smith,  the  contractor,  costing  lot 

* Note. — The  Conference  year  dates  from  September  (about  the  middle  of  the 
month)  till  September  of  the  year  following;  this  must  always  be  kept  in 
mind,  to  avoid  the  error  of  including  f of  the  year  with  the  figures  given. 


and  all  $10,000.  It  was  dedicated  in  1854  by  Rev.  Jonathan 
Stamper  and  Rev. Wilson  of  Springfield.  The  first  sta- 

tioned minister  was  Rev.  Reuben  Andrus ; he  found  84  members, 
and  returned  120  and  20  probationers. 

There  were  two  special  revivals  in  this  Church.  The  first  under 
Rev.  J.  Montgomery  in  the  winter  of  1855-6.  The  second,  a very 
marked  revival  under  Rev.  Levi  Pituer’s  first  year,  in  the  winter 
of  1866-7.  The  Church  becoming  too  small,  in  the  Centennial 
efforts  of  1866,  the  present  edifice  was  projected  and  erected  in 
1868,  worshiping  at  first  in  the  basement,  finally  finished,  costing 
in  all,  with  the  lot,  $65,000,  and  formally  dedicated,  Sunday, 
January  14th,  1872,  by  Rev.  T.  M.  Eddy,  D.  D.,  of  Baltimore. 
Outside  dimensions  84  by  120  ft.,  audience  room  60  by  87  ft.  Lo- 
cation corner  of  Water  and  William  streets. 

Pastors  of  First  M.  E.  Church  in  Decatur  from  1854  to  1880 — 
26  yearn. — 1854,  Reuben  Andrus;  1855-6,  J.  Montgomery;  1857, 
Robt.  E.  Guthrie ; 1858,  Jonathan  Stamper ; 1859-60,  R.  W. 
Travis;  1861,  Jesse  A.  Moore;  1862-3,  Robert  Hyner ; 1864-5, 
Hiram  Buck;  1866-7,  Levi  C.  Pitner;  1868,  J.  I.  Davidson; 
1869-71,  J.  H.  Noble  ; 1872,  N.  P.  Heath  ; 1873,  W.  N.  McElroy ; 

1874- 5,  W.  H.  Reed;  1876-7,  James  Leaton ; 1878-9,  W.  R. 
Goodwin. 

Stapp’s  Chapel  Society  was  organized  Dec.,  1866,  at  the  Franklin 
Street  Church,  formerly  used  by  the  Protestant  Methodist  Church. 
The  Rev-  A.  Bradshaw  and  Rev.  A.  B.  Cochran  serving  as  their 
pastors  till  the  session  of  the  Annual  Conference  of  1867,  when  L. 

B.  Carjienter  was  their  minister.  Stapp’s  Chapel  was  erected  on 
corner  of  Franklin  and  Eldorado  sts.,  48  by  90  feet,  at  a cost  of, 
including  lot,  $30,000,  and  dedicated  June,  1868,  by  Rev.  H. 
Buck,  D.  D. 

Pastors  at  Stapp’s  Chapel  jrom  1867  to  1880. — 1867-9,  L.  B. 
Carpenter;  1870-1,  H.  O.  Hoffman;  1872-4,  W.  Stevenson; 

1875- 6,  W.  D.  Best;  1877-8,  S.  McBurney ; 1878-9,  G.  W. 
Miller. 

Jayne's  Chapel  Society  was  organized  Oct.,  1876,  in  West  Mission 
Church.  The  building  was  removed  to  W.  Main  st.,  and  remodeled, 
costing,  with  lot,  $2000,  and  dedicated  February  25,  1877,  by 
Bishop  Thomas  Bowman.  First  pastor,  Rev.  J.  R.  Locke. 

The  German  M.  E.  Church  of  Decatur  was  organized  in  the 
spring  of  1856,  with  the  following  members,  to  wit ; I.  I.  Shobe, 

C.  Muller,  George  Buhner,  Louis  Hoffman,  Anton  Holderback,  F. 
Kochahues,  John  Ritter,  local  preacher,  and  George  Simon,  class- 
leader.  The  Church  was  built  in  1862.  Dedicated  by  Rev.  H.  F. 
Ivoeneke.  The  Sunday-school  organized  in  the  summer  of  1856. 
Pastors  from  1856  to  1880.— -1856,  R. Shobe;  1856-7,  F.  W.  Neid- 
ermeyer  ; 1858-9,  C.  Holtkamp ; 1860-1,  Henry  Naumann  ; 1862-3, 
Philip  Naumann ; 1864,  George  Buehner ; 1865-6,  John  Ritter ; 
1867-9,  Louis  Harmel ; 1870,  Jacob  Tanner  ; 1871,  J.  H.  Hilmes; 
1872-3,  J.  Baumgarten ; 1874-6,  George  J.  Kellar;  1877-9,  Wm. 
Schultz.  $850  given  this  Conference  yearly  for  benevolent  purposes ; 
and  during  the  two  years  a good  brick  parsonage  has  been  built  at  a 
cost  of  $1500. 

For  convenience  we  will  here  include  the  Boody  German  M.  E. 
Church,  which  was  organized  in  October,  1855,  at  the  house  of 
Wm.  Sleeter,  by  Rev.  Philip  Ivuhl.  It  was  connected  in  the  same 
charge  with  Decatur  till  1871.  First  members  were  Frederick 
Neintker  and  wife,  Wm.  Sleeter  and  wife,  J.  H.  Fahrenhorst  and 
wife,  A.  Jahn,  Wm.  Heide,  Herman  Dingworth,  H.  Muller,  Fred- 
erick Belile,  John  Pistorious,  H.  Sothmann,  H.  Dillbrugge. 

The  Church  was  built  in  1865,  and  dedicated  by  Rev.  H. 
Lahrmann. 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS . 


105 


Pastors  for  Boody  Church. — 1871,  I.  Tanner;  1872-3,  Frederick 
Heinz;  1874,  Charles  Sehlinger;  1875,  Philip  Naumann  ; 187G-7, 
Philip  Hehner ; 1878,  E.  R.  Ernscher;  1879,  E.  W.  Simon. 

The  following  have  been  the  presiding  elders,  first  for  Quincy 
district,  and  then  the  Belleville  district,  to  wit : Philip  Kuhl,  H. 
F.  Koeneke,  H.  Larhmann,  G.  Timken,  Philip  Naumau,  John 
Schlagenhouf,  William  Koeneke  and  Charles  Iiodenberg. 

The  African  31.  E.  Church  of  Decatur  was  organized  in  1863  by  El- 
der F.  Myers,  with  six  members,  and  has  increased  largely  by  emigra- 
tion from  the  South  to  its  present  membership  of  seventy.  The 
church  was  erected  in  1865,  at  a cost  of  $1,000.  Sunday-school 
began  in  ’66,  with  Isaac  Kogan  as  the  first  superintendent. 

Decatur  circuit  is  now  (A.  D.  1880)  composed  of  four 
Sabbath  appointments  : First,  Blue  Mound  Society  ; this  was 

the  second  class,  formed  by  the  Rev.  W.  L.  Denneen,  either 
in  the  fall  of  1829  or  early  in  1830,  at  the  house  of  Ben- 
jamin Wilson,  the  same  location  as  is  now  occupied  by  F. 
A.  Brown,  Esq.,  with  the  following  members : Benjamin  Wil- 
son, Jane  Wilson,  Jemima  Hill,  Nancy  Hill,  Elizabeth  Ann 
Hill,  Jemima  R.  Hill,  Hannah  Blankinship,  Rachel  Hill,  Eleanor 
Warnickand  Temperance  Stanfield.  Rev.  Henry  A.  Pasley  moved 
from  Kentucky  to  this  county,  May  25th,  1834  ; he  was  the  third 
local  preacher  in  the  county,  and  became  superintendent  of  their 
Sunday-school  soon  afterwards.  Circuit  preaching  was  at  his  house 
for  many  years. 

The  Blue  Mound  Chapel  was  erected  in  1863  at  a cost  of  $1,848, 
and  dedicated  by  Rev.  H.  Buck,  D.  D.  The  trustees  were  Robert 
A.  Pasley,  John  Myers,  F.  A.  Brown,  J.  W.  Burke,  C E.  Conard, 
F.  A.  Bowdle,  and  F.  Neintker.  Second.  Long  Creek  Society  was 
in  all  probability  the  third  class  formed  in  the  county,  about  1830 
or  1831.  Jacob  Myers  and  wife  were  among  the  first  members  : 
either  then  or  soon  afterwards  were  Israel  Flora  and  wife,  James 
Wallace  and  family,  Philip  Turpin  and  wife;  and  in  1837,  John 
Stickel,  Sen.  and  family.  Their  church  was  built  under  the  labors 
of  C.  W.  Lewis,  their  pastor,  in  1848,  dedicated  by  Rev.  J.  S. 
Barger.  It  was  burned  on  the  night  before  Thanksgiving,  1863. 
The  present  church  was  built  in  1865,  and  dedicated  by  Rev.  H. 
Buck,  D.  D.  Third.  Mount  Gilead  Society  was  formed  in  1836  or 
’37.  Preaching  was  for  many  years  in  the  log  school-house,  near 
the  residence  of  John  Wilson.  Members:  Robert  Montgomery,  Sr. 
and  family,  Benjamin  Wilson  and  wife,  John  Wilson  and  wife, 
with  others  then  and  soon  afterwards.  Their  church,  like  “ Long 
Creek,”  was  erected  under  the  administration  of  Rev.  C.  W.  Lewis, 
in  1848,  and  removed  from  Gilead  to  Elwin  in  1874,  under  the 
labors  of  Rev.  T.  D.  M.  Weems,  pastor.  Fourth.  Mt.  Zion,  or  as 
at  first  called,  “Sulphur  Spring  Society,”  is  mentioned  in  the 
records  of  the  quarterly  conference,  for  the  first  time,  Saturday, 
January  3d,  1857,  as  a separate  appointment,  its  membership  before 
in  Mt.  Gilead  Society.  This  was  under  the  labors  of  Rev.  R.  C. 
Norton  and  S.  S.  Russel.  Increased  prosperity  led  to  the  erection 
of  their  church  in  1865,  under  the  labors  of  Rev.  W.  Johnson,  and 
dedicated  his  second  year,  September,  1866,  by  Rev.  Peter  Wallace. 
Removed  from  Sulphur  Springs  to  Mt.  Zion  in  1874,  under  the 
labors  of  their  pastor,  Rev.  T.  D.  M.  Weems. 

Pastors  of  Decatur  Circuit  from  September,  1854 , to  September  15/A, 
1880 — 26  years. — 1854,  Alexander  Semple  ; 1855,  C.  W.  Munsell ; 
1856,  R.  C.  Norton  and  S.  S.  Russel ; 1857,  R.  C.  Norton  and  J. 
F.  Everly ; 1858,  Preston  Wood  and  W.  C.  Lacy;  1859,  James 
Shaw  and  T.  C.  Lapham  ; 1860,  A.  Bradshaw  and  W.  C.  Lacy ; 
1861,  A.  Bradshaw  ; 1862-’63,  J.  A.  Dimmitt ; 1864,  J.  Montgom- 
ery ; 1865-66,  W.  E.  Johnson  ; 1867-’69,  J.  R.  Locke  and  R.  W. 


Travis,  (sup’y) ; 1870— ’7 1,  Ira  Emmerson  ; 1872,  J.  H.  Kabrick  ; 
1873-’75,  T.  D.  Weems;  1876,  P.  L Turner;  1877,  J.  A.  Dim- 
mitt; 1878-79,  A.  C.  Armentrout. 

Maroa  circuit  formed  from  the  N.  E.  part  of  Decatur  Circuit  in 
1858  ; Rev.  J.  F.  Everly  their  first  preacher.  Maroa  Society  or- 
ganized first  in  Bell  Prairie,  in  1857,  under  Rev.  R.  C.  Norton, 
and  moved  to  Maroa  in  1860.  Services  were  held  in  the  school- 
house  till  1867,  when  the  present  church  was  erected  at  a cost  of 
$2,000,  under  the  labors  of  the  Rev.  H.  Tryon ; dedicated  by  Rev. 

R.  W.  Travis,  P.  E.  John  Orr,  Joseph  Jones,  Sr.,  Joseph  Jones, 
Jr.,  J.  C Beatty  and  B.  F.  Ives  were  the  trustees ; Edward  Jones 
their  first  Sunday-school  superintendent. 

Pastors  from  1858  to  September  1880 — 22  years. — 1858,  J.  F. 
Everly;  1859,  C.  G.  Bradshaw;  1860,  W.  B.  Anderson;  1861,  S. 

S.  Megiunis ; 1862,  G.  H.  Adams  ; 1863,  W.  H.  Smith  and  T.  S. 
Johnson  ; 1864,  T.  S.  Johnson  ; 1865,  M.  A.  Rice ; 1866,  H.  S. 
Tryon  ; 1867,  N.  S.  Buckner;  1868,  A.  Semple  ; 1869-70,  J.  Pel- 
latt ; 1871,  S.  H.  Whitlock  ; 1872,  J.  W.  Crane;  1873-74,  T.  D. 
N.  Simmons;  1875-77,  T.  Hines;  1878-79,  W.  R.  Howard. 

Summit , first  as  a class  of  Stevens’  Creek  Society,  and  then  for 
several  years  as  a separate  preaching  place  till  moved  to  Harris- 
town,  appears  on  the  quarterly  conference  record  for  the  first  time, 
December  12th,  1857,  as  having  $45  apportioned  as  its  amount  to 
raise  for  the  support  of  their  preachers,  Revs.  R C.  Norton  and  S. 
S.  Russel. 

The  first  members  were  D.  S.  Allen,  D.  Masters,  Luther  Tolbert, 
A.  C.  Willard,  W.  C.  Bullard,  and  their  families. 

The  Harristown  circuit  was  organized  in  1863,  from  the  west 
part  of  Decatur  county,  north  of  the  river.  The  appointments  on 
the  Quarterly  Record  were:  Harristown,  Stevens’ Creek,  Niantic, 
Illiopolis  and  Morgan’s ; Rev.  John  Staples  their  first  preacher. 
The  church  was  erected  in  1863,  at  a cost  of  $1,600  ; dedicated  by 
Rev.  Robert  Hyner,  of  Decatur;  Sunday-school  organized  the  first 
Sabbath  in  August,  1863 ; David  Masters,  superintendent.  Sharon 
Chapel  is  now  (1880)  the  only  other  appointment  in  the  circuit ; 
under  the  name  of  Stevens’  Creek,  it  was  the  first  class  formed  in  the 
county,  but  changed  to  Decatur.  In  1848,  under  the  labors  of  the 
Rev.  J.  C.  Rucker,  it  was  re-organized  as  the  fruit  of  a special 
revived.  Building  at  first  a small  church,  now  a very  commodious 
chapel. 

First  board  trustees  Glenn  Church,  S.  W.  Cox,  Ira  A.  Stockton, 
Peter  Troutman  and  Jacob  Kaylor. 

Pastors.- — John  Staples,  1863-4 ; William  T.  Bennett,  1865  ; J. 

R.  Locke,  1866  ; J.  C.  Dayley,  1867-8 ; R.  Gregg,  1869-71  ; J.  B. 
Colwell,  1872-74;  D.  E.  May,  1875-77;  W.  Murphy,  1878;  E.  B. 
Randle,  1878. 

Macon  Society  was  organized  in  1860,  with  eight  members  ; Rev. 

S.  S.  Russel,  pastor ; soon  building  a good  church  and  parsonage. 
Other  appointments  are  included  in  the  circuit.  From  1860  to 
1865  Macon  was  included  in  the  Moawequa  charge. 

Pastors. — Peter  Wallace,  1865-6 ; A.  Semple,  1867 ; I.  Barber, 
1868;  Leonard  Smith,  1869-70;  J.  Villars,  1871-72:  P.  C.  Car- 
roll,  1873-74;  J.  H.  Dimmitt,  1875;  J.  B.  Colwell,  1876-78;  D. 
E.  May,  1879. 

The  Blue  Mound  charge  consist  of,  (1st).  Blue  Mound  Society, 
organized  in  the  winter  of  1871,  by  the  Rev.  J.  W.  Warfield,  with 
Joshua  Barrick,  class  leader;  Jane  Barrick,  Samuel  Henchie, 
Hannah  Bergie,  J.  K.  Hardy,  Maria  Hardy,  Emily  Davis,  M. 
Ramsburg,  Mary  Thompson,  A.  J.  Bowen,  Lucretia  Bowen,  E.  B. 

I Eicholtz,  L.  E.  Eicholtz,  as  members.  The  church  was  built  in  1877 ; 


106 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


dedicated  by  Rev.  H.  Buck,  D.  D. ; the  Sunday-school  organized 
in  1877,  J.  W.  Warfield,  superintendent. 

(2d).  Of  Bethel  Society,  two  miles  north  of  Blue  Mound  ; or- 
ganized in  1870  by  Rev.  J.  W.  Warfield  ; the  first  members,  Wm. 
White,  class-leader ; Annie  White,  A.  C.  Stevens,  Steward  Mit- 
chell, Smith  Steward,  Sarah  Smith,  Samuel  Terry,  Elizabeth  Terry, 
M.  V.  Robins,  Emily  Robins,  John  Robins,  Nancy  Robins,  Sarah 
Black,  Harriet  Wilson,  R.  Demery,  Mary  Demery,  W.  L.  Nichols 
Mary  Nichols,  Thomas  Gabriel,  Jane  Gabriel,  George  Demery,  R. 
Payne,  E.  E.  Lemon,  E.  Lemon.  The  church  was  built  in  1870, 
at  a cost  of  $2,500,  and  dedicated  by  Rev.  Peter  Wallace  ; the 
Sunday-school  organized  in  1870,  W.  L.  Nichols,  superintendent. 
Rev.  G.  D.  Furber  served  as  pastor,  1876,  1877  and  1878 — three 
years;  Rev.  J.  K.  Crawford  in  1879. 

Warrensburg  Society  organized  by  Rev.  T.  J.  N.  Simmons, 
March  7,  1874,  with  twenty-seven  members;  their  church,  built 
at  a cost  of  $3,000,  dedicated  by  Bishop  Thomas  Bowman,  July 
19,  1874,  with  P.  F.  Lehman,  John  A.  Conely,  Alonzo  Disbrow, 
Josiah  P.  Sibthorp,  Thomas  Sterret,  Jacob  Major,  D.  N.  Dunlap, 
William  Ritchie  and  Z.  Boughn,  as  trustees.  The  Sunday-school 
organized  in  the  spring  of  1874,  J.  Conely,  superintendent. 

Forsyth  Society  which  was  before  in  the  Maroa  charge,  but  is 
now  a part  of  the  Warrensburg  work,  has  a respectable  member- 
ship and  a church  building. 

Oakley  has  a small  class,  first  organized  in  1858,  by  Rev.  J.  F. 
Everly,  and  is  still  hoping  for  a brighter  future  history. 

Wesley  Chapel  Society,  on  Friends’  Creek,  was  organized  by 
Rev.  C.  W.  Lewis,  in  June,  1849;  first  members,  Hiram  Warner, 
class-leader;  Archibald  Lowry,  Sarah  Lowry,  Mary  Corn,  Josiah  W. 
Kyle,  Mary  Kyle;  Sunday-school  organized  by  their  pastor,  C.  W. 
Lewis,  with  Archibald  Lowry,  superintendent;  church  built  in  the 
fall  of  1859;  cost  $1,430;  dedicated  by  Rev.  Jonathan  Stamper; 
trustees,  James  Rhineheart,  O.  L.  Stewart,  Samuel  Miles,  J.  W. 
Kizer,  O'mer  Osborn. 


GENERAL  SUMMARY  OF  STATISTICS. 


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Decatur  1st  Church 

Decatur  Stapp’s  Chapel... 
Decatur  Jayne's  Chapel... 

Decatur  Circuit 

Maroa  Circuit 

Harristown  Circuit 

Macon  .Circuit 

Blue  Mound  Circuit 

Warrensburg  Circuit 

Oakley 

Wesley  Chapel 

Decatur,  German 

Boody,  German  M.  E.  C... 
Decatur  African  M.  E.  C.. 


$55,000  . 
30,000 
2500 1 . 
7200 
2000  . 
3000 
2200 
3700  . 
5000 


$2500 


2500 


1000 

800 


1430  

1500  1 
1500  1 
loon 


1500 

1000 


432 
190 
41  . 
287, 
144 
105., 
280, 
118  . 
140 
18  . 
80. 
72 
85 
70  . 


28 


19  $116,330 


385 

200 

65 

300 

200 

80 

323 

150 

140 


14 

14 

16 


80 

45 

85 

50 


$10,300  2061  113  23  293  2103 


19  Churches,  25  preaching  places,  13  pastors  and  13  local  preachers. 

There  have  been  raised  in  the  county,  during  the  preceding  ten 
years,  for  the  support  of  the  Gospel ; for  salary  of  pastors,  presid- 
ing Elders,  Bishops,  superannuate  and  necessitous,  $95,615.00.  For 
Missions,  $8159.  General  objects,  as  Bible,  tract,  Sunday-schools, 
education,  church  extension,  freedmen,  &c.,  $5880.  Total,  $109,654. 


Presiding  Elders  having  oversight  of  the  work  in  Macon  county  and 
other  territory  from  Sept.  18, 1829,  to  Sej)t.  15, 1880 — 51  years. 

Sangamon  District Peter  Cartwright 1829-31 

Sangamon  District Simon  Peter 1832-33 


Chicago  District 

1834 

Sangamon  District 

1835 

Sangamon  District 

....  1836  38 

Bloomington  District 

Springfield  District 

....  1840  43 

Bloomington  District 

....  1844-46 

Bloomington  District 

....  1847  50 

Bloomington  District 

....  1851-52 

Bloomington  District 

....  1853-54 

Bloomington  District  

....  1855-57 

Decatur  District 

....  1858-60 

Decatur  District 

1861-64 

Decatur  District 

....  1865-67 

Decatur  District 

H.  Buck 

1868 

Decatur  District 

1869 

Decatur  District 

C.  P.  Baldwin 

....  1870  71 

Decatur  District 

....  1872-75 

Decatur  District 

....  1876  79 

CHRISTIAN  CHURCH. 

BY  N.  S.  HAYNES. 

When  the  American  heroes  of  1776  were  about  to  declare  the 
colonies  free  and  independent  states,  they  said  that  a decent  regard 
for  the  opinions  of  mankind  should  lead  them  to  give  the  reasons 
for  such  a step.  So  an  enlightened  public  sentiment  is  demanding 
of  every  religious  body  the  reasons  for  its  existence.  If  it  is  not 
doing  a work  that  is  essentially  peculiar  and  distinctive — and 
necessary  for  the  good  of  human  kind  as  well — then  common  sense 
dictates  that  such  a religious  body  should  cease  to  exist ; for,  why 
multiply  agencies  for  the  accomplishment  of  a certain  end  when 
such  a multiplication  oidy  defeats  the  purpose  by  weakening  the 
means  employed?  If,  therefore,  this  body  of  Christians  cannot 
answer  well  at  the  bar  of  enlightened  public  sentiment  and  honest 
reason,  it  ought  to  die.  What  then  are  its  positions,  principles 
and  purposes  ? While  this  church  holds  much  truth  in  common 
with  others,  yet  it  has  its  distinctive  features  that  give  it  its  right 
to  live.  With  others  it  holds  the  divine  inspiration  of  the  Holy 
Scriptures;  the  revelation  of  God’s  will  and  character  in  them;  the 
Divinity  and  Christhood  of  Jesus  ; forgiveness  of  sins  through  his 
atonement ; faith  in  the  Christ  and  obedience  to  his  authority  as 
the  necessary  human  agencies  in  the  formation  of  Christian  char- 
acter; the  resurrection  of  the  dead;  and  the  doctrine  of  future 
retribution.  The  peculiar  features  of  this  church  are  these: — that 
while  believing  the  Old  Testament  is  the  word  of  God  and  neces- 
sary in  order  to  a right  understanding  of  the  New,  yet  the  Old  is 
not  our  rule  in  life,  because  it  was  never  given,  as  such,  to  us 
Gentiles,  and  because  it  has  been  supplanted  by  the  New  Testa- 
ment; that  the  Scriptures  are  all-sufficient  to  make  the  man  of  God 
perfect,  and  hence  the  rejection  of  all  human  creeds  as  schismatical 
and  sinful;  that  in  religious  teaching  we  hold  the  “form  of  sound 
words,”  rejecting  all  unscriptural  terms,  as  Trinity,  et  id  omne 
genus,  and  all  unbiblical  names;  hence,  the  nickname  “Campbell- 
ite”  is  unauthorized  and  offensive;  that  conversion  is  not  the 
mysterious  and  direct  impact  of  the  Holy  Spirit  on  the  sinner’s 
soul,  but  his  turning  from  sin  to  the  Saviour,  the  proof  of  conversion 
being  a Christian  life ; and  that  an  inquirer  after  salvation  must 
always  be  answered,  according  to  his  condition,  in  the  exact  words 
of  the  inspired  oracles  for  such  cases  made  and  provided : that  the 
ordinances,  Baptism  and  the  Lord’s  Supper,  must  be  observed  as 
given  by  the  Christ  and  his  apostles  without  change ; that  all 
of  God’s  people  should  be  united  in  “ one  body,”  as  in  the  primi- 
tive and  apostolic  church,  in  order  that  they  may  the  more  effi- 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


107 


eiently  do  their  Master’s  work  and  turn  the  world  in  faith  to  Him. 
“ Where  the  Bible  speaks  we  speak,  and  where  the  Bible  is  silent 
we  are  silent,”  is  a cardinal  maxim.  To  go  back  to  “ the  begin- 
ning” of  the  church,  to  make  our  teaching  and  practice,  in  all 
matters  essential,  coincide  with  that  of  the  inspired  apostles,  is  the 
aim  of  this  religious  body.  This,  our  plea,  has  made  wonderful 
progress  in  the  past  fifty  years.  From  a very  feeble  folk  we  have 
grown  to  500,000  in  the  United  States,  besides  large  and  flourish- 
ing churches  in  Australia  and  New  Zealand.  Our  missionaries  are 
at  work  in  Jamaica,  England,  Denmark,  Norway,  France  and 
Turkey.  As  many  were  added  to  this  church  in  the  United  States 
as  to  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church  in  the  same  territory  in  the 
year  1879.  The  influence  of  this  divine  plea  has  reached  all 
classes  of  society,  and  this  denominatiou  has  two  members  in  the 
United  States  Senate  and  twelve  in  the  House  of  Representatives, 
besides  other  names  with  a national  reputation.  It  publishes  fif- 
teen papers  and  periodicals  and  a large  number  of  tracts  and 
books.  Its  members  have  under  their  control  thirty-eight  schools 
of  all  classes,  one-half  of  which  are  academies,  colleges  and  univer- 
sities of  a good  grade.  The  history  of  this  church  in  Macon  county 
is  as  follows: — 

DECATUR  CHRISTIAN  CHURCH. 

The  writer  has  never  been  able  to  find  the  old  records  of  this 
society,  but  these  facts  have  been  gathered  with  care  from  authen- 
tic sources.  With  two  exceptions  this  is  the  oldest  religious  body 
in  Macon  county.  It  was  organized  in  the  fall  of  the  year  1834  by 
Joseph  Hostetler,  a minister  of  the  gospel,  and  the  first  of  this 
denomination  to  preach  in  this  county.  He  was  a man  of  great 
faith  and  energy,  and  earnestly  devoted  to  the  cause  of  truth.  A 
biography  of  this  man  of  God  may  be  seen  in  a book  entitled 
“The  Pioneer  Preachers  of  Indiana.”  He  conveyed,  by  deed,  to 
the  church  that  he  organized  here  two  acres  of  land  where  our 
court-house  now  stands.  The  charter  members  were  the  following  : — 
Thomas  Cowan  and  wife,  Warren  G.  Strickland  and  wife,  Stephen 
Shepperd  and  wife,  Harry  Snyder  and  wife,  Charlotte  Turpin  and 
Elizabeth  Howell.  These  have  all  passed  from  earth.  Among  the  first 
added  to  the  infant  church  were  Dr.  J.  G.  Spear  and  wife,  Henry 
Wheeler  and  Elizabeth  Cantrell,  a former  wife  of  William  Cantrell, 
one  of  our  old  remaining  landmarks.  The  first  name  of  this  or- 
ganization was  “ Christian  Baptist  Church,”  but  it  soon  afterward  as- 
sumed a name  more  in  harmony  with  its  aims  and  ends.  This  church 
was  constituted  in  the  old  court-house  that  then  stood  on  the  spot 
of  ground  now  occupied  by  The  Herald  office.  The  year  following 
its  formation  it  built  a house  for  public  worship.  That  it  was  a 
substantial  building  is  evident  from  the  fact  that  it  still  remains. 
It  was  made  of  logs,  puncheons  and  clapboards,  and  is  now,  as  at 
the  first,  located  on  the  north-east  corner  of  Wood  and  Water 
streets,  and  is  owned  and  used  by  Samuel  Powers  as  a stable  for 
horses.  For  twenty-one  years  did  that  old  style  house  do  splendid 
service  for  the  Lord’s  people.  There  Joseph  Hostetler,  J.  W. 
Tyler,  H.  Bowles,  G.  A.  Patterson  and  others  made  “the  old 
Jerusalem  gospel”  ring  out  in  stentorian  tones  from  as  earnest  and 
loyal  hearts  as  ever  throbbed.  There  Aunt  Judy  Oglesby — of 
blessed  memory  — Mrs.  J.  W.  Tyler,  Sr.,  and  scores  of  others, 
publicly  confessed  the  Saviour  and  began  to  follow  him.  Those 
were  the  days  of  primitive  simplicity.  But  as  the  years  went 
railroads  came.  Decatur,  awakened  out  of  her  long  sleep,  shook 
herself  and  began  to  grow.  Hence,  in  1855  the  old  house  was 
abandoned  for  a brick,  which  as  compared  with  the  old,  was  both 
commodious  and  elegant.  It  stood  on  the  north-east  corner  of 
North-Main  and  North  streets.  At  the  end  of  twenty  years  it  had 


Chambers,  E.  C.  Weekley,  S.  B.  Lindsley.  J.  Hall  and  A.  P.  Cobb, 
become  old,  dingy,  uninviting  and  out  of  style;  hence  it  was 
removed,  and  the  present  neat  and  comfortable  building  took  its 
place.  The  property  is  valued  at  $10,000.  The  following  are  the 
names  of  the  preachers  that  have  ministered  to  this  congregation 
and  the  order  in  which  they  came : — Joseph  Hostetler,  J.  W. 
Tyler,  B.  W.  Henry,  Robert  Foster,  J.  P.  Lancaster,  James  Fan- 
ning, G.  W.  Patterson,  W.  P.  Bowles,  William  Morrow,  II. 
Bowles,  Tobias  Grider,  A.  J.  Kane,  W.  B.  Happy,  William  Ebert, 
Dr.  John  Hughes,  W.  C.  Dawson,  P.  D.  Vermillion,  Ira  Mitchell, 
Lucius  Ames,  A.  D.  Northcutt,  and  N.  S.  Haynes.  The  annals 
of  the  struggles  and  labors  of  many  of  these,  though  perished  from 
the  memory  of  man,  are  written  in  the  book  of  life.  There  have 
sprung  from  this  church  the  Antioch,  and  a section  of  the  Harris- 
town  congregations.  In  the  forty-six  years  of  its  life  hundreds 
have  removed  and  found  religious  homes  elsewhere.  In  June, 
1855,  E.  McNabb,  very  soon  after  his  settling  here,  organized  the 
first  Sunday-school  under  the  direction  of  this  church  in  the 
county,  with  sixty  attendants.  The  present  membership  is  about 
two  hundred.  It  pays  $75  per  year  for  current  expenses  and  $10 
or  more  for  missions.  The  present  membership  of  the  church  is 
two  hundred  and  sixty,  which  includes  the  regulars  and  the  irregu- 
lars. Current  expenses  are  $1,000,  with  $100  for  missions  and 
systematic  benevolences.  Three  preachers,  the  pastor  excepted, 
hold  membership  here,  namely,  Dr.  L.  A.  Engle,  P.  W.  Hum- 
phrey, and  E.  C.  Weekley.  These  have  all  done  good  service  for 
the  Master.  The  lady  members  have  a missionary  society  that  is 
doing  a good  work.  The  official  board  now  consists  of  the  pastor, 
N.  S.  Haynes  ; Elders,  W.  E.  Nelson,  M.  Glove,  E.  McNabb,  and 
J.  W.  Rogers  ; Deacons,  B.  O.  McReynolds,  R.  L.  Evans,  Jesse 
Leforgee,  J.  T.  Gates,  and  P.  F.  Bell.  The  great  need  of  this  con- 
gregation now  is  a scriptural  and  business-like  administration  of  its 
affairs. 

LONG  POINT  CHRISTIAN  CHURCH. 

This  congregation,  two  miles  south  of  Niantic,  was  organized 
November  21st,  1850,  by  John  Powell,  an  Evangelist,  with  fourteen 
members,  seven  of  whom  are  still  living.  Its  first  officers  were, 
Nathan  G.  Averett,  Elder,  and  James  Sanders,  Deacon.  Its  reg- 
ular preachers  have  been  W.  A.  Mallory,  A.  J.  Kane,  William 
Springer,  John  Hughes,  A.  D.  Northcutt,  Prof.  B.  J.  Radford,  Dr. 
L.  A.  Engle  and  John  L.  England,  the  last  of  whom  is  the  present 
minister,  and  has  been  serving  this  church  regularly  for  twelve 
years.  About  four  hundred  persons  have  been  connected  with  this 
church  since  its  formation.  Its  present  membership  in  full  fel- 
lowship is  sixty-nine.  The  house  of  worship  was  built  in  1856,  and 
cost  $800,  but  is  now  in  bad  condition.  There  is  no  Sunday-school 
connected  with. this  congregation,  and  never  has  been;  all  the  other 
churches  of  this  faith  have  schools.  Current  church  expenses  are  an 
unknown  quantity.  The  present  officers  are  Thomas  Lawton,  as 
Elder,  and  A.  C.  Hawks,  as  Deacon.  The  man  who  has  exerted  a 
wide  influence  for  good  in  this  congregation,  and  to  whom  it  is, 
perhaps,  more  indebted  than  any  other,  is  James  Dingman.  He  is 
one  of  the  most  substantial  and  actively  reliable  men  of  the  com- 
munity or  county. 

ANTIOCH  CHRISTIAN  CHURCH. 

This  congregation  is  located  five  miles  east  of  Decatur  on  the 
line  of  the  I.  D.  & S.  Ry.  It  was  organized  in  October,  1859,  by 
Elder  J.  W.  Tyler,  with  twenty-six  members.  The  officers  chosen 
were,  James  C.  Rucker  and  J.  W.  Tyler  for  Elders,  and  Daniel 
Harmon  and  Theodore  Tyler  for  Deacons.  The  following  named 
preachers  have  served  this  church:  J.  W.  Tyler,  John  Sconse,  G.  B. 


108 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


the  present  preacher.  The  organization  was  made  in  a public 
school-house,  but  in  the  following  year  the  present  house  was  built 
at  a cost  of  $1000,  which  is  its  present  value.  A Sunday-school 
was  begun  about  the  same  time  with  near  fifty  attendants,  which 
continues,  except  in  the  bad  weather  of  winter,  with  about  the  same 
number.  This  church  and  Sunday-school  have  lost  heavily  for  a 
country  place  by  deaths  and  removals.  The  membership  of  the 
church  is  now  fifty,  with  current  expenses  of  $200.  One  hundred 
and  twenty  persons  have  belonged  here.  This  little  church  has  the 
honor  of  giving  to  our  time  two  of  its  most  useful  ministers,  name- 
ly, B.  B.  Tyler,  pastor  Fourth  and  Walnut  street  Christian  church, 
Louisville,  Ky.,  and  J.  Z Tyler,  pastor  of  the  Seventh  street 
Christian  church,  Richmond,  Ya. 

OREANA  CHRISTIAN  CHURCH. 

This  church  was  organized  at  Zion  school-house,  three  miles 
north-east  of  the  village  of  Oreana,  in  1860,  by  Dr.  J.  W,  Thayer 
and  J.  S.  Clough,  Elders.  The  charter  members  were  sixteen  in 
number,  as  follows : William  Boyer,  Lydia  Boyer,  A.  A.  Hooker, 
Emily  J.  Hooker,  James  Munns,  Pansey  Munns,  Elvira  Seamon, 
Benson  Green,  Sarah  Green,  James  Allen,  William  Bowman, 
C'astila  Duvall,  John  Myers,  Lovina  Myers,  Caleb  Jones,  and 
Elizabeth  Jones.  These  persons  had  previously  held  ’membership 
in  a church  at  Newburg,  which  had  disbanded  through  removals. 
The  officers  chosen  were,  for  Elders,  William  Boyer  and  William 
Bowman;  for  Deacon,  John  Myers.  The  congregation  continued 
to  worship  at  the  school-house  until  1874,  when  it  built  the  house  of 
worship  in  the  village  of  Oreana  which  it  now  occupies,  moving 
into  it  November  29th,  of  that  year.  The  following  preachers  have 
preached  for  this  church:  Dr.  J.  B.  Millison  for  eight  years;  Joseph 
Cain  in  1869;  William  Bowman  from  1870-3;  E.  C.  Weekley 
1874-5;  G.  W.  Thompson  in  1876;  and  J.  W.  Tyler,  the  present 
preacher,  began  his  work  there  in  February,  1878.  A Sunday- 
school  was  organized  in  April,  1875,  with  fifty-two  attendants.  It 
continues  its  work  steadily  with  an  attendance  now  of  sixty-five, 
paying  its  current  expenses,  which  are  $15.  J.  J.  McCarrihan  is 
the  superintendent.  The  whole  number  connected  with  this  church 
since  it  was  established  is  one  hundred  and  twenty-five.  The  pres- 
ent membership  is  eighty.  Its  current  expenses  are  $225,  besides  $11 
for  missions,  which  is  a good  indication.  The  value  of  the  church 
property  is  $1500.  Sixty  families  attend  worship  here.  The  offi- 
cers are,  Elders,  William  Boyer,  J.  J.  McCarrihan,  and  Andrew 
Moothart;  Deacons,  Benjamin  Spencer  and  Paul  Noble.  This 
church  has  a large  number  of  substantial  men  and  women,  and  its 
future  is  full  of  hope. 

HARRISTOWN  CHRISTIAN  CHURCH. 

On  March  15th,  1861,  W.  A.  Mallory,  a minister,  organized  the 
following  named  persons  into  the  above-named  church,  viz. : Geo. 
Campbell,  J.  C.  Hamilton,  Martha  D.  Eginan,  Isaac  Egman,  Joseph 
D.  McGuire,  A.  G.  Herrell,  A.  J.  Miller,  Lewis  J.  Egman,  J.  H. 
Pickrell,  Nancy  C.  Anderson,  A.  C.  Willard,  R.  M.  Hamilton, 
Nancy  H.  Hobbs,  Samuel  H.  Anderson,  Reuben  Mallory,  J.  M. 
Egman,  Catherine  McGuire,  Ellenor  F.  Averett,  Jacob  Hobbs,  and 
John  F.  Averett.  One  part  of  these  had  previously  met  for  public 
worship  at  a school-house,  two  miles  north  of  where  Harristown 
now  stands,  and  the  other  part  at  a point  three  miles  south-east  of 
the  same  village.  Lewis  J.  Egman  and  Reuben  Mallory  were 
chosen  elders,  and  Jos.  D.  McGuire  and  Jos.  C.  Hamilton  deacons  of 
the  new  church.  The  following  have  been  its  pastors : W-  A.  Mal- 
lory, one  year ; A.  J.  Kane,  three  years ; N.  S.  Bastian,  one  year; 
W.  T.  Maupin  began  in  May,  1867,  and  served  five  years ; J.  G. 


Waggoner,  began  in  June,  1872,  and  served  five  and  a half  years; 
and  G.  M.  Goode,  the  present  minister,  whose  services  began  in 
January,  1878.  These  were  all  prudent  and  faithful  men,  highly 
esteemed  and  greatly  beloved  by  their  people ; and  the  church  has 
had  a continuous  and  healthy  growth  under  their  very  efficient 
labors.  Revivals,  or  rather  protracted  meetings,  in  this  church 
have  been  conducted  by  these  preachers : J.  H.  Hughes  in  1861, 
B.  B.  Tyler  in  September,  1862,  at  which  meeting  sixty-six  persons 
were  added  to  the  church  in  fourteen  days,  also  at  a ten-days’  meet- 
ing held  by  him  in  the  same  month  of  the  next  year  thirty  were; 
added  ; C.  F.  Short  in  November,  1865  ; W.  R.  Jewell  in  November; 
1866;  A.  D.  Northcutt  in  October,  1871,  twenty-four  were  added  ; 
and  by  D.  P.  Henderson  in  November  1876.  The  first  house  of  public 
worship  occupied  by  this  congregation  was  removed  from  a point  three 
miles  south-east  of  the  village,  and  its  value  was  about  $300.  The 
building  now  in  use  was  completed  and  first  occupied  in  the  spring  of 
1865.  The  property  is  valued  at  $4,000.  In  1872  a neat  and  convenient 
parsonage  was  bought  at  a cost  of  $2,000.  The  Sunday-school  of  this 
church  was  begun  at  the  same  date  as  the  formation  of  the  church 
in  1861,  and  has  continued  in  uninterrupted  efforts,  except  during 
two  or  three  winters,  until  the  present.  It  began  with  thirty  per- 
sons, and  now  numbers  one  hundred.  It  officers  are  W.  D.  Cham- 
berlain, superintendent,  and  Miss  A.  W.  Pickrell,  secretary  and 
treasurer.  It  contributes  to  missions  in  the  way  of  work  in  the 
surrounding  neighborhood  and  of  sending  money  away  from  home, 
besides  paying  $65  as  its  own  current  expense.  The  whole  numbei 
of  persons  having  held  membership  in  this  church  from  its  organi- 
zation to  date  is  five  hundred  and  sixty.  Many  members  have  re- 
moved, but  they  are  aiding  in  the  upbuilding  of  the  cause  in  other 
communities  both  near  and  far,  while  a goodly  company  have  ceased 
from  their  labor  and  entered  into  their  rest.  The  present  member- 
ship is  one  hundred  and  sixty-four,  representing  eighty  families, 
to  all  of  which,  and  even  more,  this  church  ministers  in  righteous- 
ness, love,  and  hope.  For  the  current  year  it  is  paying  for  home 
work  $1,200,  for  missions  $120,  exclusive  of  private  contributions, 
which  aggregate  a handsome  sum.  The  lady  members  carry  on  a 
missionary  society  among  themselves,  which  is  auxiliary  to  a foreign 
society.  The  present  officers  are  the  pastor,  G.  M.  Goode ; elders, 
J.  G.  Willard,  J.  M.  Egman,  and  J.  H.  Pickrell;  deacons,  Joseph 
D.  McGuire,  I.  F.  Peck,  R.  T.  Cann,  T.  J.  Scroggins,  and  John  D. 
McGuire.  The  management  of  this  church  has  always  been  scrip- 
tural, wise,  and  just ; hence  it  has  enjoyed  a vigorous  growth  and 
exerted  a wide  influence  for  good.  To-day,  counting  among  her 
membership  many  of  the  leading  families  of  the  community,  it  is  a 
tower  of  strength  and  a potent  factor  for  good. 

MAROA  CHRISTIAN  CHURCH. 

The  society  here  was  formed  May  4th,  1862,  by  A.  N.  Page,  a 
minister,  at  the  residence  of  Dr.  J.  W.  Thayer,  with  twenty-four 
members,  as  follows:  J.  S.  Clough,  Samuel  Potter,  Hannah  Potter, 
Oliver  J Harlin,  A.  J.  Metlin,  J.  A.  C.  Rose,  Helen  Rose,  A.  J. 
Taudy,  Sarah  J.  Taudy,  John  W.  Thayer,  Catherine  M.  Thayer, 
Miss  M.  J.  Williams,  Elizabeth  Armstrong,  A.  D.  Wysong,  M.  M. 
Thomas,  Emily  Thomas,  Thomas  Hedger,  Jane  Hedger,  Mary  J. 
Hedger,  Miss  Harriet  Hedger,  Miss  Annie  E.  Williams,  and  B.  W. 
Campbell.  Nearly  all  of  these  previously  held  their  membership 
in  the  Texas  church  in  De  Witt  county.  J.  S.  Clough  and  M.  M. 
Thomas  were  chosen  elders,  and  O.  J.  Harlin  and  Samuel  Potter 
deacons.  Meetings  were  conducted  by  the  members  at  their  differ- 
ent residences  on  Lord’s-days  and  Wednesday  evenings  for  a year. 
In  1863  J.  W.  Tyler  was  engaged  to  preach  for  the  young  church 
one-fourth  of  the  time.  About  this  time  meetings  began  to  be  held 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


109 


in  the  public  school-house.  The  following  named  preachers  have 
ministered  to  this  congregation : John  L.  Wilson  in  1864,  G.  B. 
Chambers  in  1865,  J.  W.  Tyler  in  1866,  T.  W.  Dunkerson  in  1867, 
George  Owens  in  1868-9,  J.  Q.  A.  Houston  in  1870,  who  died  at 
his  place  of  duty  in  September  of  that  year  ; J.  V.  Beckman  began 
his  pastorate  in  May,  1871,  and  continued  (with  some  interruptions) 
for  five  years,  during  which  time  many  were  added  to  the  congre- 
gation ; E.  J.  Hart  in  1877,  L.  M.  Robinson  in  1878,  and  J.  V. 
Beckman,  although  not  living  here,  is  now  preaching  for  the  church 
one  Lord’s-day  in  each  month.  Profitable  and  successful  meetings 
have  been  held  by  Charles  Roe,  H.  W.  Everest,  President  of 
Eureka  College,  and  G.  W.  Sweeny.  In  May,  1868,  the  first  steps 
were  taken  toward  building  a house  of  worship  The  house  was 
raised  and  enclosed,  but  not  finished,  in  which  condition  it  was  used 
for  two  years  ; it  was  then  plastered,  seated,  and  painted,  but  not 
completed,  and  still  remains  unfinished.  Its  value  is  $3,000, 
with  an  indebtedness  of  $900.  A Sunday-school  was  organized  in 
1868,  with  fifty  attendants.  It  has  continued  without  cessation  to 
the  present  time,  paying  its  own  expenses,  which  for  the  current 
year  are  $45.  The  number  having  been  connected  with  this  church 
since  its  formation  is  about  four  hundred  and  forty ; the  present 
membership  is  two  hundred,  but  having  been  without  a pastor  for 
some  time  the  condition  of  many  is  indifferent.  It  is  estimated  that 
one  hundred  and  fifty  families  are  directly  benefited  by  the  ministra- 
tionsof  this  Church  when  it  has  a settled  pastor.  Its  expense  for  the 
current  year  is  only  $350,  with  nothing  for  missions.  The  officers  are 
Samuel  Potter,  Tyler  Conover,  M.  M.  Thomas,  and  J.  M.  Lyons, 
elders;  Dr.  L.  Tozer,  William  Potter,  Samuel  Hamilton,  and  B. 
W.  Campbell,  deacons.  The  opportunities  of  this  church  are  great, 
and  by  the  exercise  of  a liberal  spirit  on  the  part  of  every  individual 
member,  the  services  of  an  efficient  and  earnest  pastor  could  readily 
be  obtained. 

CENTER  RIDGE  CHRISTIAN  CHURCH. 

This  congregation  meets  for  public  worship  in  the  south-west  part 
of  Maroa  township.  It  was  organized  by  Drs.  L.  A.  Engle  and  J. 
B.  Millison,  the  third  Lord’s  day  in  December,  1867,  with  nineteen 
members,  whose  names  were  these : Jordan  Simpson,  Peter  W. 
Wykoff,  J.  M.  Shockey,  J.  D.  Ross,  Sarah  A.  Ross,  Nancy  E.  Ross, 
A.  F.  Ross,  J.  M.  Ross,  Charlotte  M.  Wykoff,  Augusta  D.  Shockey, 
Clarissa  Simpson,  J.  W.  Simpson,  Darius  Jones,  Nancy  E.  Jones, 
Elizabeth  Blackerby,  Louisa  Shockey,  W.  W.  Shockey,  Elizabeth 
Shockey,  and  Sallie  Shockey.  P.  W.  Wykoff  and  Jordan  Simpson 
were  chosen  Elders,  and  J.  M.  Shockey  and  J.  D.  Ross  Deacons. 
Notwithstanding  this  society  was  small  in  its  beginning,  of  limited 
means,  and  without  ministerial  help  or  care  for  a good  part  of  its 
life,  yet  it  has  held  steadily  on  its  way.  Dr.  L.  A.  Engle  preached 
for  it  two  years,  John  L.  Wilson  two  years,  and  G.  W.  Ross,  one  of 
the  products  of  this  church,  and  its  present  minister,  three  years. 
The  meetings  were  from  the  first,  and  are  yet,  held  in  a public 
school-house.  In  1875  a Sunday-school  of  thirty-five  persons  was 
formed,  which  continues  its  work  with  fifty  attendants  now;  current 
expenses,  thirteen  dollars.  Sixty-seven  persons  now  hold  member- 
ship in  this  church,  while  the  attendants  upon  its  ministrations 
represent  twenty-eight  families.  Its  expenses  for  the  current  year 
are  one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars.  The  present  officers  are  P.  W. 
Wykoff  and  J.  D.  Ross  Elders,  and  Jesse  Fisher  and  J.  M.  Shockey 
Deacons.  This  congregation  is  situated  in  one  of  the  best  farming 
districts  in  the  county  or  state,  and  lias  a useful  and  prosperous 
future. 

NIANTIC  CHRISTIAN  CHURCH. 

This  congregation  is  an  offshoot  of  the  Long  Point  Church.  At 


the  beginning  there  were  one  hundred  members,  all  swarming  from 
the  old  hive.  This  occurred  in  March,  1868,  and  the  officers  of  the 
new  church  were  T.  A.  Pritchett  Elder,  and  George  Wree  and 
Griffin  Chamberlain  Deacons.  The  present  house  of  worship  was 
completed  and  occupied  in  May  of  that  year,  and  is  valued  at 
$4000.  The  following  ministers  have  served  here  ; Prof.  B.  J. 
Radford,  (now  Professor  of  Greek  in  Eureka  College)  one  year ; 
Dr.  L.  A.  Engle  three  years ; J.  W.  Ballinger,  beginning  his  labors 
in  March,  1874,  continued  for  five  years — until  the  time  of  his 
death,  which  occurred  May  twenty-fifth,  1879.  He  was  a good  man 
and  a faithful  preacher,  and  Palling  in  the  prime  of  life,  his  loss  was 
deeply  felt  and  sincerely  mourned  not  only  by  the  Niantic  Church, 
but  by  a large  circle  of  true  friends  as  well.  He  rests  from  his  toils, 
and  his  memory  is  blessed.  The  present  pastor,  A.  C.  Foster,  took 
charge  of  the  congregation  in  September,  1879.  Successful  pro- 
tracted meetings  have  been  held  here  by  Dr.  L.  A.  Engle,  who  at 
one  time  added  forty  to  the  church  ; D.  R.  Lucas,  G.  M.  Goode,  H. 
R.  Trickett  and  the  present  pastor.  The  Sunday-school  was  begun 
with  the  church  in  1868  with  thirty-five  attendants.  It  has  con- 
tinued without  intermission,  and  now  numbers  one  hundred,  and 
pays  twenty-five  dollars  per  year  for  its  own  charges,  and  ten  dollars 
or  more  for  missions.  Three  hundred  and  fifty  persons  have  been 
connected  with  this  church,  but  many  have  removed  and  some  have 
died,  so  that  the  number  now  is  one  hundred  and  seventy.  The 
amount  paid  this  .year  for  home  work  is  five  hundred  and  fifty  dol- 
lars, with  forty  dollars  for  missions.  The  present  officers  are  A.  C. 
Foster,  Pastor  ; T.  A.  Pritchett,  George  Wree,  J.  W.  Pritchett  and 
Elias  Ford,  Elders;  H.  Jacobson,  C.  A.  Hall,  P.  T.  Chamberlain, 
F.  H.  Kiger,  William  Seelig  and  John  Stahl,  Deacons.  This  is  the 
only  church  in  the  village,  and  the  people  very  generally  attend 
its  services.  Its  strength  is  undeveloped,  and  its  usefulness  lacks  a 
great  deal  of  being  at  the  maximum.  Its  opportunities  are  many 
and  its  responsibilities  are  great. 

BLUE  MOUND  CHRISTIAN  CHURCH. 

This  church  was  constituted  by  Elder  A.  D.  Northcutt,  January 
4th,  1874.  Thirty  persons  entered  into  the  organization,  nearly  all 
of  whom  had  previously  held  membership  in  a congregation  three 
miles  west,  in  Christian  county,  at  what  was  once  called  Randal- 
ville.  The  officers  chosen  were  John  Deatley,  Abel  Farnsworth  and 
J.  C.  Rose  for  elders;  and  James  Wilcox  and  John  Seelig  for  dea- 
cons. A.  D.  Northcutt  has  preached  for  this  church  most  of  the 
time  since  its  formation,  and  is  still  in  charge,  except  one  year, 
during  which  J.  W.  Ballinger  ministered  to  it.  George  F.  Adams, 
an  evangelist,  held  a successful  revival  meeting  here  in  September, 
1875,  at  which  time  more  than  sixty  persons  were  added  to  the 
church.  There  was  also  a profitable  meeting  conducted  by  C.  T. 
Cartwright  in  February,  1877.  The  church  property  was  pur- 
chased of  a gentleman  who  was  compelled  to  take  it  for  a debt  due 
him  by  its  former  possessors.  The  price  paid  him  was  $2,000,  but 
the  first  cost  of  the  house  was  $3,300  ; it  was  built  one  and  a-half 
miles  south  of  the  village,  but  after  its  sale  was  removed  to  the 
present  location.  There  had  been  a Union  Sunday-school  in  pro- 
gress in  the  town  for  several  years  up  to  1876,  when  a school  exclu- 
sively under  the  control  of  this  church  was  begun  with  fifty  persons. 
It  now  has  an  attendance  of  one  hundred,  and  pays  for  its  Sicilies 
this  year  $50;  Oscar  Fuller  is  superintendent.  About  one  hundred 
and  twenty  jiersons  have  belonged  to  this  church,  one  hundred  of 
whom  still  have  membership  here ; these  represent  forty-five  fami- 
lies, while  some  sixty  families  are  helped  by  the  church’s  ministra- 
tions. The  value  of  church  property  is  $2,500,  and  is  free  from 
debt.  Expenses  for  home  work  this  year  are  $300.  The  present 


110 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS . 


officers  are  : Elders,  Oscar  Fuller  and  Dr.  W.  S Roger  ; Deacons, 
J.  E.  Wilcox,  J.  C.  Rose,  William  Ellis  and  J.  W.  Ford.  This 
church  greatly  needs  pastoral  care  and  more  persistent  and  prayer- 
ful endeavor  in  the  Lord’s  work.  It  has  a large  field  for  usefulness. 

Among  those  who  have  contributed  much  to  the  prosperity  of 
this  church  in  the  county,  honorable  mention  should  be  made  of 
Judge  John  Rucker  and  his  son,  James  C.  Rucker,  both  deceased; 
also  of  Father  Tyler,  who  has  stood  in  the  line  of  battle  almost 
from  the  first.  He  came  to  Macon  county  in  1835 : he  was  at  that 
time  a Baptist  pure  and  straight,  but  in  the  spring  of  the  next  year 
he  united  with  the  Christian  Church,  and  has  been  unflinching  in 
his  fidelity  ever  since. 

There  are  nine  churches  of  this  denomination  in  the  county,  with 
a seating  capacity  of  2,650,  valued  at  $28,400 ; the  number  of  mem- 
bers 1,165,  with  a Sunday-school  attendance  of  765.  The  aggregate 
paid  by  church  and  schools  for  home  and  mission  work  this  year 
is  $4,580. 


THE  PROTESTANT  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH. 

TBY  REV.  W.  H.  MOORE. 

The  American  branch  of  the  holy  catholic  church,  known  in  law 
as  the  “Protestant  Episcopal,”  has  a parochial  organization  in 
Decatur,  a chapel  in  East  Decatur,  and  a mission  station  at 
Maroa. 

St.  John’s  church,  in  Decatur,  situated  on  North  Water  street 

> 

near  Eldorado,  was  organized  September  10th,  1855.  The  Rev- 
Stephen  R Child,  a priest  of  the  diocese  of  Illinois,  was  the  first 
pastor,  forming  the  parish  and  continuing  its  rector  until  his  death 
in  November  of  the  same  year.  Of  the  original  members  there 
remain  but  five:  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cyril  Fuller,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  C.  H. 
Fuller,  and  Miss  Emily  Luttrell.  The  venerable  Cyril  Fuller  still 
remains  the  senior  warden  of  the  parish,  to  which  he  was  elected  at 
the  organization.  The  Rev.  Wm.  L . Bostwick  succeeded  to  the 
rectorship  in  1857.  During  his  administration  the  parish,  which 
had  occupied  a rented  hall,  took  steps  for  building  a church  edifice. 
The  church  was  completed  and  occupied  in  1858;  it  was  conse- 
crated in  1860  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Henry  J.  Whitehouse,  D.D.  LL.D  , 
Bishop  of  Illinois.  The  same  building,  much  enlarged  and  im- 
proved, is  yet  used  by  the  parish  as  its  place  of  worship. 

Mr.  Bostwick  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  E.  P.  Wright  in  1859, 
and  he  in  turn  by  the  Rev.  Wm.  Steel,  the  present  rector  of  Cen- 
tralia.  During  the  Rev.  Dr.  Tatten’s  incumbency,  from  1863  to 
1866,  a parish  school  was  successfully  conducted  in  the  school-house 
next  south  of  the  church  building.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Pulford  and  the 
Rev.  Philip  McKim  held  successively  short  pastorates.  The  Rev. 
W.  W.  D.  Wolf  becam  erector  in  1872.  His  name  is  yet  a house- 
hold word  among  the  people  whom  he  loved,  and  who  honored  him 
as  he  deserved.  His  successful  work  was  ended  by  his  death  in  the 
summer  of  1875.  It  is  to  be  hoped  that  an  enduring  memorial  of 
this  faithful  and  well-beloved  priest  will  be  placed  in  the  church  to 
perpetuate  the  memory  of  his  noble  life. 

Mr.  D.  Wolf  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Stephen  H.  Granberry 
in  1877.  He  resigned  in  the  following  year,  and  the  vacancy  was 
filled  February,  1879,  by  the  Rev.  Walter  H.  Moore,  the  present 
incumbent. 

The  present  officers  are:  Cyril  Fuller,  senior  warden;  Wm.  J. 
Quinlan,  junior  warden  ; J.  F.  Triest,  treasurer  ; George  Moeller, 
secretary,  and  L.  Burrows,  H.  H.  Bishop,  L.  L.  Ferris,  J.  B. 
Dinges,  Charles  L.  Carnean  and  L.  L.  Burrows,  vestrymen. 

The  house  adjoining  the  church  on  the  north  is  the  .property  of 
the  parish,  and  is  occupied  by  the  rector. 


In  December,  1879,  the  parish  purchased  the  property  in  the  east 
part  of  the  town  known  as  the  “Rolling  Mill  Chapel.”  It  was 
remodelled  and  furnished,  and  opened  as  the  “ House  of  Prayer.” 
Its  officers  are:  H.  M.  Palen  and  Thomas  Casley,  wardens;  A.  E. 
Waughop,  treasurer.  The  rector  of  St.  John’s  church  acts  as  the 
pastor  of  the  chapel  for  the  present. 

At  Maroa  services  are  maintained  by  the  rector  of  Decatur,  who 
visits  the  town  every  month.  There  is  no  formal  organization 
as  yet. 

Until  1877  the  Church  in  Illinois  was  organized  as  one  dio- 
cese, the  bishop  residing  in  Chicago.  Under  such  a distant  super- 
vision, the  Church  in  central  and  southern  Illinois  suffered  for  lack 
of  personal  oversight  and  administration.  In  1877,  however,  the 
state  was  divided  into  three  dioceses.  Macon  county  is  included  in 
the  “ Diocese  of  Springfield,”  the  bishop  being  the  Rt.  Rev.  George 
F.  Seymour,  D.D.  LL.D.  The  rapid  growth  of  the  Church  in  the 
new  diocese  in  the  last  three  years  is  at  once  a justification  of  the 
division  of  the  state  and  a hopeful  promise  of  future  strength. 


CHURCH  OF  GOD. 

BY  REV-  I.  S.  RICHMOND. 

According  to  the  most  authentic  history  the  first  Church  of  God 
in  the  United  States  was  organized  near  the  city  of  Harrisburg, 
Pa.,  toward  the  close  of  the  year  1829,  by  Rev.  John  Winebrenner. 
Mr.  Winebrenner  was  a man  of  sterling  integrity,  thoroughly  edu-. 
cated,  and  defended  primitive  truth  with  ceaseless  vigilance.  The 
origin  of  the  Church  of  God  is  strikingly  exhibited  in  Mr.  Wine- 
brenner's  own  language.  Her  illustrious  and  adorable  founder  is 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  He  bought  her  with  His  blood  (Acts  xx., 
xxviii).  He  founded  her  on  the  rock.  He  first  commenced  her 
gathering  ; He  continued  her  establishment  by  the  ministry  of  the 
Apostles,  and  hy  the  dispensations  of  the  Spirit.  There  must  be  a 
deeper  work  of  grace  in  the  heart  than  the  simple  conforming  to 
external  things.  The  institutions  of  the  Church  are  three:  Burial 
with  Christ  by  baptism  once  backwards  in  the  name  of  the  Father, 
Son,  and  Holy  Spirit;  The  washing  of  the  saints’  feet  as  taught  in 
the  13th  chapter  of  John,  and  the  Lord’s  Supper.  The  Church  of 
God  accepts  nothing  as  a rule  of  faith  and  practice  but  the  New 
Testament.  So  far  as  the  title  “ Church  of  God  ” is  concerned,  it  is 
the  only  diviuely  inspired  title  recognized  in  the  New  Testament, 
The  first  Church  in  Macon  county,  111.,  was  organized  at  Boiling 
Spring,  three  miles  north-west  of  Decatur.  In  the  absence  of  a 
church  building  the  Church  was  organized  in  the  dwelling  of  father 
Joseph  Rife,  January  seventeenth  (17)  1852.  Elders  Thomas 
• Hickernell  and  George  Sandoe,  two  zealous  missionaries,  effected 
this  organization.  The  number  of  members  when  organized 
reached  75.  The  first  elders  were  Jacob  Shrull  and  Joseph  Rife, 
Sr.  When  the  proper  time  arrived  the  brotherhood  conceived  the 
idea  of  erecting  a chapel  for  the  worship  of  God,  that  resulted  in 
the  building  of  the  bethel  now  occupying  the  site  adjoining  the 
residence  of  Mr.  Joseph  Rife,  Sr.  The  present  numerical  strength 
is  80.  The  Church  is  now  under  the  Pastorate  of  Elder  S.  D.  C. 
Jackson,  a minister  of  more  than  ordinary  ability.  In  late  years 
the  Church  erected  a parsonage  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  church 
building.  Total  valuation  of  church  property  $2500  (twenty-five 
hundred). 

DECATUR. 

The  Church  of  God  was  organized  in  the  City  of  Decatur,  May 
1st,  1857,  by  Rev.  A.  J.  Fenton,  who  continued  pastor  until  April 
1st,  1858.  During  the  year  1858,  the  Church  erected  a building 
for  divine  worship.  It  was  dedicated  by  Rev.  John  Winebrenner 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


Ill 


on  the  17th  of  October  the  same  year.  The  house  was  re-papered 
in  the  year  1866  by  A.  B.  Bender,  at  a cost  of  one  hundred  and 
forty  dollars.  The  present  membership  does  not  exceed  one  hun- 
dred, with  quite  a flourishing  Sabbath-school  under  the  control  of 
Mr.  Wm.  Stare.  The  present  spiritual  and  financial  condition  of 
the  Church  is  good ; peace  and  harmony  prevail.  There  are  no 
debts  hanging  on  the  Church  in  any  way  whatever.  The  present 
pastor  is  Rev.  I.  S.  Richmond.  The  church  building  is  very 
pleasantly  located  on  the  corner  of  Water  and  Cerro  Gordo  streets. 

Fairview. — The  Fairview  Chapel  is  located  nine  miles  north  of 
Decatur  and  two  miles  west  of  the  village  of  Forsythe.  The 
country  is  charming.  The  Church  was  organized  March  14th> 
1871,  by  Elder  M.  S.  Newcomer.  The  original  number  of  mem- 
bers amounted  to  sixty-five.  The  whole  number  admitted  to  the 
communion  of  this  Church  was  162.  Many,  however,  have  moved 
away,  others  have  died,  leaving  the  number  at  the  present  time  60. 
Its  present  pastor  is  Rev.  D.  S.  Weigel,  who  was  one  of  the  original 
members.  The  Sabbath-school  is  quite  an  auxiliary  to  the  Church. 
The  average  attendance  about  75.  The  superintendent  is  its 
present  pastor,  D.  S.  Weigel.  Valuation  of  Church  property 
$2,000. 

Belle  Prairie. — The  Church  was  organized  in  November,  1871, 
by  Rev.  M.  S.  Newcomer.  The  original  number  of  members  con- 
sisted of  12.  There  is  no  house  of  worship  at  this  place;  the  con- 
gregation worship  in  a school-house. 

Pleasant  Grove,  two  miles  east  of  Oreana.  There  is  a small 
organization  here.  Rev.  D.  S.  Weigel  is  its  present  pastor.  The 
Church  worship  in  a Union  Meeting  House.  Rev.  J.  Schock,  a 
minister  of  the  Illinois  Eldership,  lives  near  by.  The  Church  was 
organized  by  Rev.  Gregory. 

Warrensburgh. — The  Church  at  this  place  was  organized  by  Rev. 
I.  E.  Boyer,  in  the  month  of  May,  1875.  The  original  number  of 
members  was  8.  The  Church  worship  in  a chapel  belonging  to 
Mr.  S.  Richey.  The  chapel  is  valued  at  one  thousand  dollars. 
The  Church  at  this  time  numbers  over  one  hundred  members.  The 
Sabbath-school  of  120  scholars  are  under  the  efficient  control  of 
Mrs.  Richey.  The  present  pastor  is  Rev.  S.  D.  C.  Jackson. 

Centre  Bethel. — There  is  a flourishing  organization  at  this  point. 
But  the  statistics  not  an-iving  in  time  I am  unable  to  give  them  to 
the  public. 


UNITED  BRETHREN  IN  CHRIST. 

BY  A.  H.  CHITTENDEN. 

The  first  service  held  in  this  county  by  a United  Brethren 
preacher  was  some  five  miles  south-east  of  Decatur,  in  the  spring  of 
1848,  at  the  residence  of  Rev.  M.  T.  Chew,  by  Rev.  James  Parks, 
which  resulted  in  the  organization  of  the  first  United  Brethren 
class  in  Macon  county  in  the  same  year. 

Decatur. — Through  the  labors  and  instrumentality  of  Rev.  M. 
Ambrose  in«1856,  a society  of  the  above-named  church  was  organ- 
ized in  the  old  Masonic  Hall.  The  members  at  the  time  of  the 
organization  were  the  seven  following : S.  B.  McClelland,  J.  E. 
McClelland,  Rachel  McClelland,  S.  W.  Hamsher,  Sarah  Hamsher, 
Jacob  Bohn,  and  Mary  Bohn.  In  1857  the  society  succeeded  in 
erecting  a good  substantial  brick  church  on  the  corner  of  Cerro 
Gordo  and  North  Main  streets  at  a cost  of  $3,500,  which  they  con- 
tinued to  occupy  till  1873,  when  the  church  purchased  two  lots  on 
the  corner  of  Broadway  and  El  Dorado  streets  at  a cost  of  $2,350, 
and  erected  a new  and  commodious  house  of  worship  at  a cost  of 


$5,000.00.  The  present  membership  is  122.  A good  and  success- 
ful Sabbath- school  of  100  scholars,  with  the  requisite  number  of 
officers  and  teachers.  Church  sittings  400.  Probable  value  of 
Church  property  $7,000.00. 

Pleasant  Hill. — This  society  is  located  five  miles  north-east  of 
Decatur.  Was  organized  by  Rev.  James  Parks  in  the  year  1850. 
In  the  year  1865  they  built  a neat  though  small  brick  house  of 
worship,  at  a cost  of  $1,400.00.  Was  dedicated  by  Bishop  J. 
Weaver,  D.  D.  Church  sittings  300.  Present  number  of  mem- 
bers 104.  A good  Sabbath-school  numbering  100. 

Union. — Was  organized  March  25th,  1866,  by  Rev.  J.  Blake. 
This  society  worships  in  a Union  Church  house,  which  is  free  to 
all,  built  by  the  people  of  the  neighborhood  in  which  it  is  located. 
Dedicated  by  Bishop  J.  Dickson,  D.  D.,  of  the  U.  B.  Church. 
There  is  a good  Union  Sabbath-school  at  this  place  quite  largely 
attended.  Present  membership  43. 

Fairview  Chapel. — Rev.  A.  Wimsett,  December  8,  1868,  organ- 
ized this  society.  They  worshiped  in  a school-house  till  1871, 
when  they  erected  a neat  substantial  frame  house,  costing  them 
$1,700  ; it  was  dedicated  by  Bishop  D.  Edwards,  D.  D.  This  house 
has  a sitting  capacity  of  350.  Present  number  of  members  22' 
Good  Sabbath-school  with  an  attendance  of  60. 

Cherry  Grove . — This  society  was  organized  by  Rev.  J.  Herbert, 
Jan.  15,  1867.  This  Church  is  located  on  the  line  between  Macon 
and  Piatt  counties.  The  house  is  a substantial  brick,  with  sittings 
for  400,  costing  $1,500.  Present  membership  23.  Sabbath-school 
with  30  attendants. 

Newburgh. — The  first  U.  B.  Church  in  Friends’  Creek  township 
of  Macon  county,  was  at  Newburgh,  and  was  organized  by  the 
Rev.  J.  Murphey,  in  November,  1852.  At  its  organization  there 
were  but  five  members.  Present  membership  33.  A good  church 
house  worth  t$900.  A flourishing  Sabbath-school  with  an  atten- 
dance of  95,  including  officers  and  teachers. 

Blue  Mound. — The  first  organization  of  this  Church  in  Blue 
Mound,  for  some  reason  unknown  to  us,  after  accomplishing  much 
good,  was  dissolved.  The  present  organization  was  formed  in  1874 
by  Rev.  J.  Corley  with  a membership  of  17.  They  erected  a 
house  of  worship  in  1875,  and  it  was  dedicated  the  same  year 
by  Bishop  J.  Dickson,  D.  D.  Church  sittings  300.  Probable 
value  of  Church  property  $1,500.  A splendid  Sabbath-school, 
with  the  large  attendance  of  100. 

Wheatland. — This  society  is  located  at  Elwin,  6 miles  south  of 
Decatur,  was  organized  by  Rev.  S.  P.  Hoy,  in  the  year  1866. 
There  is  here  a large  commodious  brick  house  and  lot  worth 
$2,000.  A fine  Sabbath-school  with  an  attendance  of  50.  Church 
sittings  400.  Present  membership  26. 

Oalc  Ridge — was  organized  by  Rev.  M.  G.  Chew,  Jan.,  1879, 
with  a membership  of  17.  Present  number  of  members  30.  A 
Sabbath-school  conducted  much  to  the  credit  of  the  neighborhood, 
numbering  40. 

Casner  Chapel. — This  Church  is  located  at  Casner  station  on  the 
I.  D.  & S.  R.  R.  east  of  Decatur.  Was  organized  Feb.  18,  1877, 
by  Rev.  J.  H.  Crowder,  with  a membership  of  31.  Present  mem- 
bership 38.  Since  the  time  of  their  organization  they  have  erected  a 
splendid  Church  house  worth  $1,600.  They  have  a good,  successful 
Sabbath-school  with  about  50  in  attendance.  Church  sittings  400. 

Union  Hall. — This  society  was  organized  in  the  fall  of  1867,  by 

Rev.  7 El  well,  with  six  members.  In  1870  this  society  was 

transferred  to  the  Lower  Wabash  Annual  Conference ; was  trans- 


* 


112  HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


fered  back  to  the  Central  Illinois  Annual  Conference  in  1878. 
Present  membership  24. 

Mt.  Pleasant. — Located  eight  miles  north  of  Warrensburgh,  was 
organized  by  Rev.  L.  D.  Ambrose  in  18(58,  with  about  30  members. 
Present  membership  45.  A good  frame  church  valued  at  81,000. 
A Sabbath-school  in  successful  operation  with  an  attendance  of  40. 
Church  sittings  300. 

Center  Chapel. — This  society  is  located  5 miles  north-west  of 
Niantic  ; was  organized  bv  Rev.  P.  Flack,  in  1873.  Membership 
when  first  organized  6.  Present  number  of  members  18.  In  1874 
hey  erected  a frame  chur  ch  house  at  a cost  of  81,500,  it  was  dedi- 
cated by  Rev.  A.  L.  Best.  Their  Sabbath-school  here  is  well 
attended. 


THE  CUMBERLAND  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH. 

MT.  ZION  CUMBERLAND  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH. 

In  an  old-fashioned  log  school-house,  situated  at  that  time  some  four 
miles  in  a south-westerly  direction  from  Decatur,  the  Rev.  John 
Berry  preached  the  first  sermon  ever  delivered  to  this  denomina- 
tion in  Macon  county.  On  the  24th  day  of  April,  1830,  at  the 
residence  of  Rev.  David  Foster,  the  Mt.  Zion  Cumberland  Presby- 
terian Church  was  organized,  and  the  following  persons  constituted 
the  charter  members : Andrew  Wilson,  Mary  A.  Wilson,  Alexander 
W.  Wilson,  Nancy  Wilson,  Catharine  Wilson,  Robert  Foster,  Mar- 
garet Foster,  David  Foster,  Anna  Foster,  Wm.  C.  Foster,  Isabel 
Foster,  Nancy  Allen  Foster,  Allen  Travis,  Peggy  Travis,  Janies 
D.  Campbell,  Lovina  Campbell,  Andrew  Davidson,  Asseneth  R. 
Davidson,  William  D.  Baker,  Marilla  Baker,  John  Davidson, 
Rhoda  Davidson,  Rebecca  Travis,  David  Davis,  Polly  M.  Davis, 
John  Smith,  Peggy  Smith,  Elizabeth  Bell,  Alexander  Bell,  Nancy 
Jane  Bell,  Eleanor  Davidson,  Robert  Smith,  Nancy  Smith,  Samuel 
Davidson,  Elizabeth  Davidson,  Nancy  Davidson. 

The  pastors  of  this  church  in  the  order  of  their  succession  have 
been,  Revs.  David  Foster,  founder  of  the  church,  Neil  Johnson,  Dan- 
iel Traugliber,  Samuel  Ashton.  John  D.  Cowan,  J.  T.  A.  Henderson, 
John  C.  Smith,  R.  T.  Marlow,  R.  T.  Lester,  R.  G.  Carden,  N.  M. 
Baker  and  P.  H.  Crider. 

The  first  pastor,  Rev.  David  Foster,  organized  at  Mt.  Zion,  the 
first  Sunday-school  of  Macon  county.  This  was  in  the  year  1831. 
The  first  superintendent  of  the  school  was  James  Scott.  The  pres- 
ent membership  of  the  church  is  about  one  hundred  and  eighty-five, 
and  the  Sunday-school  eighty. 

NORTH  FORK  CUMBERLAND  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH. 

Was  Organized  in  April,  1855,  at  the  Emmerson  school-house,  Rev. 
John  C-  Smith  being  the  founder.  At  the  time  of  organization  the 
number  of  members  was  fifty-four,  forty-eight  of  whom  had  been 
connected  with  the  Mt.  Zion  church.  The  several  pastors  in  suc- 
cession have  been,  Revs.  Daniel  Traughber,  John  C.  Smith,  Joseph 
R.  Lawrence,  G.  W.  Kinsoloing,  W.  P.  Baker,  M.  Dillow,  W.  L. 
Bankson  and  N.  M.  Baker.  The  first  Sunday-school  in  that  neigh- 
borhood was  organized  by  Miss  Charlotte  Emmerson,  sister  of  Judge 
Emmerson  deceased,  the  latter  being  superintendent  .and  teacher. 
This  occurred  in  the  year  1840,  in  a small  building  situated  in  her 
father’s  yard. 

BETHLEHEM  CUMBERLAND  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH. 

This  church  was  organized  by  the  Rev.  John  C.  Smith  in  1850. 

It  originally  numbered  fifty-one  members,  part  of  whom  had 


formerly  belonged  to  the  Mt.  Zion  and  Mt.  Carmel  churches.  The 
successive  pastors  of  this  church  have  been,  Revs.  John  C.  Smith, 
Abner  Lansden,  James  Pantier,  N.  M.  Baker,  W.  Pinckney  Baker, 

Ryan,  Thomas  Montgomery,  J.  T.  A.  Henderson,  Robert  G. 

Gardner,  J.  R.  Lawrence,  T.  G.  Stansberry  and  W.  L.  Bankson. 
The  present  membership  is  about  one  hundred  and  five,  and  that  of 
the  Sunday-school  connected  with  the  church  about  seventy. 

MADISON  CUMBERLAND  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH. 

This  church,  too,  was  instituted  by  the  Rev.  John  C.  Smith,  the 
original  members  having  formerly  belonged  to  the  Bethlehem  and 
Mt.  Carmel  Churches.  We  have  been  unable  to  obtain  the  names 
of  the  pastors  or  the  number  of  members.  There  are  churches  of 
this  faith  near  Argenta,  in  Friends’  Creek  township;  at  Prairie 
Hall,  in  Mt.  Zion  township,  and  at  Shady  Grove,  in  Wheatland 
township,  but  of  these  we  have  failed  to  find  the  necessary  data  for 
historical  sketches. 


THE  ROMAN  CATHOLIC  CHURCH. 

St.  Patrick's  Catholic  Church. — The  first  Catholic  service  ever  held 
in  Decatur  was  conducted  by  Rev-  Father  Pendergast,  in  July,  1853, 
at  the  residence  of  Mrs.  Marvin,  on  west  Main  street.  At  the  close 
of  that  service,  Mary  Phalin  was  baptized,  she  being  the  first  child 
baptized  in  the  Catholic  Church  at  Decatur.  Father  Pendergast 
continued  his  labors  as  rector  of  the  Catholic  organization  in  Deca- 
tur one  year.  In  1854  Rev.  Father  Cussack  was  sent  to  Decatur, 
and  remained  rector  of  the  church  five  years.  Services  were  held  in 
the  court-house  and  at  private  residences  till  1857,  when  Father 
Cussack  raised  money  enough  to  erect  a frame  church  on  West 
Prairie  street.  This  building  was  afterwards  moved  to  east 
North  street,  and  is  now  occupied  for  parochial  school  pur- 
poses. 

In  1859  Rev-  Father  Voght  was  sent  to  be  rector  of  the  church, 
and  remained  in  charge  till  1870.  The  corner-stone  of  the  present 
large  handsome  brick  edifice  was  laid  March  seventeenth  (St.  Pat. 
rick’s  Day),  1863,  and  was  occupied  for  worship  the  following  win- 
ter. 

Father  Walsh  succeeded  Father  Voght  in  1870,  and  reniained 
rector  till  1873,  when  Rev.  Father  Hickey  became  rector,  and  con- 
tinued till  November,  1876.  Rev.  Father  Joseph  Macken  succeed- 
ed Father  Hickey  in  1876,  and  is  still  rector.  St.  Patrick’s  Catholic 
Church  has  established  two  flourishing  parochial  schools  in  this  city, 
viz  : the  St.  Theresa  Academy  for  girls,  and  a separate  school  for 
boys,  both  of  which  are  well  attended.  The  former,  a three-story 
brick  building  situated  on  El  Dorado  street,  was  founded  in  1875, 
and  at  present  is  under  the  supervision  of  Mother  Superior  Theresa 
assisted  by  a faculty  of  seven  Sisters.  The  curriculum  of  studies 
includes  all  the  English  branches  found  in  a collegiate  course,  the 
German  language,  and  vocal  and  instrumental  music.  The  attend- 
ance last  year  (1879)  was  180,  which  would  have  been  much  larger 
had  boarding  pupils  been  received.  The  boys’  school,  situated  on 
North  street,  just  east  of  St.  Patrick’s  Church,  had  an  enrollment 
last  year  (1879)  of  120  pupils.  St.  Patrick’s  Church  has  about  two 
thousand  communicants.  The  value  of  the  church  property,  in- 
cluding the  schools,  Ac.,  is  $30,000. 

St.  James'  Roman  Catholic  Church. — In  1877  Rev.  Father  Joseph 
Spaeth  founded  the  St.  James’  Catholic  Church  of  Decatur,  and 
officiated  as  rector  till  July,  1879.  He  was  succeeded  by  Rev. 
Father  Lammert,  who  is  still  rector.  The  church  is  a commodious 
frame  building,  situated  in  the  south-east  part  of  the  city.  It  has  a 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


113 


seating  capacity  for  about  two  hundred  persons,  and  a membership 
of  seventy-five  families.  The  building  and  grounds  are  valued  at 
$4000.  The  church  maintains  a parochial  school  for  boys  and  girls 
which,  at  present,  is  conducted  in  a part  of  the  church  building. 
The  course  of  study  embraces  all  the  ordinary  English  branches, 
and  a thorough  training  in  the  German  language.  The  school  had 
eighty  pupils  in  attendance  last  year  (1879.)  On  a lot  adjacent  to 
the  church  is  situated  St.  Mary’s  Hospital,  which  is  under  the  con- 
trol of  the  church.  Sister  Rosa  is  Superior  of  the  hospital,  and  is 
assisted  by  five  other  Sisters  of  the  order  of  St.  Francis.  Patients 
are  received  from  all  ranks  of  society,  and  the  Sisters,  when  re- 
quested, visit  the  sick  and  suffering  in  all  parts  of  the  city.  The 
value  of  the  hospital  and  grounds  is  $3000.  It  will  be  regularly 
incorporated  the  coming  year. 

St.  Stanislaus  Roman  Catholic  Church. — This  church  was  instituted 
at  Macon  in  the  year  1866.  Rev.  Anthony  Voght  was  the  pioneer 
and  first  pastor  from  1866  to  1873.  He  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev. 
G.  Schreiber,  from  1873  to  1874.  The  Rev.  Mauasses  Kane  suc- 
ceeded him  from  1874  to  1875.  Rev.  Edward  McGowan,  the 
present  pastor,  succeeded  Rev.  Kane  in  the  year  1875. 

The  present  church  building,  a handsome  brick  structure,  was 
erected  at  a cost  of  eight  thousand  dollars,  in  the  year  1868.  The 
present  number  of  communicants  are  about  three  hundred. 


THE  BAPTIST  CHURCH. 

Decatur. — The  Baptist  Church  of  Decatur  was  organized  by 
Rev.  H.  W.  Dodge,  in  the  house  of  Capt.  D.  L.  Allen,  Sept.  14th, 
1843.  The  original  members,  who  had  formerly  belonged  to  the 
Springfield  Baptist  Church,  were  as  follows  : 

David  L.  Allen,  Julia  E.  Allen,  Thomas  H.  Read,  Elizabeth 
Read,  David  Brett,  Margaret  Brett,  Henry  Riggs,  Malinda  Riggs, 
Lemuel  Allen,  Robert  Allen,  Margaret  Pratt  and  S.  C.  Allen. 
The  congregation  worshiped  at  various  places  in  Decatur,  till  1857, 
when  a church  edifice  was  erected  on  the  north-east  corner  of  Water 
and  Williams  streets,  and  was  dedicated  December  27th,  of  the  same 
year.  In  1873,  the  church  built  a commodious  brick  chapel,  on 
North  street  between  Franklin  and  Water  streets,  and  the  same 
was  dedicated  April  4th,  1874. 

The  successive  pastors,  from  the  organization  of  the  Church  to 
the  present  time,  have  been,  Revs.  H.  W.  Dodge,  Moses  Lemon, 
B.  Carpenter,  C.  H.  Gates,  N.  Alvord,  J.  N.  Tolman,  B.  F. 
Thomas,  S.  G.  Miner,  F.  M.  Ellis,  F.  G.  Thearle,  S.  F.  Holt,  J.  C. 
Bonham,  W.  G.  Inman,  and  the  present  incumbent,  AV.  H.  Batson. 
The  church,  which  at  present  numbers  171  members,  is  in  a 
flourishing  condition.  The  Sabbath-school  in  connection  with  the 
church  has  a membership  of  over  two  hundred.  The  church  pro- 
perty is  valued  at  about  $5,000. 

Oreana  Baptist  Church. — This  church,  situated  at  the  town  of 
Oreana,  eight  miles  north-east  of  Decatur,  was  organized  under  the 
name  of  the  Friendship  Baptist  Church,  March  20th,  1858,  and 
was  recognized  as  a regularly  constituted  Baptist  Church,  on  the 
23d  day  of  the  same  month,  Rev.  J.  N.  Tolman,  of  Decatur, 
preaching  the  sermon  on  that  occasion,  and  Rev.  Charles  Tinker, 
of  Anawan,  delivering  the  charge  to  the  church.  The  names  of 
the  charter  members  were  J.  R.  Bower,  Olivia  S.  Bower,  Martha 
A.  Bower,  W.  D.  Bower,  Sarah  J.  Bower,  Davis  AV.  Pulliam, 
Margaret  Pulliam,  Richard  C.  Pulliam,  Maria  C.  Pulliam,  Eliza 
Rutherford,  Edward  H.  Rider  and  Eliza  J.  Rider.  The  first 


five  converts  were  J.  M.  Bower,  H.  C.  Bower,  G.  M.  Bower,  Joseph 
Pulliam  and  Sarah  Pulliam.  During  the  first  year  the  church 
received  fourteen  additions  by  letter  and  baptism.  The  first  pastor 
of  the  church  was  Rev.  Jacob  Bower,  familiarly  known  throughout 
the  state  as  “ Father  ’ ’ Bower,  who  spent  more  than  sixty  years 
in  the  Christian  ministry,  accomplishing  much  good,  and  died 
happy  in  the  faith  at  the  advanced  age  of  87  years. 

For  some  time  the  church  had  regular  services,  only  once  a 
month,  except  as  Revs.  Maddock,  Eli,  and  other  traveling  ministers 
occasionally  filled  the  pulpit.  In  June,  1859,  Rev.  J.  Z.  Zimmer- 
man was  called  to  the  pastorate  and  preached  every  fourth  Sab- 
bath. In  December,  1860,  Rev.  David  AVinslow  took  charge  of 
the  church,  preaching  every  alternate  Sabbath,  till  February,  1862. 
In  March,  1862,  Mr.  A\r.  H.  AValters  was  ordained,  and  in  May 
became  pastor  of  the  church,  preaching  only  twice  a month. 

In  the  winter  of  1863,  the  church  made  an  effort  to  build  a 
house  of  worship,  but  failed  to  raise  the  requisite  amount.  Another 
effort  was  made  in  1865,  with  a similar  result.  In  June,  1866, 
Rev.  E.  M.  Brown  became  pastor,  and  remained  in  charge  about  a 
year,  after  which  the  church  was  for  some  time  without  a pastor. 
In  November,  1867,  Rev.  J.  M.  AVells  was  called  and  took  charge 
of  the  church.  Under  his  ministrations,  assisted  by  others,  twenty- 
six  additions  were  made  to  the  church  by  letter  and  baptism.  He 
continued  pastor  about  three  years.  In  December,  1870,  Rev.  D. 
McArthur  was  called  to  the  pastorate,  and  remained  a year  and  a 
half.  After  this  the  church  was  again  without  a regular  pastor  till 
January,  1872,  when  Rev.  F.  AV.  Jugmire  took  charge,  preaching 
only  once  a month  the  first  year,  and  afterwards  every  two  weeks. 
In  1874,  by  the  untiring  efforts  of  a few  of  the  members  assisted 
by  other  ardent  friends  of  the  cause,  sufficient  money  was  raised  to 
build  the  long-needed  and  much  desired  house  of  worship.  The 
building  was  commenced  in  August,  1874,  and  having  been  com- 
pleted at  a cost,  including  seating,  &c.,  of  $2050,  it  was  (free  of 
debt)  dedicated  on  the  15th  of  the  following  November,  Rev. 
Justice  Bulkley,  D.D.,  of  Shurtleff  College,  preaching  the  dedica- 
tory discourse.  About  this  time  Rev.  F.  AV.  Jugmire  resigned  the 
pastorate  ; but  the  church  kept  up  the  regular  weekly  meetings 
and  organized  a flourishing  Sabbath-school,  which  greatly  prospered 
during  the  next  three  years.  In  March,  1875,  Rev.  R.  R.  Coon, 
Sr.,  became  pastor  of  the  church,  and  was  one  of  the  most  faithful 
and  devoted  ministers  it  had  ever  had. 

The  village  of  Oreana  having  been  established  in  1875,  the 
name  of  the  church,  to  conform  to  that  of  the  town,  was  changed 
from  Friendship  Baptist  Church  to  Oreana  Baptist  Church. 

In  May,  1879,  R AV.  C.  Roach  was  chosen  pastor,  and  still  oc- 
cupies the  pulpit  every  alternate  Sabbath.  Under  his  ministrations 
the  church  is  increasing  in  strength,  and  is  much  encouraged. 
The  building  is  in  good  condition ; the  church  lots  are  set  with 
beautiful  maple  trees,  and  with  the  neat  edifice,  present  to  the 
visitor  the  idea  of  a high  state  of  intellectual  and  Christian  refine- 
ment. 

There  have  been  in  all,  upwards  of  three  hundred  names  en- 
rolled on  the  church  register,  but  there  have  never  been  more  than 
fifty  active  members  at  any  one  time  since  the  founding  of  the 
church.  Only  two  of  the  original  members  of  the  church  now 
remain,  and  these  were  not  among  the  charter  members,  but  were 
received  into  membership  at  the  first  meetings  of  the  church.  The 
present  membership  is  forty-five. 

The  Rolling  Mill  Chapel  * — AAras  erected  by  the  Baptist  Church 
in  1871,  at  a cost  of  $2500.  It  has  a Sabbath-school  of  150 
members. 

* Smith’s  History  of  Macon  County. 


114 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


Antioch,  African.— This  was  organized  in  the  year  1858,  with  14 
members.  House  of  worship  on  South  Main  street,  near  Brambles’ 
Grove. 

There  is  also  a new  church  of  this  denomination  at  Oreana. 

Salem  Church  ( Separate  Baptist ). — This  church  is  located  five 
miles  south-west  of  Decatur.  It  was  organized  in  1846,  with  the 
following  members:  John  Burke,  Micajah  Burke,  L.  B.  Ward, 
Elizabeth  Ward,  Coleman  Brown,  Elizabeth  Brown,  Ephraim  Cox, 
Nancy  Cox  and  Amos  Walker.  The  successive  pastors  have  been 
Robert  Henson,  J.  W.  Vaughan,  John  Turner,  F.  S.  Randolph,  S. 
B.  N.  Vaughan,  and  others.  The  membership  at  present  numbers 
about  40.  It  has  a Sunday-school  of  about  40  members. 

The  cemetery  at  this  church,  perhaps  the  oldest  in  the  country, 
was  commenced  in  the  year  1829  or  1830.  A Mr.  Mangrin  and 
wife  were  the  first  buried  there. 


UNIVERSALIST  CHURCH. 

The  Universalist  Church  of  Decatur,  which  is  the  only  one 
of  this  denomination  in  the  county,  was  organized  in  1854,  by  the 


Rev.  D.  P.  Bunn,  with  the  following  members  : Joseph  Spangler, 
Sr.,  Joseph  Spangler,  Jr.,  Jacob  Spangler,  J.  B.  Hanks  and  wife, 
John  Rickets  and  wife,  and  John  Capps  and  wife.  The  meetings 
were  held  in  private  houses,  Rev.  D.  P.  Bunn  officiating,  till  1854, 
when  a brick  church  was  erected  on  Prairie  street  and  occupied  by 
the  society. 

In  1876  the  building  was  remodeled  by  raising  its  walls,  making 
a commodious  audience  room  above,  and  offices  and  business  rooms 
below. 

The  auditorium  is  well  seated  ; the  walls  are  frescoed,  and  the 
whole  presents  a very  attractive  appearance.  The  church  was  re- 
dedicated in  June,  1876,  and  has  since  continued  its  regular  Sun- 
day services. 

In  1854  a Sabbath-school  was  organized  in  connection  with  the 
church,  and  has  continued  without  interruption  to  the  present 
time,  when  it  has  a membership  of  seventy.  The  several  pastors 
since  1854,  in  the  order  of  their  succession,  have  been  : Revs.  D.  P. 
Bunn,  (founder  of  the  church  and  pastor  for  fourteen  years,)  S.  S. 
Hebbard,  S.  F.  Gibb,  and  M.  W.  Tabor. 

Rev.  S.  S.  Hebbard  was  recalled  to  the  pastorate,  and  remained 
in  charge  till  1879.  The  present  value  of  the  church  property  is 
810,000. 


TOWNSHIP  AND  CITY  OF  DECATUR. 


capital  of  Macon  county  was  named  in  honor  of 
jphen  Decatur,  so  famous  in  the  naval  annals  of 
r country,  a native  of  Maryland,  born  in  1779. 
jphen  Decatur  was  educated  in  the  schools  of  Phila- 
delphia and  at  Pennsylvania  University.  His  love 
of  the  sea  dated  from  a voyage  made  with  his  father  in  his  ninety- 
second  year.  He  was  with  Commodore  Barry,  on  board  the 
“ United  States,”  during  a cruise  through  the  West  Indies  against 
French  privateers.  He  was  made  lieutenant  for  brilliant  services 
and  bravery.  He  was  soon  commissioned  first  lieutenant  under 
Captain  Bainbridge  on  the  “Essex,”  one  of  the  squadron  in  the  Me- 
diterranean, to  protect  American  commerce  from  the  Tripolitan  and 
Algerine  pirates,  and  to  punish  them  for  outrages  committed.  He 
came  home  in  1802  with  his  ship,  but  soon  returned  to  the 
squadron,  this  time  on  the  “ New  York.”  Remaining  but  a short 
time,  he  assumed  command  of  the  “Argus,”  and  sailed  for 
Gibraltar,  where  he  was  put  in  charge  of  the  schooner  “ Enter- 
prise,” with  which,  in  October,  1803,  he  captured  the  “ Mostico,” 
with  seventy  prisoners.  His  most  brilliant  exploit,  and  one  of  the 
most  daring  recorded  in  history,  was  his  capture  of  the  “ Philadel- 
phia,” a U.  S.  man-of-war,  in  the  harbor  of  Tripoli.  He  drove  the 
Tripolitans  that  manned  her  into  the  sea  and  set  her  on  fire,  and 
brought  off  his  men  safely.  His  subsequent  services  were  very  dis- 
tinguished, but  space  does  not  allow  their  mention.  It  is  sufficient 
to  say  that  he  rose  to  the  highest  commands.  Resolutions  and 
medals  were  voted  to  him  by  the  national  and  state  legislatures, 
and  he  was  everywhere  proclaimed  the  champion  of  the  American 
navy.  His  services  in  the  war  of  1812,  and  afterward  with  Algiers 
and  Tripoli,  were  brilliant,  and  he  returned  home  to  meet,  as  he 
had  met  before,  with  an  enthusiastic  reception  from  the  people  and 
to  be  appointed  Commissioner  of  the  Navy.  On  the  22d  of  March t 
1820,  this  gallant,  noble-hearted  gentleman  fell  mortally  wounded 
in  a duel  with  Commodore  Barron,  at  Bladensburg.  Like  Hamil" 
ton,  “ he  yielded  to  the  force  of  an  imperious  custom,”  and  “ in  the 
fulness  of  his  fame,  in  the  prime  of  his  usefulness,  descended  to  the 
tomb.” 

The  land  on  which  the  original  town  of  Decatur  was  laid  out,  was 
entered  by  Parmenas  Smallwood,  Easton  Whitten  and  Charles 
Prentice,  for  which,  at  the  time,  they  had  not  yet  received  a patent 
from  the  government.  The  commissioners  appointed  to  select  a 
site  for  the  seat  of  justice  were  John  Fleming,  Jesse  Rhodes  and 
Easton  Whitten.  Mr.  Whitten  received  ten  dollars  for  his  ser- 
vices, and  the  other  members  seven  dollars  and  fifty  cents  each. 

Benjamin  R.  Austin,  the  county  surveyor,  laid  off  the  town  in 
accordance  with  instructions,  “ after  the  form  of  Shelbyville,”  and 
for  his  services  was  allowed  the  sum  of  twenty-four  dollars. 

On  the  20th  day  of  June,  1829,  Messrs.  Smallwood,  Whitten  and 
Prentice  entered  into  bond  with  the  county  commissioners,  stipulat- 


ing that,  after  they  received  their  patent,  they  would  convey  to  the 
commissioners  a gift  deed  for  the  twenty  acres  of  land  on  which  the 
town  had  been  located. 

The  survey  was  acknowledged  on  July  7th,  1829,  and  at  the 
same  term  of  court  the  following  order  was  made  by  the  commis- 
sioners : 

“ Ordered,  That  a sale  of  lots  take  place  in  the  town  of  Decatur, 
in  this  county,  on  the  10th  day  of  July  next,  on  the  following 
terms,  to-wit : a credit  of  twelve  months  will  be  given,  and  note 
with  approved  security  will  be  required,  and  that  the  clerk  of  this 
court  is  required  to  advertise  the  sale  in  the  paper  printed  in  Van- 
dalia  until  the  day  of  sale.” 

At  the  next  term  of  court  we  find  that  D.  McCall  was  allowed 
$500  “ for  money  paid  to  R.  Blackwell,  for  warrants  and  advertis- 
ing the  sale  of  lots  in  the  town  of  Decatur.” 

At  the  sale  on  the  10th  day  of  July,  the  first  lot  sold  was  No.  2, 
in  block  3,  where  Priest’s  Hotel  now  stands,  which  being  a “ corner 
lot,”  was  bid  in  by  John  Manly  for  $53.50.  The  second  lot  was  lot 
6,  in  block  1,  which  was  bid  in  for  $12.00- 

The  first  house  erected  in  town  -was  by  James  Renshaw — “ Uncle 
Jimmy  Renshaw  ” he  was  called — on  lot  3,  block  3,  just  north  of 
Priest’s  Hotel.  The  second  house  erected  was  by  Philip  D.  Wil- 
liams, on  lot  4,  block  1.  “ Philip  ” kept  a livery  stable  in  those 

early  days — or  rather  a place  for  the  “ entertainment  of  beasts.” 
There  was  a very  large  log  lying  in  north  Water  street,  nearly  op- 
posite the  entrance  to  the  present  court  room.  Upon  this  log  boxes 
had  been  nailed  or  trenches  cut  in  which  the  horses  were  fed. 
There  was  also  a log  lying  in  front  of  Renshaw's  house,  which  we 
omitted  to  mention  was  a tavern — the  first  in  Decatur — upon  this 
log,  in  early  days,  card-playing  was  carried  on.  It  was  the  card- 
table,  and  rather  consjncuous,  we  should  say.  Whether  any  for- 
tunes were  lost  and  won,  we  are  unable  to  say ; but,  judging  from 
the  court  records,  and  the  number  of  entries  of  “ indictments  for 
gaming,”  entered  thereon,  it  appears  that  gaming  was  a very  com- 
mon pastime,  and  the  number  of  “convictions”  would  indicate 
that  there  was  also  “ playing  for  money,”  and  the  names  of  the 
parties  charged,  would  further  indicate  that  the  “ heads  of  town  ” 
were  accessories,  if  not  principals,  in  the  enchanting  games. — 
Smith’s  History- 

Ax,  the  time  Decatur  was  laid  off,  one  cabin  stood  on  the  twenty 
acres  composing  the  town  site  ; but  several  more  had  been  erected  as 
early  as  1824  and  ’25,  on  land  included  within  the  present  limits 
of  the  city.  The  first  store  in  Decatur  stood  on  the  site  of  the 
Priest  House,  and  was  kept  by  James  Renshaw,  who  came  from 
Shelbyville,  and  who  has  descendants  in  the  county.  The  second 
merchant  was  Isaac  C.  Pugh,  prominent  in  the  history  of  the 
county  and  state,  who  came  from  Yandalia.  These  stores  were  es- 
tablished in  1829,  and  the  goods  were  carted  from  St.  Louis. 

115 


116 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS 


Samuel  B.  aud  Joseph  C.  Dewees  were  next.  They  employed 
John  Miller  to  burn  a kiln  of  brick,  and,  being  practical  bricklay- 
ers themselves,  erected  the  first  brick  building  ever  in  the  town  or 
county,  and,  as  soon  as  it  was  completed,  stocked  it  with  goods  ; it 
stood  just  east  of  the  St.  Nicholas.  The  first  school-house  in  town 
was  built  in  1842;  it  had  two  rooms,  and  was  the  lower  story  of 
the  old  Masonic  building.  The  upper  story  was  built  by  the  Ma- 
sonic Lodge.  This  building  stands  on  the  north-west  corner  of 
City  Park,  and  is  used  as  a marble  shop  ; before  its  erection,  church 
buildings  were  used  as  school-houses.  The  first  manufactory,  the 
products  of  which  went  to  a general  market,  was  a ropewalk  estab- 
lished by  Senator  Oglesby  and  Dr.  King.  They  made  a good 
quality  of  rope,  but  the  enterprise  was  not  profitable,  and  hence  was 
abandoned. 

The  next  was  the  plow  manufactory  of  Augustus  Hardy  and 
E.  O.  Smith.  This  firm  did  a good  business  and  made  an  excellent 
plow.  It  stood  on  the  corner  of  Church  and  west  Main  streets, 
where  business  was  carried  on  for  several  years. 

The  first  horse-mill  in  the  city  or  county,  was  built  by  Phillip 
D.  Williams,  where  the  Republican  office  now  stands.  In  1832, 
David  D.  Allen  constructed  a dam  across  the  Sangamon,  aud  put 
up  the  first  saw-mill  in  the  county. 

Wilson  Allen,  a man  of  some  capital  and  energy,  came  to  Deca- 
tur in  the  fall  of  1839,  and  erected  a steam  grist  and  saw-mill  and 
carding  factory,  the  first  steam-mill  in  the  county.  It  did  a large 
business,  and  added  greatly  to  the  prosperity  of  the  town. 

It  was  destroyed  by  fire  on  a Sunday  in  1842.  In  1839  a man 
named  Kibby  erected  a steam  distillery,  where  Imboden’s  spring  is, 
near  the  cemetery.  In  1840  Mr.  Kibby  left  the  county,  and  the  dis- 
tillery was  closed.  Before  1839  there  were,  however,  several  small 
copper-stills  scattered  throughout  the  county.  In  those  days  whis- 
key was  cheap,  selling  for  eighteen  cents  per  gallon. 

Decatur  grew  but  slowly  in  the  first  years  of  its  history,  and  in 
fact  was  little  more  than  a hamlet,  until  1836,  when  the  state  in- 
augurated the  famous  system  of  “Internal  Improvements.”  De- 
catur was  to  be  the  crossing  of  the  “Northern  Cross”  and  Central 
railroads,  and  work  was  actually  begun  on  both  of  these.  Its 
growth  from  this  year  until  1842  was  more  rapid,  and  the  popula- 
tion reached  at  least  five  hundred  souls-  In  1836  and  ’37  the 
spirit  of  speculation  was  rife.  Town  lots  sold  at  fancy  prices  and 
additions  were  laid  out.  In  1842  all  hopes  of  getting  a railroad 
died  out;  and  the  burning  of  the  steam-mill  was  a great  blow  to  the 
prosperity  of  the  place.  From  1842  to  1852,  when  work  was  be- 
ginning on  the  Illinois  Central  R.  R.,  it  was  at  a stand-still.  But 
from  that  time  forward  its  growth  has  been  continuous  and  substan- 
tial. 

Municipal  organization  was  adopted,  under  general  law,  in  1836, 
and  Richard  Oglesby,  uncle  of  Senator  Oglesby,  was  elected  presi. 
dent  of  the  first  board  of  trustees.  Prominent  among  the  members 
of  this  board  were  Dr.  Wm.  C'rissey,  and  H.  INI.  Gorin.  The  clerk  was 
Andrew  Love,  now  one  of  the  elders  or  bishops  of  the  Mormon 
Church  at  Salt  Lake  City. 

In  the  winter  of  1855-6  a special  charter  was  obtained,  and  on  the 
7th  of  January,  1856,  an  election  was  held  under  this  charter  for 
city  officers.  At  this  election  John  P.  Post  was  chosen  Mayor. 
The  city  then  was  divided  into  four  wards.  An  act  granting  a new 
charter  with  enlarged  powers  was  passed  by  the  legislature,  aud 
approved  February  21,  1867. 

This  reduced  the  several  acts  of  incorporation  into  one.  This 
charter  was  amended  in  1869  and  approved  by  Gov.  Palmer  on 
February  23d  of  that  .year.  The  Police  force  of  Decatur  consists 
of  seven  men,  and  is  highly  efficient.  Its  organization  dates  from 


the  election  under  the  special  charter  on  the  seventh  of  January, 
1856,  at  which  J.  W.  Hartley  was  elected  marshal.  The  present 
marshal  is  Robert  Baker  ; J.  S.  Hewes  is  his  deputy. 

Decatur  is  a railroad  centre  of  great  importance,  having  no  less 
than  six  railroads,  and  one  of  the  really  beautiful  cities  in  Illinois. 
Within  the  corporate  limits  is  included  an  area  of  1,590  acres.  It 
is  situated  on  the  north  bank  of  the  Sangamon,  near  the  centre  of 
the  county,  which  is  near  the  centre  of  the  state,  and  is  about  equi- 
distant from  Quincy  on  the  west,  and  Indianapolis  on  the  east.  It 
is  36  miles  east  of  Springfield  and  200  north  of  Cairo  ; is  155  miles 
from  Chicago  and  113  from  St.  Louis.  The  site  is  beautiful  and 
well  chosen,  being  high  and  rolling,  making  possible  and  easy  a 
good  sewerage  system.  The  streets  are  wide,  being  generally  eighty 
feet  in  breadth,  and  are  fringed  with  the  elm,  hard-maple  and 
shrubbery.  The  city  contains  substantial  business  blocks,  archi- 
tecturally imposing,  where  the  merchant  displays  his  wares  and  the 
professional  man  has  his  office ; handsome  school-buildings,  where 
children  gather  with  inquiring  eyes  to  learn  the  way  of  wisdom,  have 
been  multiplied  till  there  is  room  for  all ; and  temples  of  religiou, 
where  all  ages  gather  to  learn  the  way  of  holiness,  point  with  bur- 
nished spires  towards  the  peace  aud  solemnity  of  the  skies. 

It  is  supplied  with  good  hotels,  the  more  popular  of  which  are 
the  St.  Nicholas,  Priest  House,  Zimmerman  House  and  Central 
House.  It  is  a city  of  pleasant  homes.  Some  residences  are  ele- 
gant, and  a few  costly  ; but  many  are  abodes  of  comfort  and  taste. 
It  has  a system  of  water-works,  and  is  well-drained  by  sewers ; is 
lighted  with  gas  and  rejoices  in  a fire-department  and  a street- 
railway,  a public  library  and  a police  force  ; has  a beautiful  park 
for  its  living  and  an  equally  beautiful  cemetery  for  its  dead  ; and 
in  addition  to  all  this,  it  possesses  a hopeful  and  cheerful  outlook 
for  the  future. 

Believing  that  it  would  interest  our  numerous  readers,  and  es- 
pecially the  medical  profession,  we  subjoin  the  following  excerpts 
from  an 

ADDRESS  DELIVERED  BEFORE  THE  MACON  COUNTY  MEDICAL 
SOCIETY,  FEB.  4tH,  1868,  BY  DR.  W.  J.  CHENOWETH. 

Gentlemen  : I do  not  know  how  better  to  repay  your  kindness 
in  electing  me  President  of  the  Macon  Medical  Society,  than  by 
calling  up  some  of  the  facts  connected  with  its  early  history,  and 
by  offering  pen  sketches  of  a few  of  its  first  members. 

I moved  to  Decatur  May  28,  1854.  There  was  at  the  time 
a population  of  about  eight  hundred,  although  it  would  have  been 
quite  a risk  to  his  reputation  for  any  citizen  to  have  even  supposed 
that  there  were  less  than  twelve  hundred  souls  in  the  growing  city. 
There  were  no  physicians  then  as  there  are  now  in  the  surrounding 
neighborhoods,  and  Decatur  was  as  much  looked  to  for  medical  ad- 
vice and  medical  attention  by  almost  the  entire  population  of  Macon 
county,  as  she  was  for  legal  advice  by  the  demands  of  litigation. 
Friends’  Creek  township  probably  offered  the  only  exception,  Dr. 
Gurenne,  residing  at  Dantown,  attending  to  the  “ ills  that  flesh  is 
heir  to  ” in  that  locality.  * * * * * 

The  Macon  County  Medical  Society  had  its  birth  in  the  year 
1853,  and  owes  its  existence  to  Dr.  S.  T.  Trowbridge,  who  aloue  urged 
its  necessity  aud  patiently  enforced  its  claims  on  the  profession.  Dr. 
Joseph  King  was  chosen  president,  Dr.  Trowbridge,  secretary,  and 
the  other  members  were,  Drs.  A.  Kellar,  S.  Y.  Baldwin,  Thomas 
Reed  and  E.  J.  Roberts. 

Dr.  Roberts  was  never  engaged  actively  in  the  duties  of  the  pro- 
fession, having  contented  himself  with  the  pleasanter  and  more 
profitable  calling  of  druggist.  Dr.  Kellar,  although  engaged  in  a 
lucrative  practice  and  commanding  a good  position  among  his 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


117 


peers  in  the  profession,  probably  wisely,  concluded  to  seek  another 
location  where  a remunerative  return  could  be  more  certainly  had. 
He  is  now  enjoying  a good  reputation  and  practice  in  an  adjoining 
county.  Dr.  Baldwin  early  removed  to  Arizona,  where  he  died  and 
was  buried  among  strangers.  Dr.  Reed,  both  on  account  of  age 
and  of  priority  of  practice,  claims  first  notice.  He  had  been  here 
almost  from  the  location  of  the  town,  and  having  lived  at  Allen’s, 
(now  known  as  Moffit’s)  Mill,  about  one  mile  south-east  of  the 
court-house,  he  was  the  third  physician  in  the  county  in  point 
of  time,  having  been  preceded  by  Drs.  Spears  and  Crissey,  as 
pioneers.  In  1854  the  Doctor  had  very  considerable  and  very 
deserved  reputation  in  the  treatment  of  children,  more  especially 
of  that  terror  of  mothers,  and  opprobrium  of  physicians,  cho- 
lera infantum.  Observation  and  much  experience  had  taught 
him  that  in  many  cases  it  owes  its  malignity  to  malarial  poison, 
and  that  in  all  cases  it  was  more  or  less  influenced  by  it,  and 
he  had  judiciously  and  successfully  applied  the  usual  remedies 
appropriate  for  the  one  to  the  cure  of  the  other.  While  the 
Doctor  still  enjoys  excellent  health  and  bids  fair  to  outlive 
many  of  us  much  his  junior  in  years,  it  will  not  comport  with  good 
taste  to  pronounce  an  extended  eulogy.  But  I can  and  ought  to 
say  that  no  man  in  any  occupation  sustains  a more  unblemished 
reputation,  and  commands  a more  exalted  character  for  honesty, 
probity  and  good  demeanor,  and  his  word  is  considered  at  all  times 
as  binding  as  an  oath  and  as  uuchanging  as  the  laws  of  the  Medes 
and  Persians. 

Though  the  Doctor  has  retired  from  the  active  duties  of  the  pro- 
fession, patrons  who  have  for  a whole  generation  trusted  to  his  skill, 
will  still  exact  reluctant  attendance,  being  little  inclined  to  rely  on 
young  men  while  a trusted  friend  and  a tried  physician,  with  the 
accumulated  experience  of  a life-long  practice,  can  be  induced  to 
lend  a sympathizing  ear  to  afflicted  humanity.  Long  may  the 
Doctor  live,  a monument  of  the  virtues  and  skill  of  that  class  of 
hardy  adventurers  who  devoted  youth  and  manhood  to  faithful 
attendance  on  the  widely-scattered  families  of  the  heroes  who  risked 
life  and  health  in  settling  this  far-off  land  ; and  may  his  declining 
sun  be  made  bright  and  cheerful  by  the  Christian’s  hope  so  long 
possessed. 

Dr.  Joseph  King  at  that  time  enjoyed  the  reputation  of  being 
par  excellence  the  obstetrician.  Patient  and  kind,  lending  a sympa- 
thizing ear  to  female  anguish,  and  possessed  of  remarkable  skill  in 
the  conduct  of  that  trying  hour  of  maternity,  it  is  no  matter  of 
wonder  that  his  aid  was  sought  in  almost  every  case  of  more  than 
ordinary  difficulty.  With  such  a reputation,  and  with  a skill  that 
I had  occasion  to  admire  in  many  instances,  it  was  a matter  of  no 
little  astonishment  to  me  that  when  I exjn-essed  a preference  for 
that  field  of  science,  I found  in  him  one  of  my  very  best  sujDporters, 
who,  with  a disinterestedness  beyond  any  previous  experience,  was 
willing  and  did  turn  over  many  difficult  and  interesting  cases  to  my 
care.  *****  ]VIy  first  sight  of  Dr.  King 
was  a characteristic  one.  On  inquiring  for  the  physicians  of  the 
place,  he  was  pointed  out  to  me,  sitting  in  a large  covered  buggy 
driving  a large  hoi’se  that 

“ in  his  gait 

Preserved  a grave  majestic  state.” 

He  had  a dog  in  his  seat  beside  him,  another  at  his  feet,  and  several 
large,  loose-jointed  canines  bringing  up  the  rear.  I now  learned 
that  his  love  for  the  dog  was  only  equaled  by  his  fondness  for 
angling.  Is  ot  finding  him  at  his  house,  nor  at  his  office,  his  patients 
were  wont  to  institute  search  along  the  banks  of  the  Sangamon, 
and  strange  if  they  did  not  find  him — 


‘‘  Just  near  the  dubious  point  wherewith  the  pool 
So  mixed  the  trembling  stream,  or  where  it  boils 
Around  the  stone,  or  from  the  hollowed  bank 
Keverting  plays  in  undulating  flow  ; 

With  eye  attentive  on  the  springing  game, 

Leading  the  delusive  fly  with  artful  curve.” 

If  found,  now  would  come  the  tug  of  war ; duty  insisting  on  seeing 
the  patient,  while  an  inviting  play  of  the  cork  strongly  tempted 
delay,  and  if  his  patient  could  be  satisfied  with  a prescription,  the 
case  must  be  urgent  or  it  would  be  given.  With  his  many  friends, 
I rejoice  to  see  that,  in  his  declining  years,  he  is  enabled  to  rear  a 
palatial  residence  overlooking  the  city  of  his  love,  and  that  he  has 
a prospect  of  an  old  age  of  quiet  luxury. 

Dr.  Trowbridge,  my  worthy  predecessor  then  as  now,  sought  the 
field  of  surgery,  which  was  not  grudgingly  withheld,  but  generously 
pressed  on  him  by  his  competitors.  Not  having  the  same  fear  of 
inflicting  pain,  or  jxrobably  being  incited  by  an  intense  yearning  for 
pre-eminence  in  this  unoccupied  field,  he  gate  devoted  attention  to 
the  few  cases  demanding  surgical  skill.  But  as  those  were  too 
limited  to  admit  of  exclusive  attention,  and  as  the  necessities  of  life 
must  be  met,  he  engaged  in  a general  practice.  Having  a physical 
constitution  of  remarkable  toughness,  and  of  almost  ferruginous 
hardness,  his  labors  were  immense,  and  such  as  would  not  be  courted 
by  him  now — although  in  the  prime  of  life  and  vigor  of  health.  I 
have  known  him  not  unfrequently  to  ride  and  drive  as  much  as 
four  hundred  miles  in  a single  week  attending  to  the  ordinary  duties 
of  the  profession.  Of  his  mental  and  moral  qualities  it  ill  becomes 
me  to  speak  in  detail,  but  I may  be  allowed  to  say  that  great  inti- 
macy will  not  permit  me  to  adopt  the  adage,  “familiarity  breeds 
contempt.”  I have  already  given  him  the  credit  of  originating  this 
society — I may  add  that  to  him  is  due  its  life.  After  three  years  of 
struggle  it  went  down  with  the  wreck  of  1857.  He  again  resur- 
rected it  in  1858.  When  the  war  burst  upon  us  in  1861,  he  was  the 
first  physician  in  Illinois  to  offer  his  services,  and  he  received  the 
very  first  commission  as  regimental  surgeon  given  to  any  physician 
in  this  State  or  in  the  United  States.  After  remaining  three  years 
and  three  months  in  the  service,  and  passing  unharmed  through  all 
the  great  battles  of  Donelson,  (where  he  saved  the  life  of  John  A. 
Logan,  our  Congressman-at-large,)  Shiloh,  Vicksburg,  and  Corinth, 
(at  this  last  battle  saving  to  us  and  the  country  our  present  Governor 
and  townsman,  R.  J.  Oglesby,)  he  returned  to  find  the  society  with- 
out an  existence,  and  at  once  solicited  aid  to  build  it  up  a third 
time.  So  that  to  him  is  due  its  present  prosperity. 

I have  said  this  much  of  the  first  members  of  our  society,  with 
the  hope  of  contributing  my  mite  towards  keeping  alive  the  debt  of 
gratitude  due  them  and  to  repay,  in  a small  degree,  the  many  per- 
sonal acts  of  kindness  extended  to  me  by  these  disinterested  gentle- 
men during  my  struggle  for  position  and  independence.” 

DECATUR  WATER  WORKS. 

The  cleanliness,  comfort  and  health  of  a community  are  very 
largely  dependent  upon  the  possession  of  an  abundance  of  pure 
water.  Until  population  becomes  dense,  wells  may  be  relied  upon 
to  supply  this,  but  as  population  thickens  they  become  in  time  in- 
adequate for  all  needs  and  positively  productive  of  disease. 

The  establishment  of  great  manufactories,  needing  a large  supply 
of  water,  and  the  growing  importance  of  Decatur,  caused  the  want 
of  a better  water  supply  to  be  seriously  felt  in  the  latter  part  of 
the  years  1860-69,  but  it  was  not  until  the  year  1870  that  the 
water  works  were  built,  and  mains  laid.  At  first  the  water  was 
supplied  from  an  immense  well,  but  it  was  soon  demonstrated  that 
the  supply  was  not  equal  to  the  needs  of  the  city,  and  works  were 


118 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


erected  on  the  north  bank  of  the  Sangamon,  and  a foot  main  was 
laid  from  the  river  to  the  square. 

It  was  found  that  when  the  river  was  high  the  water  was  muddy, 
and  therefore,  in  the  fall  of  1874  the  city  built  a reservoir  on  the 
north  bank  of  the  Sangamon  river,  near  the  water  works,  by 
sinking  a timber  crib  (100  feet  long,  10  feet  wide  and  6 feet  high, 
arched  over  with  brick)  into  a stratum  of  gravel  to  a depth  of 
about  four  feet  below  the  bed  of  the  river.  This  reservoir  furnished 
a limited  supply  of  excellent  filtered  water.  Last  fall  this  reser- 
voir was  extended  four  hundred  feet  up  the  river,  at  the  same 
depth  and  width,  and  covered  in  the  same  manner,  making  in  all  a 
reservoir  500  feet  long,  ten  feet  wide  and  eleven  feet  high,  includ- 
ing the  arch,  with  the  bottom  four  feet  below  the  bed  of  the  river, 
and  in  a stratum  of  gravel  and  sand  the  entire  length.  This 
reservoir  was  finished  and  has  been  in  use  since  the  first  of  October 
last,  and  has  thus  far  proved  to  be  all  the  most  sanguine  could 
have  desired,  furnishing  an  abundant  supply  of  good  pure  water, 
and  the  indications  are  that  it  will  prove  sufficient  for  many  years. 

INLET  PIPE. 

It  was  deemed  necessary,  as  a precautionary  measure,  to  connect 
the  reservoir  directly  with  the  river,  so  that  if,  in  case  of  a long 
protracted  fire  or  drought,  or  any  other  unforeseen  emergency,  the 
water  should  fail  to  filter  into  the  reservoir  fast  enough  to  supply 
the  demand,  access  to  the  river  could  still  be  had  by  such  connec- 
tion ; consequently  a 24-inch  cast  iron  conduit  pipe,  provided  with 
a Ludlow  Gate,  was  laid  from  about  the  center  of  the  current  of 
the  river  into  the  reservoir,  resting  on  the  river  bed  and  falling  one 
foot  in  110  feet  to  the  reservoir.  One  man  can  readily  open  and 
shut  the  gate  at  any  time  when  an  emergency  requiring  it  arises. 

THE  HAM. 

In  the  fall  of  1878  it  was  found  necessary,  in  order  to  increase 
the  supply  of  water  when  the  river  was  at  a low  stage,  to  build  a 
dam  across  the  river.  The  dam  was  therefore  commenced  at  that 
time  and  completed  last  October,  raising  the  river  41  feet  at  the 
reservoir  and  inlet  pipe,  giving  it  a permanent  head  of  over  eight 
feet  to  force  the  water  into  the  reservoir. 

* “ Three  pumps  are  in  use,  two  of  the  Cameron,  and  one  of  the 
Holly  pattern.  The  total  cost  of  the  works  to  16th  of  February, 
1880,  was  $141,500.  The  number  of  miles  of  mains  of  various 
sizes  is  9t^j-  The  expenditures  for  the  year  ending  February 
16th,  1880,  were  $6,553.21.” 

Mr.  G.  B.  Loring  was  the  engineer  when  the  works  were  es- 
tablished. 

FIRE  DEPARTMENT. 

fThe  fire  department  of  this  city  was  organized  in  July,  1872, 
consisting  of  the  following  officers  and  companies:  Chief  Engineer, 
Franklin  Priest ; First  Assistant  Engineer,  Joseph  S.  Hewes ; 
Second  Assistant  Engineer,  H.  P.  Christie. 

Rescue  Hose  Company  No.  1. — Foreman,  W.  W.  Mason;  Assistant 
Foreman,  "VV.  W.  Fister  ; Secretary,  C.  P.  Housum;  Treasurer, 
Henry  M.  McClellan. 

Eldorado  Hose  Company  No.  2. — Foreman,  W.  II.  Spencer;  As- 
sistant Foreman,  T.  L.  Antrim  ; Secretary,  W.  F.  McEwen;  Trea- 
surer, Wm.  Dodson. 

Young  America  Hook  and  Ladder  Company  No.  1. — Foreman, 

* From  last  report  of  S.  Burgess,  Superintendent. 

fFor  the  above  data  we  are  indebted  to  Joseph  S.  Hewes,  Chief  of  the 
D.  F.  D. 


B.  F.  Dodson ; Assistant  Foreman,  F.  B.  Caldwell ; Secretary,  I. 
W.  Eliman  ; Treasurer,  J.  H.  Merriweather. 

Neptune  Hose  Company  No.  3,  was  organized  July,  1875,  Wm.  J. 
Wayne,  Foreman ; J.  B.  Shellabarger,  First  Assistant  Foreman; 
Samuel  Funk,  Second  Assistant  Foreman;  W.  E.  McClelland, 
Secretary  ; D.  S.  Shellabarger,  Treasurer. 

The  department  officers  for  1880  are  as  follows  : Chief  Engineer, 
Joseph  S.  Hewes  ; First  Assistant,  W.  J.  Wayne ; Second  Assistant, 
Enos  Kepler ; Secretary,  A.  H.  Diehl ; Treasurer,  J.  H.  Miller. 

We  subjoin  the  following  extracts  from  the  Annual  Report  of 
the  Chief  of  the  fire  department,  to  the  Mayor  and  City  Council 
for  the  fiscal  year,  ending  February  16th,  1880. 

Hose  Houses. — Four  hose  houses  in  good  condition. 

Apparatus. — The  hose  carriages,  three  in  number,  and  three  hose 
carts  are  in  good  condition. 

Hose. — Number  of  feet  in  department,  4,300,  of  which  3,000 
feet  are  in  good  condition  and  1,300  in  very  poor  condition. 

A umber  of  men  in  Department. — The  force  of  the  department 
consists  of  160  men,  exclusive  of  Chief  and  Assistants. 

Fires. — The  total  number  of  fires  and  alarms  for  the  year — 23. 

Loss  by  Fires. — Loss  on  buildings  and  contents,  $15,765.  Total 
insurance,  $9,550.  Loss  above  insurance,  $6,215. 

Fire  Alarm  Telegraph. — The  fire  alarm  telegraph  line  is  about 
three  miles  in  length,  with  alarm  boxes,  located  as  follows  : one  at 
the  council  rooms  ; one  at  No.  1 hose  house ; one  at  No.  2 hose 
house;  one  at  No.  3 hose  house;  one  at  the  furniture  factory;  one 
at  Haworth’s  check  rower  factory.  All  of  which  are  in  good  con- 
dition. A new  telegraph  line  has  been  put  in  from  the  water  works 
to  the  Council  rooms. 

Fire  Hydrants. — The  number  of  fire  hydrants  is  91 — 49  double 
and  42  single. 

Department  Officers. — William  Dodson,  Chief  Engineer ; J.  S. 
Hewes,  First  Assistant ; I.  W.  Ehrman,  Second  Assistant;  Ed 
Carter,  Secretary  ; J.  H.  Miller,  Treasurer. 

OFFICERS  OF  COMPANIES. 

Rescue  Hose  Co.  No.  1. — George  Kraft,  Captain;  C.  Winebren- 
ner,  First  Lieutenant ; Harvey  Downing,  Second  Lieutenant ; C. 
P.  Housum,  Recording  Secretary ; A.  Diehl,  Financial  Secretary. 
Membership,  35. 

Eldorado  Hose  Co.  No.  2. — A.  Shoemaker,  Captain  ; R.  Devore. 
First  Lieutenant;  Lee  Hall,  Second  Lieutenant;  E.  Martin,  Re- 
cording Secretary ; E.  V.  Jones,  Financial  Secretary.  Mem- 
bership, 35. 

Neptune  Hose  Co.  No.  3.  — W.  J.  Wayne,  Foreman;  James 
Hughes,  First  Assistant ; George  Auers,  Second  Assistant ; A.  C. 
Cornman,  Secretary.  Membership,  40. 

Young  America  Hook  and  Ladder  Co. — A.  E.  McClellan,  Cap- 
tain ; E.  Young,  First  Lieutenant;  Samuel  Lyons,  Second  Lieu- 
tenant ; Charles  C.  Dempsey,  Secretary.  Membership,  53. 

DECATUR  GAS-LIGHT  AND  COKE  COMPANY. 

The  first  charter  was  procured  in  1857,  and  the  incorporators 
of  the  company,  were  Henry  Prather,  Robert  Forsythe,  Charles 
A.  Tuthill  and  Simon  Speer.  This  charter  was  assigned  to  Charles 
H.  Fuller,  who  associated  with  him,  Franklin  Priest  and  E.  C. 
Emmons,  and  it  was  again  assigned  to  Barnes,  Davis  & Co. 

An  act  was  approved  February  16th,  1865,  to  form  a new  com- 
pany, the  iiicorporators  of  which,  were  William  Martin,  Henry 
Prather,  I.  S.  Pugh,  A.  J.  Gallagher,  and  E.  O.  Smith  ; this  was 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


119 


amended  March  7th,  1867,  and  the  names  of  W.  A.  Barnes,  C,  A. 
Tuthill  and  J.  C.  Lake  were  added. 

The  new  charter  as  amended  was  assigned  to  Horace  Barnes, 
representing  Barnes,  Davis  & Co.,  who  entered  into  an  agreement 
to  have  the  works  completed  within  six  months.  On  July  2d, 
1868,  the  present  company  was  formed,  and  to  it  the  charter  was 
assigned-  The  company  was  constituted  of  Edward  0.  Smith, 
Henry  Prather,  Jasper  J.  Peddecord,  Lowber  Burroughs,  William 
Martin,  Fielding  N.  Ewing,  Isaac  Shellabarger,  Horace  Barnes  and 
John  Iv.  Warren.  For  this  company  the  works  were  erected  in 
1868,  by  Barnes,  Davis  & Co.  Henry  Prather  was  elected  presi- 
dent, and  J.  Iv.  Warren,  secretary  and  treasurer. 

On  January  15th,  1869,  the  company  were  notified  by  the  con- 
tractors that  the  works  were  completed,  and  ready  to  be  turned 
over  to  the  company. 

On  the  death  of  Mr.  Prather,  F.  A.  Ewing  was  chosen  Presi- 
dent. When  Mr.  J.  Iv.  Warren  moved  to  California,  Mr.  B.  Iv. 
Durfee,  was  elected  to  the  office  of  Secretary  and  Treasurer,  which 
office  he  still  holds.  Mr.  Ewing  declined  to  be  re-elected  at  the 
expiration  of  his  term  on  account  of  ill-health,  and  Mr.  J.  Iv. 
Warren  Avas  elected  President.  The  works  are  on  Jackson  and 
Wood  streets.  The  capital  stock  is  $81,400,  divided  into  $100 
shares,  and  represents  the  actual  cost  of  construction.  J.  W-  But- 
man is  the  Superintendent. 

DECATUR  PUBLIC  LIBRARY. 

The  educational  influence  and  value  of  a free  circulating  library 
is  very  great. 

The  Decatur  Public  Library  was  opened  September  1st,  1875, 
with  sixteen  hundred  and  fifty-seven  books  on  the  shelves.  These 
and  the  furniture  of  the  hall  were  donated  to  the  city  by  the  Ladies’ 
Library  Association,  which  had  been  in  existence  for  about  eight 
years,  and  had  accomplished  much  good.  R.  L.  Evans  was  libra- 
rian, which  important  office  he  still  efficiently  occupies.  To  him  we 
are  indebted  for  interesting  facts  and  statistics  relating  to  the  li- 
brary. 

The  board  of  directors  consists  of  nine  persons,  three  ladies  and 
six  gentlemen  (one  of  whom  must  be  a member  of  the  council)  ap- 
pointed by  the  city  council.  The  present  board  consists  of  W.  A. 
Barnes,  president,  R.  R.  Montgomery  secretary  and  treasurer, 
Mrs.  Judge  Green,  Mrs.  H.  Bishop,  Miss  S.  A.  Murphy,  J.  L. 
Peak,  W.  L.  Hammer,  David  S.  Shellabarger  and  W.  T.  Wells. 

The  number  of  volumes  at  this  time  is  four  thousand  and  fifty- 
five ; an  increase  of  two  thousand  three  hundred  and  ninety-eight 
since  the  city  accepted  control.  The  library  is  well  selected,  and 
while  miscellaneous  rather  than  scientific  in  character,  comprises 
literary  and  scientific  works,  volumes  on  art  subjects,  histories,  etc. 

Three  thousand  five  hundred  persons  have  availed  themselves  of 
its  privileges  since  1875,  more  than  one-third  of  the  city’s  popula- 
tion ; the  total  number  of  volumes  bound  for  the  year  ending,  May 
the  first,  1880,  was  forty  thousand  six  hundred  and  fifty-nine. 
The  average  daily  issues  were  one  hundred  and  thirty-seven,  and 
monthly  three  thousand  four  hundred  and  eighty-two.  The  num- 
ber of  visitors  registered  in  the  same  year  Avas  sixty-six  thousand 
three  hundred  and  sixty-tAVO. 

The  classification  of  circulation,  as  made  by  the  librarian,  is  as 
folloAvs : 

Works  of  fiction,  46.11  per  cent.  Juvenile  literature,  31.77  per 
cent.  Miscellaneous  works  22.12  per  eent. 

There  is  a commodious  and  well-furnished  reading-room  sustained 
in  connection  with  the  library,  at  an  annual  cost  of  one  hundred 
and  fifty  dollars.  It  is  supplied  with  five  dailies,  twenty-seven 


Aveeklies,  one  semi-monthly  and  eleven  monthly  magazines,  and  six 
quarterly  revieAVS 

The  library  is  enlarged  each  year  by  the  addition  of  from  tAvo  to 
four  hundred  new  books;  and  the  library  and  reading-room  are 
maintained  at  a cost  to  the  city  of  two  thousand  dollars,  which  sum 
is  raised  by  taxation. 

THE  CITY  PARK. 

The  land  hoav  comprising  the  city  park  was  originally  a part  of 
Allen  & McReynolds’  addition,  and  was  set  apart  by  the  owners  to 
be  donated  to  the  Northern  Cross  R ■ R.  for  depot  purposes.  This, 
it  is  needless  to  say,  Avas  never  done.  It  was  left  until  the  Avinter 
of  1858,  Avhen  the  oAvners,  influenced  by  the  persuasive  eloquence 
of  Gen.  Oglesby,  donated  it  to  the  city  for  a park,  with  the  proviso, 
that  it  should  be  improved.  In  1858  it  Avas  graded  and  in  the 
spring  of  1859  it  Avas  set  out  in  trees. 

The  elegant  fountain  in  the  center,  Avas  added  in  1877,  and  the 
pagoda  AAras  erected  in  the  spring  of  1879,  for  the  conArenience  and 
comfort  of  the  band. 

The  park  is  laid  out  in  fine  trees,  and  is  Avell  shaded,  and  pro- 
vided with  settees. 

Although  small,  the  park  is  highly  beautiful,  and  is  the  favorite 
place  of  resort  for  all  classes. 

GREENWOOD  CEMETERY. 

This  lies  unfortunately  too  near  the  city,  being  just  south  Avithin 
the  limits,  and  contains  an  area  of  thirty-six  acres-  Before  this  Avas 
set  apart  as  “God’s  acre ’’the  chief  burying-ground  Avas  on  the 
south  side  of  Avest  Main  street.  There  Avas  another  Avhere  the  Ger- 
man Catholic  Church  hoav  stands.  In  1839  Dr.  W.  T.  Crissey 
proposed  to  remove  the  remains  of  the  dead  from  the  common 
burying-ground  to  the  place  hoav  called  Greemvood  Cemetery,  as  he 
wished  to  lay  off  t he  land  into  toAvn  lots.  Permission  being  obtained 
he  removed  sixteen  bodies  in  the  fall  of  that  year.  The  first  burial  in 
the  neAV  cemetery  except  those  above  mentioned,  Avas  that  of  Sam- 
uel B.  Dewees  in  February,  1840,  the  next  Avas  that  of  William 
Pratt,  and  the  next  that  of  Dr.  Burrell,  both  in  the  spring  of 
1840. 

The  Green Avood  Cemetery  company  Avas  incorporated  in  1854, 
and  the  lots  Avere  laid  out  in  their  present  shape  under  the  direction 
of  Henry  Prather,  to  Avliose  excellent  taste  and  management  much 
of  the  beauty  of  this  cemetery  is  due. 

DECATUR  STREET  RAILAVAY. 

The  charter  for  this  railway  Avas  obtained  in  1869,  and  the  mem- 
bers of  the  company  are  five  in  number.  The  original  charter  Avas 
for  a term  of  fifty  years,  and  includes  the  entire  city.  Its  existence 
is  OAving  to  the  far-sighted  business  sagacity  of  Mr.  F.  Priest,  Avho 
built  it,  and  Avho  has,  from  the  inception  of  the  project,  been  the 
sole  manager.  The  road  extends  from  the  Union  depot  along 
Cerro-Gordo  and  North  Main  streets,  terminating  at  the  Public 
Square,  directly  in  front  of  the  commodious  and  popular  hotel,  the 
Priest  House. 

The  road  is  Avell  managed,  is  in  good  repair,  and  the  rolling  stock 
is  excellent.  A car  passes  over  the  line  every  tAventy  minutes,  and 
meets  all  passenger  trains  day  and  night.  It  has  proved  a great 
convenience  to  the  traveling  public  and  citizens,  and  is  well  jiatron- 
ized.  Mr.  Priest,  the  manager  of  the  railway,  is  also  proprietor  of 
the  Priest  House. 

The  road  will  be  extended  to  other  points  in  the  city  as  soon  as 
the  increase  of  population  and  consequent  increase  of  patronage  will 
justify  the  outlay. 


120 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


MANUFACTURES. 

The  city  of  Decatur  is  largely  indebted  for  her  past  steady  growth 
and  present  prosperity  to  her  manufacturing  industries.  The  ag- 
gregate amount  of  capital  invested  is  very  large,  and  the  value  of 
manufactured  products  is  very  great  and  increasing  yearly.  Hun- 
dreds are  thus  afforded  employment  at  remunerative  wages,  and 
support  given  indirectly  to  many  more.  The  city,  in  its  corporate 
capacity,  has  wisely  chosen  to  adopt  a liberal  policy  towards  these 
interests,  and  the  fruits  of  this  are  apparent.  A continuance  of 
this  fostering  spirit  on  the  part  of  the  public-spirited  citizens  will 
make  Decatur  one  of  the  largest  cities  of  Central  Illinois.  We 
speak  first  of  the 

Haworth  Check-Bower  Manufactory  of  Haworth  & Sons.  This 
large  manufactory  is  situated  on  the  corner  of  Cerro-Gordo  and 
Morgan  streets.  The  building  is  of  brick,  has  three  stories  and  a 
basement,  and  in  size  is  170  by  107  feet.  It  is  supplied  fully  with 
necessary  machinery,  and  gives  employment  to  seventy-five  men. 
The  check-room  is  the  invention  of  George  D.  Haworth,  who  ob- 
tained a patent  for  his  valuable  labor-saving  invention  in  1870.  It 
is  not  necessary  to  enter  upon  a description  of  this  machine,  which 
is  in  use  throughout  the  corn-belt  of  the  United  States.  Suffice  it 
to  say  that  all  trivial  defects,  as  they  have  been  revealed  by  use 
and  experience,  have  been  removed  by  the  genius  of  the  inventor, 
and  improvements  made  from  time  to  time  until  it  has  been  brought 
to  a high  degree  of  perfection.  It  is  provided  with  self-adjusting 
pulleys  and  rope  guides,  which  enable  the  operator  to  plant  the 
entire  field  without  removing  the  rope  from  the  machine,  and  to 
readily  turn  around  without  getting  off  the  planter. 

This  liighly-successful  firm  is  composed  of  M.  Haworth  and  his 
sons  George  D.,  L.  L.  and  J.  W.  Haworth.  They  came  from 
Ohio  to  Illinois  in  1852.  George  D.  Haworth  began  experimenting 
on  his  great  invention  in  1867,  and  began  the  manufacture  of  check- 
rowers  in  1869,  making  for  the  season  of  that  year  only  five.  In 
his  first  experiments  he  employed  iron  wire,  which  proved  to  be 
unfit,  and  rope  wras  substituted.  It  was  not  until  the  introduction 
of  Bessemer-steel  wire  that  the  successful  use  of  wire  in  check-row- 
ers was  assumed.  Mr.  Haworth  was  raised  on  a farm,  and  is  a 
practical  farmer,  which  fact,  no  doubt,  has  been  of  use  to  him  in 
inventing  a much-needed  implement.  The  firm  of  Haworth  & Sons 
was  organized  in  1861,  and  three  hundred  machines  were  made  and 
sold.  From  that  time  the  demand  has  increased  wonderfully,  and 
the  sales  for  the  past  year  foot  up  nearly  8300,000. 

This  firm  manufactures  a wire  check-rower,  which  was  first 
brought  into  practical  use  in  the  fall  of  1869.  The  best  Bessemer- 
steel  wire  is  used  and  satisfaction  is  guaranteed.  Every  part  of  the 
machine  is  made  in  Decatur,  and  this  fact  enhances  the  value  of 
this  great  manufactory  to  Decatur  and  the  county  in  which  it  is 
situated.  The  great  success  which  the  firm  has  attained  is  due  to 
their  energy,  perseverance  and  business  sagacity.  Let  young  men 
cease  to  prate  about  luck,  and  strive  by  honorable  industry  to 
achieve  success. 

Chambers,  Bering  & Quinlin,  manufacturers  of  Barnes’  wire 
check-rower,  champion  hog-ringer,  rings  and  holder,  and  Brown 
hog-ringer. 

This  firm  bought  the  Decatur  Agricultural  Works,  the  build- 
ings for  which  were  formerly  known  as  the  Central  Illinois  Agri- 
cultural Works,  built  by  Barber  & Hawley  in  the  fall  of  1863. 
The  Decatur  company  bought  the  works  in  1868.  The  Central 
Illinois  Company  manufactured  headers,  gang  plows  and  riding 
cultivators.  The  second  company  manufactured  plows  of  all  de- 
scriptions, cultivators,  harrows,  seed-drills  and  corn -planters. 


The  buildings  owned  and  occupied  by  the  firm  of  Chambers, 
Bering  A Quinlin  are  as  follows:  The  main  building  is  frame,  two 
stories  in  height,  50x156  feet;  a brick  structure,  two  stories,  26x50; 
a blacksmith’s  shop,  of  brick,  20x60  feet,  and  an  engine  room  also 
constructed  of  brick,  and  the  same  size  ; a brick  warehouse,  70x80  ; 
a storage  building,  40x60 ; a brick  fuel-room,  and  lumber  sheds. 

The  firm  of  Chambers  & Quinlin  was  founded  in  the  spring  of 
1875  tor  the  manufacture  of  champion  hog-ringer,  rings  and  holder. 
Their  business  grew  rapidly,  and  in  December,  1876,  they  associ- 
ated Mr.  J.  Ed.  Bering  with  them,  and  extended  the  list  of  arti- 
cles manufactured  by  them. 

The  Barnes’  wire  check-rower  was  invented  by  A.  & M.  Barnes, 
of  Bloomington,  Ills.,  in  1872,  and  was  the  first  wire  check-rower 
made.  The  wire  used  is  the  best  annealed  steel  wire.  The  wire  in 
this  machine  does  not  cross  the  machine,  but  runs  straight  along 
the  side,  and  the  makers  claim  for  it  greater  simplicity  and  dura- 
bility than  are  possessed  by  any  other  machine.  The  hog-ringers, 
rings  and  holders  manufactured  by  this  firm  are  found  upon  the 
shelves  of  hardware  dealers  throughout  the  United  States,  and  have 
been  introduced  into  European  countries. 

The  productive  capital  invested  is  $50,000 ; the  number  of  men 
employed  is  seventy,  and  the  value  of  the  manufactured  products  is 
nearly  $150,000. 

The  members  of  the  firm  are  reliable  and  enterprising  business 
men,  and  by  their  devotion  to  business  have  developed  it  from  a 
small  beginning  to  its  present  great  proportions. 

The  Decatur  Bagging  Factory. — Owned  and  operated  by  A.  W. 
and  C.  A.  Conklin,  is  situated  on  Cerro  Gordo  street  near  Frank- 
lin. It  was  established  by  Moses  Jerome,  A.  W.  Conklin,  and  D. 
S.  Shellabarger,  in  1875.  The  building  is  a large  brick  structure 
50  by  160  feet,  three  stories  in  height.  There  is  also  a brick  ware- 
house 40  by  100  feet,  capable  of  holding  700,000  yds.  of  bagging. 
This  factory  gives  employment  to  100  hands,  and  the  productive 
capital  is  $100,000.  The  factory  manufactures  about  2,000,000 
yards  of  bagging  per  year.  Belonging  to  the  company  are  four 
tow  mills,  one  each  at  Paxton,  Buckley,  Rantoul,  and  Onargo, 
employing  60  hands.  At  these  points  the  flax-straw  is  made  into 
tow,  then  shipped  to  Decatur  to  be  manufactured  into  bagging. 
The  market  for  this  product  is  found  at  St.  Louis,  from  whence  it 
goes  to  the  South  to  be  used  in  baling  cotton.  The  machinery 
is  mostly  of  English  make,  and  is  of  the  latest  and  most 
improved  pattern.  The  skillful  foreman  is  from  Dundee,  Scotland. 
The  original  cost  of  building  and  machinery  was  near  $50,000. 
This  takes  rank  as  one  of  the  most  important  of  the  Decatur  man- 
ufacturing institutions. 

Furniture  Factory. — The  Decatur  Furniture  Co.  is  one  of  the 
prominent  industries  of  the  city,  was  established  in  1866,  and 
gives  employment  to  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  men,  and  the 
annual  sales  amount  to  $150,000,  which  are  distributed  in  111., 
Ind.,  Mo.,  Neb.,  Kan.,  and  Iowa.  The  factory  is  four  stories  high, 
main  building  200  ft.  long  with  an  “Ell”  140  ft.  It  is  owned  and 
operated  by  Peddecord  and  Burrows,  who  have  been  very  success- 
ful in  their  business.  They  have  had  several  large  contracts  for 
furnishing  our  State  institutions,  among  which  are  the  State  Capi- 
tol building  at  Springfield,  Insane  Asylum  at  Jacksonville,  and 
Feeble-minded  Institutions  at  Kankakee  and  Lincoln,  Illinois. 

The  Decatur  Tank  Line  Company. — This  institution,  which  is  a 
branch  of  the  Standard  Oil  Company  of  Cleveland,  Ohio,  was  es- 
tablished Jan.  1st,  1878.  Mr.  Anthony  Baer  is  the  efficient  man- 
ager. The  company  are  agents  for  the  American  Lubricating  Oil 
Company,  and  the  Republic  Refining  Company.  Since  the  estab- 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS, 


121 


lishment  of  the  Decatur  branch  its  trade  has  increased  rapidly,  and 
embraces  the  whole  of  Central  aud  Southern  Illinois.  There  are 
but  two  branches  in  Illinois,  one  at  Chicago  and  one  here.  Expe- 
rienced and  capable  traveling  salesmen  are  employed,  and  the 
volume  of  business  transacted  in  a year  is  enormous,  and  greater 
than  that  of  any  other  establishment  in  Decatur.  The  tank  capa- 
city is  50,000  gallons,  and  the  barrel  capacity  is  25,000  more.  This 
branch  is  the  distributing  point  for  Central  and  Southern  Illinois, 
the  oils  being  brought  here  in  tanks ; second-hand  barrels  are 
bought,  glued,  freshly  painted  and  made  good  as  new  ; the  oils  are 
then  barreled  and  shipped  to  customers  promptly  on  receipt  of 
orders.  Employment  is  given  to  9 men.  The  business  under  Mr. 
Baer’s  management  is  increasing  rapidly. 

Decatur  Steam  Brewery. — E.  Harpstrite  and  H.  Shlaudeman, 
proprietors.  T.  Richard  and  A.  Keck,  in  1856,  established  a 
brewery  adjoining  the  city  limits  on  the  south-east.  Mr.  Harpstrite, 
in  1860,  bought  out  this  firm,  and  in  1862  associated  Mr.  Shlau- 
deman with  him  in  business.  The  demand  for  their  beer  increasing, 
the  need  for  more  commodious  buildings  was  felt,  and  in  1865,  an 
ice-house,  and  vaults  were  erected  and  excavated.  The  main 
building  was  not  built  until  the  next  year.  In  1863,  the  need  for 
still  more  room  caused  an  addition  to  be  made  to  the  main  build- 
ing. This,  the  only  brewery  in  Macon  county,  is  situated  on  South 
Broadway  and  Cantrell  streets.  The  cost  of  buildings  and 
machinery  was  nearly  860,000.  The  main  building  is  of  brick,  and 
is  very  substantially  built  The  brewery  affords  employment  to 
from  12  to  16  men,  and  has  a capacity  of  50  barrels  per  day.  It  is 
supplied  with  the  best  machinery,  and  the  quality  of  the  beer  is  equal 
to  Milwaukee  and  Cincinnati  beer.  One  of  the  proprietors,  Mr. 
Shlaudeman,  is  a practical  brewer,  and  gives  individual  attention  to 
the  business.  The  bottled  export  beer  department  was  added  in 
1878,  and  has  proved  highly  successful. 

Shellabarcjer  Mills,  D.  S.  Shellabarger  & Co.  This  mill,  the 
largest  in  the  county,  if  not  in  all  central  Illinois,  stands  near  the 
Wabash  Railroad  track,  on  corner  of  Water  and  Cerro-Gordo 
streets.  Its  establishment  dates  from  January  first,  1863.  The 
firm  is  composed  of  D.  S.  and  J.  B.  Shellabarger,  brothers,  and 
William  Bowers,  all  men  thoroughly  acquainted  with  the  milling 
business.  The  building  and  machinery  originally  cost  $85,000. 
The  old  mill  was  built  by  Swingly,  Kaufman  and  Amos,  and  was 
erected  in  1857,  and  called  the  Great  Western  Mills.  It  is  of  brick, 
four  stories  in  height ; has  six  run  of  burs  ; has  a capacity  of  130 
barrels  per  day;  and  is  devoted  exclusively  to  exchange  and  local 
business.  The  new  mill  is  a fine  brick  structure,  five  stories  and  an 
attic,  has  ten  run  of  burs,  four  sets  of  chilled-iron  rolls,  and  a capa- 
city of  275  barrels  of  flour  per  day.  It  is  designed  exclusively  for 
merchant  work.  The  elevator  is  east  of  the  mill,  and  has  a storage 
capacity  of  25,000  bushels  of  grain  ; has  eight  dumps  for  unloading 
grain,  and  contains  one  of  the  Western  Corn  Shellers  and  Cleaners. 
These  mills  give  employment  to  about  forty-five  men,  including 
twenty  coopers.  Four  grades  of  flour  are  manufactured,  and  the 
brands  of  this  firm  are  favorably  known  throughout  the  west  and 
New  England,  where  they  ship  in  large  quantities. 

H.  W.  Hill  & Co. — The  manufactory  of  this  well-known  firm  is 
on  the  corner  of  Main  and  Church  streets.  The  building  is  of  brick, 
two  stories  high  ; size,  103  by  24  feet.  There  is  also  an  L,  22  by  36 
feet.  They  manufacture  a variety  of  useful  articles.  Among  them 
are  hog  rings,  ringers  and  tongs,  corn-huskers,  markers  for  cattle 
and  sheep,  etc.  They  began  business  in  November,  1872.  H.  W. 
Hill  is  noted  as  the  inventor  of  Hill’s  hog  ringer,  and  Hill’s  hog- 

tongs  or  holder.  Charles  P.  Housuin  is  associated  with  Mr.  Hill. 

16 


They  give  employment  to  eighteen  men.  The  firm  began  business 
on  a limited  capital,  but  through  their  business  tact  and  energy  they 
have  triumphed  over  all  obstacles,  and  now  are  on  a substantial 
financial  basis. 

Keystone  Carriage  Works,  Wayne  Brothers  proprietors.  About 
1869  Taylor  and  Bradley  established  a carriage  and  wagon  manu- 
factory in  Decatur.  The  Wayne  Brothers  came  into  control  of  this 
in  1872.  The  Keystone  works  are  on  the  corner  of  Water  and 
Cerro-Gordo  streets.  The  Wayne  brothers  began  business  on  a 
small  scale,  but  it  has  greatly  prospered  in  their  hands.  They  are 
practical  workmen,  and  understand  their  business  thoroughly.  The 
senior  member  of  the  firm,  John  B.  Wayne,  has  a genius  for 
designing,  and  many  of  his  designs  are  published  in  the  magazines 
of  the  trade.  They  ship  work  to  Kansas,  Texas  and  Mississippi, 
and  as  far  east  as  New  Haven,  Connecticut.  They  secured  the  first 
premium  at  the  St.  Louis  fair  and  Iowa  state  fair  for  fine  driving 
buggy.  They  give  employment  to  twenty-five  men,  and  find  ready 
sale  for  all  their  work. 

Illinois  Central  Mill. — This  was  established  in  1855,  and  in  1859 
it  was  destroyed  by  fire.  It  was  at  once  rebuilt  by  Hinkle,  Shella- 
barger and  Priest  at  a cost  of  $25,000  for  mill,  warehouse  and  ma- 
chinery. It  is  situated  on  the  corner  of  east  Main  and  Broadway, 
and  is  owned  and  operated  by  George  Priest  & Co.  It  is  a brick 
structure  substantially  built,  including  a commodious  warehouse  all 
under  the  same  roof.  It  has  four  run  of  burs,  and  a capacity  of  100 
barrels  of  flour  per  day,  and  employment  is  given  to  eight  men. 
The  firm  has  changed  several  times,  but  Mr.  Priest  has  from  the 
first  been  a member  of  the  firm. 

Decatur  Linseed  Oil  Works  are  on  the  east  corner  of  Main  and 
Broadway,  and  are  owned  and  operated  by  Hatfield,  Taylor  & Co. 
The  works  were  established  in  August,  1867,  and  have  a capacity  for 
350  bushels  per  day.  They  have  a storage  capacity  for  60,000 
bushels.  The  building  is  a substantial  brick  structure,  aud  the 
machinery  is  of  the  latest  and  best  pattern,  including  an  Archer 
press.  The  cost  of  the  building  and  machinery  was  835,000,  and 
the  productive  capital  employed  in  the  business  is  ample.  Most  of 
the  cake  manufactured  goes  to  the  London  and  Liverpool  markets. 
The  market  for  the  oil  is  chiefly  in  the  west,  and  the  firm  has  a 
large  wholesale  trade  with  St.  Louis.  The  business  gives  employ- 
ment to  twelve  men. 

Union  Iron  Works,  situated  on  the  corner  of  William  and  Morgan 
streets,  take  rank  among  the  more  important  of  our  manufacturing 
institutions.  This  large  manufactory  had  a beginning  in  1864, 
when  James  Milliken  and  C.  C.  Boroughs  established  a repair-shop 
for  machinery.  John  M.  Flood  and  C.  C.  Gradwohl  became  mem- 
bers of  the  firm  in  1873.  They  manufacture  general  machinerv, 
and  turn  out  only  good  work.  They  have  been  engaged  for  several 
years  in  the  manufacture  of  the  “ Western  ” corn-sheller  and  cleaner. 
These  machines  are  the  invention  of  C.  C.  Boroughs,  one  of  the 
firm,  and  are  extensively  used.  Employment  is  afforded  by  these 
works  to  from  thirty-five  to  forty  men,  most  of  them  skilled  work- 
men. The  annual  value  of  manufactured  products  exceeds  8100,000. 

Decatur  Novelty  Works,  Farris  and  Oakes,  proprietors.  These 
were  established  in  1875  by  R.  Farris,  and  are  on  Morgan  street 
between  Williams  and  east  North.  The  building  was  originally 
intended  for  a boiler-shop,  and  is  a frame  structure,  40  by  100  feet. 
The  firm  do  machine  work  and  general  repair-work,  and  so  faithfully 
and  skillfully  have  they  attended  to  business  that  it  has  steadily 
prospered,  and  they  now  employ  from  twelve  to  eighteen  men. 

C-  Loeb’s  Foundry — On  Broadway  and  Wabash  line.  It  was  es- 


122 


HI  SI  OR  Y OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


tablished  in  June  ’76;  is  a one  story  brick  structure,  in  size  60x120, 
and  gives  employment  to  twenty-five  men.  Mr.  Loeb  is  a man  of 
twenty-five  years’  experience  in  his  business,  and  has  established  his 
business  on  a safe  foundation. 

He  makes  a specialty  of  castings  for  agricultural  implements, 
and  light  grey-iron  castings. 

Decatur  Coffin  Factory. — This  industry  was  established  in  1872. 
It  is  situated  on  east  Morgan  and  North  streets,  and  the  buildings 
are  three  in  number, viz:  one  brick,  four  stories  in  height,  36x80  > 
another,  four  stories  and  a basement,  32x68;  and  another,  two 
story,  32x70.  T.  T.  Roberts  and  O.  Z.  Green,  the  proprietors,  are 
the  only  men  in  this  section  of  the  state  who  carry  on  the  occupa- 
tion of  making  coffins.  The  capital  invested  is  sixty  thousand  dollars; 
thirty  hands  find  employment,  and  about  eleven  thousand  coffins  are 
now  made  yearly.  The  walnut  lumber  used  in  their  business  mostly 
is  brought  from  Indiana;  the  poplar  from  Tennessee,  and  the  pine 
from  Michigan.  The  market  for  the  coffins  is  mainly  western,  and 
many  are  sold  in  Illinois,  Iowa,  Missouri,  Kansas  and  Nebraska. 

D.  F.  Hamsher  Works. — Mr.  Hamsher  has  located  his  shops  on 
Wood  street  between  Main  and  Water,  and  manufactures  lumber 
and  spring  wagons.  The  building  is  a fine  new  brick,  seventy 
by  forty  feet,  and  two  stories  in  height.  The  “ Hamsher  ” wagon 
is  widely  used  throughout  this  and  adjoining  counties.  He  does 
general  repairing,  and  turns  out  of  his  shops  one  hundred  and  fifty 
wagons  per  year. 

Mills  and  Harry' s Door  and  Sash  Factory. — Office,  yard  and  mill 
on  Edwards  street.  The  factory  was  established  in  1860  by  Elwood 
and  Co. 

Mills  and  Harry  assumed  control  June  first,  1879.  They  give 
employment  to  twenty-five  men;  and  the  capital  invested  is  fifteen 
thousand  dollars.  The  main  building  is  a two-story  frame,  46x90 
feet,  the  engine  room  is  of  brick,  20x30,  and  in  addition,  there  are 
lumber  ware-houses  and  offices.  They  manufacture  doors,  sash, 
blinds,  mouldings,  brackets,  etc. 

Lyn,  Gibson  & Co. — This  firm  is  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of 
sash,  doors,  blinds,  etc.,  and  makes  a speciality  of  stair  work.  It  is 
composed  of  G.  S.  Lyn,  W.  H.  Gipson  and  John  Armstrong,  and  its 
place  of  business  is  on  the  corner  of  Broadway  and  Cerro-Gordo 
streets. 

The  building  is  of  frame,  42x42,  two  stories  in  height,  and 
there  is  also  an  engine  house.  Their  establishment  dates  from  the 
spring  of  1878.  The  class  of  work  turned  out  is  very  excellent,  as 
their  factory  is  supplied  with  the  best  machinery.  They  give  em- 
ployment to  twelve  men. 

Kramer  and  McClelland' s Carriage  Manufactory. — This  establish- 
ment dates  from  1854,  when  S.  B.  McClelland  started  in  business. 
In  1861  M.  A.  Kramer  was  taken  into  partnership,  and  in  1866, 
Mr.  McClelland  sold  his  interest  to  Joseph  E.  McClelland.  Mr. 
Kramer  purchased  his  interest  in  October,  1877,  and  continued  the 
business  alone  until  January,  1879,  at  which  time  Mr.  J.  E.  Mc- 
Clelland again  became  an  equal  partner.  They  manufacture  car- 
riages, buggies,  phaetons,  lumber  and  spring  wagons.  All  of  their 
work  is  hand-made  of  the  best  style,  quality  and  finish.  Their  fac- 
tory is  on  the  corner  of  Main  and  Franklin  streets.  The  building  is 
of  brick,  42x90,  two  stories  in  height.  They  give  employment  to 
from  twelve  to  twenty  hands.  Their  work  has  a high  reputation, 
and  they  fill  orders  from  all  parts  of  the  country. 

Tile  Manufactory  and  Brick-yard. — Mr.  H.  M.  Whitmer  has  a 
brick-yard  and  tile  factory  on  Webster  street,  in  south-east  part  of 
city  limits.  He  began  the  manufacture  of  brick,  in  1864,  in  this 


county,  and  in  1866  located  where  he  now  is.  He  began  the 
manufacture  of  drain-tile  in  1878,  and  the  value  of  tile  made  per 
year  is  $5000.  The  number  of  brick  made  per  year  is  about 
2,000,000;  and  30  hands  are  employed. 

Tracer's  Tile  Manufactory . — William  T.  Traver’s  tile  works  lie 
outside  of  the  city  limits  on  the  south-east.  He  began  manufactur- 
ing tile  in  Decatur,  in  1864.  In  1873  he  moved  to  his  present 
location.  He  began  on  a small  scale  with  a hand-machine,  and 
was  the  first  man  to  make  tile  in  the  county.  He  gives  employ- 
ment to  eight  men,  and  makes  per  year  about  $11,000  worth  of 
tile,  of  various  sizes,  from  three  to  eight  inches  in  diameter.  The 
capital  invested  is  $8,000. 

Ammann's  Brick-yard. — Conrad  Ammann  began  making  brick 
in  1864.  He  was  six  years  on  the  west  side  of  town.  He  is  now 
just  outside  of  the  city  limits  on  the  south-east.  He  employs  fifteen 
hands,  and  manufactures  12,000,000  brick  per  year. 

Keinath  and  Anesene's  Brick-yard. — John  Keinath  and  John 
Anesene,  in  the  spring  of  1880,  began  the  manufacture  of  brick  at 
their  yard  in  the  western  part  of  the  city.  They  employ  seventeen 
hands,  and  will  burn  1,00), 000  brick  this  year.  They  supply  the 
home  market'and  ship  to  neighboi’ing  towns. 

Wm.  Tracer's  Tile  Works  are  located  on  Section  23,  south  of  the 
city;  were  established  in  1873,  and  have  a capacity  of  600,000  feet 
of  tile  per  annum,  and  give  employment  to  eight  men. 

H.  Mueller  Co. — This  firm  began  business  in  April,  1874. 

The  senior  ixxember  of  the  firm  had  carried  on,  however,  a gunsmith 
and  geixeral  repairing  shop  since  1858.  Mr.  F.  A.  Krosmeyer, 
associated  himself  with  Mr.  Mueller  in  1874.  Their  business  has 
steadily  increased;  sixteen  men  are  employed;  and  last  year’s 
business  footed  up  $25,000.  They  nxanufacture  water-main  tappers, 
toy  pistols,  and  also  gunsmithing  and  general  repairing  of  ma- 
chinery. Their  building  is  on  East  Main  street. 

Decatur  Bottling  Works. — Fred.  Kuny  proprietor,  and  manufac- 
turer of  soda  and  mineral  waters  and  bottler  of  export  beer,  cider, 
etc.  This  factox-y  is  situated  on  the  north-east  corner  of  East  Main 
and  Jackson  streets.  It  was  established  iix  1866,  and  is  doing  a 
thriving  business.  The  building  now  in  use  is  a bi’ick  building  40 
by  40,  and  was  erected  in  1871.  It  is  furnished  with  the  best 
modern  machinery,  and  gives  employment  to  five  men.  Mr.  Kuny 
began  on  a small  scale,  but  his  diligent  attention  to  his  business 
has  been  well  rewarded. 

Decatur  Woolen  Mills. — This  old  manufacturing  institution  was 
established  in  1859  by  Wm.  H.  Boyd,  L.  C.  Haskell  and  W.  J. 
Myers.  The  principal  goods  made  are  flannels,  yarns,  blankets, 
jeans. 

“ In  1868  the  mills  were  destroyed  by  fire,  but  were  immediately 
rebuilt.  The  value  of  manufactured  products  reached  $75  000  per 
year,  and  the  value  of  mills  and  machinery  is  px-obably  $30,000.”* 
The  mills  were  shut  up  last  February,  and  are  still  closed. 

Pork-packing  House. — There  is  only  one  pork-packing  establish- 
ment in  Decatur,  that  of  William  Ullrich,  south  of  town,  on  the 
Illinois  Central  railroad.  No  packing  has  been  done  for  two  years. 
Mr.  Ullrich  began  packing  in  1857 ; as  many  as  5000  hogs  were 
slaughtered  per  year,  and  in  the  packing  season  employment  was 
afforded  to  thirty  men. 

Jasper  J.  Peddecord,  William  Martin  and  Henry  Prather  were 
the  first  packers  in  the  county,  and  Peter  McQueen  & Co.,  were 

* Smith’s  History. 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


123 


the  next.  The  business  has  ceased  to  be  profitable  unless  prepara- 
tions are  made  to  pack  throughout  the  year. 

W H.  Grindol's  Marble  Works. — These  were  established  in  1865, 
and  are  on  the  north-west  corner  of  the  city  park.  Headstones, 
tablets  and  monuments  are  manufactured  from  native  and  foreign 
marble,  and  native  and  Scotch  granite.  Ten  men  are  employed, 
and  a yearly  business  of  $15,000  is  done. 

Marble  Works  of  John  Strohm. — Mr.  Strohm  began  business  in 
1867,  and  his  works  are  on  the  corner  of  North  Main  and  West 
Prairie  streets.  He  employs  on  an  average  eight  men,  and  his 
annual  sales  vary  from  $12,000  to  $20,000-  He  ships  his  work 
over  this  and  surrounding  counties. 

Penniwell,  Brown  & Co’s.  Marble  Works  — These  are  on  the  corner 
of  East  Main  and  Franklin  streets,  and  furnish  employment  to 
ten  men.  And  the  annual  sales  are  from  $16,000  to  $20,000. 
This  firm  began  in  1865.  His  market  is  Macon  and  adjoining 
counties. 

Marble  Works  of  Young  and  Pasold. — These  were  established  in 
1878  on  the  north-east  corner  of  East  Main  and  Franklin  streets. 
Four  men  are  employed,  and  a good  business  is  transacted.  They 
work  building  stone  and  marble. 

The  Marble  Works  of  Wm.  Gaebler  & Son  were  likewise  estab- 
lished in  1878.  They  are  on  the  corner  of  South  Franklin  and 
Washington  streets.  Two  men  are  employed.  They  make  Scotch 
and  American  granites  a specialty. 

Kepler’s  Cigar  Manufactory. — This  is  the  largest  cigar-making 
establishment  in  the  district.  Mr.  Andrew  Kepler  (deceased), 
established  it  in  1867,  and  was  highly  successful.  It  is  on  the 
south-east  corner  of  the  Old  Square,  and  employs  thirty-five 
hands.  The  “ Wabash  Line  ” brands  are  very  popular.  Mr.  Kep- 
ler died  in  October,  1879,  and  the  business  is  conducted  by  trustees. 
The  cigars  of  this  manufactory  are  sold  throughout  a very  wide 
territory. 

Fred.  Pahmeyer’s  Cigar  Manufactory  is  also  on  the  south-east 
corner  of  the  Old  Square  and  South  Main  St.  It  was  esta- 
blished in  1865,  and  in  a busy  season  affords  employment  to 
ten  men.  Some  of  the  brands  manufactured  are  “ Bouquet,”  “ My 
Favorite  ” and  “ Nationals.”  The  market  is  Decatur  and  surround- 
ing towns.  He  is  also  a general  dealer  in  cigars  and  tobacco. 

Cigar  Manufactory  of  M.  E.  Schroecler.  — Mr.  Schroeder  has 
been  in  the  trade  since  1859,  and  gives  employment  to  nine 
men.  Some  of  the  more  noted  brands  are,  “Bohemian,”  “ Inter- 
Ocean,”  “ Bouquet.”  Mr.  S.  is  an  extensive  dealer  in  cigars  and 
tobacco. 

Joseph  Michl's  Cigar  Manufactory. — This  factory  was  established 
January,  1858.  Mr.  Michl  is  a wholesale  and  retail  dealer  in 
cigars,  tobacco,  pipes,  snuff,  etc.  His  location  is  on  Water  Street, 
east  side,  between  East  Main  and  the  Park.  He  employs  seven 
men. 

BANKING  INTERESTS. 

There  are  three  banking  institutions  in  the  city,  with  ample 
capital  for  doing  an  extensive  business. 

The  Decatur  National  Bank  was  chartered  August  17,  1873,  and 
has  a capital  stock  of  $100,000 ; surplus,  $12,000.  The  bank  is 
located  on  the  west  side  of  W ater  Street,  between  East  Main  and 
Prairie  Sts.  President,  A.  T.  Hill ; Vice-President,  D.  S.  Shella- 
barger ; Cashier,  Geo.  W.  Bright. 

The  Banking  House  of  J.  Millikin  & Co.  was  organized  in  1860. 


It  is  located  on  the  north-east  corner  of  Water  and  East  Main  Sts., 
in  a commodious  brick  structure  80x22  feet,  and  three  stories  high; 
contains  all  the  modern  improvements  against  burglars,  surpassed 
by  no  other  bank  in  the  state. 

Peddecord,  Burrows  & Co.,  Bankers.  This  bank  was  organized 
in  1852,  and  is  among  the  old-established  firms  of  the  city,  and  by 
its  enterprise  has  done  much  toward  forwarding  the  business  in- 
terests of  Decatur.  Its  location  is  on  Water  Street,  in  the  corner 
building,  south  side  of  the  new  Park. 

THE  OFFICERS  OF  THE  TOWN  AND  AFTERWARDS  CITY  OF  DECA- 
TUR, SINCE  ITS  ORGANIZATION,  ARE  AS  FOLLOWS:* 

Board  of  Trustees. 

1836. — Richard  Oglesby,  president.  Trustees:  Wm.  T.  Crissey, 
G.  R.  White,  J Wm.  Webb,  Thomas  Cowan,  JH.  M.  Gorin,  Henry 
Butler,  Landy  Harrall.  J Andrew  Love,  clerk  ; James  Carter  and 
Wm.  Webb,  constables. 

1838.  j;  Joseph  Williams,  Henry  Snyder,  presidents.  Trustees: 
James  Renshaw,  James  F.  Montgomery,  George  R.  White,  Henry 
Prather  Edmund  McClellan,  clerk ; Richard  Oglesby,  J.  P. 
Hickcok,  treasurer;  John  S.  Adams,  assessor;  William  Radcliff 
and  Thomas  Cowan,  supervisors ; J.  H.  Elliott,  constable. 

1839.  — Trustees:  William  T.  Crissey,  S.  B.  Dewees,  J.  M.  For- 
dice,  § James  F.  Montgomery. 

1839.  — Kirby  Benedict,  president.  Trustees : John  S.  Adamson, 
Thomas  Cowan,  Samuel  B.  Dewees,  Jesse  H.  Elliott,  William  T. 
Crissey,  Thomas  H.  Read.  H.  M.  Gorin,  clerk;  George  R.  White, 
treasurer;  H.  Prather,  assessor  and  collector;  G.  W.  Gilbrath, 
Zebulon  Cantrell  and  William  Webb,  constables. 

1840.  — Joseph  King,  president.  Trustees  : Henry  Goodman, 
William  Cantrell,  B.  F.  Oglesby,  David  Wright,  John  G.  Speer, 
David  E.  Ralls.  H.  M.  Gorin,  clerk ; G.  R.  White,  treasurer ; 

I.  C.  Pugh,  collector  ; William  Webb,  constable. 

||  1841. — Thomas  P.  Rodgers,  president.  Trustees:  J.  H.  Elliott, 
D.  E.  Ralls,  G.  R.  White,  Henry  Goodman,  Benjamin  R.  Austin, 

J.  D.  Tait.  J.  S.  Post,  clerk  ; J.  H.  Reed,  treasurer  ; Joseph  Ste- 
vens, assessor  and  collector  ; William  Webb,  constable. 

1846.  — David  Crone,  president.  Trustees : Elijah  Krone,  Joseph 
Kauffman,  Michael  Elson,  Thomas  H.  Reed.  E.  B.  Hale,  clerk ; 
G.  A.  Smith,  constable. 

1847.  — D.  Crone,  president.  Trustees:  J.  H.  Reed,  M.  Elson, 
Joseph  Kauffman.  Nathan  P.  West,  clerk ; E.  McClellan,  con- 
stable; B.  H.  Cassell,  assessor. 

1848.  — J.  H.  Elliott,  President.  Trustees : H.  Prather,  H. 
Armstrong,  E.  O.  Smith,  Jos.  King.  N.  P.  West,  Clerk ; E.  Mc- 
Clellan, Constable  ; B.  H.  Cassell,  Assessor  and  Treasurer. 

1849.  — Joseph  Kauffman,  President.  Trustees  : H.  J.  Arm- 
strong, J.  H.  Elliott,  Jos.  King,  W.  S.  Crissey.  N.  P.  West, 
Clerk  ; B.  H.  Cassell,  Assessor  and  Treasurer ; H.  Goodman,  Con- 
stable. 

1850.  — Joseph  King,  President.  Trustees  : W.  J.  Stamper,  Wm. 
Prather,  C.  H.  Pringle,  Wm.  Wheeler.  B.  H.  Cassell,  Clerk  ; 
Wm.  Wheeler,  Constable  ; B.  H.  Cassell,  Assessor  and  Treas- 
urer. 

* For  some  of  the  data  pertaining  to  the  early  officers  of  Decatur  we  are  in- 
debted to  Smith’s  History. 

f Died,  t Resigned.  $ It  does  not  appear  from  the  record  that  these  last 
named  trustees  ever  met,  but  that  there  was  an  election  held  on  the  6th  day  of 
May,  1839,  under  a special  act  incorporating  the  town  of  Decatur,  at  which 
election  another  board  was  chosen. 

||  This  was  the  last  meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  town  of  Decatur  for  five  years. 


124 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS 


1851.  — Wm.  S.  Crissey,  President.  Trustees:  Win.  Prather,  C. 

H.  Pringle,  Joseph  King,  W.  J.  Stamper.  B.  H.  Cassell,  Clerk, 
Treasurer  and  Assessor. 

1852.  — W.  J.  Stamper,  President.  Trustees  : W.  S.  Crissey, 
Wm.  Prather,  C.  H.  Pringle,  Jos.  King.  B.  H.  Cassell,  Clerk, 
Treasurer  aud  Assessor. 

1853.  — Wm.  Prather,  President.  Trustees  : W.  S.  Crissey,  W. 
J.  Stamper,  Joseph  King,  John  Ricketts.  B.  H.  Cassell,  Clerk, 
Treasurer  and  Assessor. 

1854.  — William  Prather,  President.  Trustees:  William  J.  Stam- 
jier,  William  S.  Crissey,  Joseph  King,  Thomas  H.  Wingate.  B.  H. 
Cassell,  Clerk. 

1854  — Thomas  H.  Wingate,  President.  Trustees  : William  S. 
Crissey,  William  Martin,  Elias  Tanner,  John  Ricketts.  B.  H.  Cas- 
sell, Clerk  ; H.  Churchman,  Constable. 

1855.  — Thomas  H.  Wingate,  President.  Trustees : A.  L.  Kellar, 
J.  R.  Gorin,  William  S.  Crissey,  William  Martin.  B.  H.  Cassell, 
Clerk. 

CITY  COUNCIL. 

* 1856. — John  P.  Post,  Mayor.  Aldermen  : Frank  Priest,  1st 
ward  ; E.  O.  Smith,  2d  ward  ; J.  R.  Gorin,  S.  P.  Ohr,  3d  ward  ; 
J.  J.  Ballentine,  H.  Taylor,  4th  ward.  C.  C.  Post,  Clerk  and  At- 
torney. 

1857.  — William  A.  Barnes,  Mayor.  Aldermen  : George  Good- 
man, Joseph  Mills,  1st  ward  ; H.  B.  Durfee,  George  Dempsey,  2d 
ward  ; A.  T.  Hill,  John  P.  Post,  3d  ward  ; Israel  B.  Gring,  Geo. 
Wessels,  4th  ward.  J.  P.  Boyd,  Clerk  and  Attorney. 

1858.  — James  Shoaff,  Mayor.  Aldermen  : Joseph  Mills,  J.  B. 
Trull,  1st  ward;  H.  B.  Durfee,  Isaac  D.  Jennings,  2d  ward;  John 
P.  Post,  Samuel  F.  Greer,  3d  ward;  Geo.  Wessels,  O Powers,  4th 
ward.  S.  S.  Goode,  Clerk  and  Attorney. 

1859.  — A.  T.  Hill,  Mayor.  Aldermen  : James  Simpson,  J.  L. 
Mansfield,  1st  ward  ; John  W.  Bear,  M.  Haworth,  2d  ward  ; Sam- 
uel F.  Greer,  William  Lintner,  3d  ward ; O.  Powers,  J.  C.  Benton, 
4th  ward  ; S.  S.  Goode,  Clerk  and  Attorney. 

1860.  — Sheridan  Wait,  Mayor.  Aldermen  : James  Simpson,  S. 
S-  Hale,  1st  ward;  E.  McNabb,  Wm.  J.  Scanlan,  2d  ward  ; Wm. 
Linter,  Peter  INI.  Wykoff,  3d  ward ; J.  C.  Benton,  John  L.  Peake, 
4th  ward  ; J.  R.  Gorin,  Clerk  and  Attorney. 

1861.  — E.  O.  Smith,  Mayor.  Aldermen  : F.  Priest,  long  term, 
Chas.  A.  Tuttle,  short  term,  1st  ward  ; James  Millikin,  William  J. 
Scanlan,  2d  ward ; W.  H.  Bramble,  P.  M.  Wykoff,  3d  ward  ; Joel 
C.  Benton,  long  term,  William  A.  Barnes,  short  term,  4th  ward  ; 
J.  R.  Gorin,  Clerk  and  Attorney. 

1862.  — Thomas  O.  Smith,  Mayor.  Aldermen  : F.  Priest,  D.  H. 
Elwood,  1st  ward;  James  Millikin,  Lowber  Burrows,  2d  ward  ; 
Henry  Goodman,  W.  H.  Bramble,  3d  ward  ; Joel  C.  Benton,  Ben- 
son Henkle,  4th  ward.  J.  R.  Gorin,  Clerk  and  Attorney. 

1863.  — J.  J.  Peddecord,  Mayor.  Aldermen  : D.  H.  Elwood, 
David  S-  Hughes,  1st  ward  ; James  Millikin,  Lowber  Burrows, 
2d  ward  ; William  H.  Bramble,  Henry  Goodman,  3d  ward  ; John 
Ullerich,  Benson  Henkle,  4th  ward.  J.  R.  Gorin,  Clerk  and  At- 
torney. 

1864.  — J.  J.  Peddecord,  Mayor.  Aldermen  : C.  A.  Tuttle,  D. 
L.  Hughes,  1st  ward ; M.  Y.  Givler,  James  Millikin,  2d  ward ; M. 
Forstmeyer,  J.  G.  Starr,  3d  ward ; Benson  Henkle,  long  term,  T. 
B.  Albert,  short  term,  4th  ward.  K.  H.  Roby,  Clerk  and  At- 
torney. 

1865.  — Franklin  Priest,  Mayor.  Aldermen  : Charles  A Tuttle, 

* An  election  was  held  for  city  officers,  under  a special  charter,  on  the  7th 
of  January,  1856. 


Charles  H.  Fuller,  1st  ward  ; M.  Y.  Givler,  William  J.  Usrey,  2d 
ward  ; M.  Forstmeyer,  E.  A.  Barnwell,  3d  ward  ; *Beuson  Henkle, 
S.  T.  Trowbridge,  4th  ward.  K.  H.  Roby,  Clerk  and  Attorney. 

1866. — Franklin  Priest,  Mayor.  ^Charles  H.  Fuller,  S.  F. 
Hawley,  1st  ward ; W.  J.  Usrey,  E.  McNabb,  2d  ward ; E.  A. 
Barnwell,  M.  Forstmeyer,  3d  ward  ; G.  Howell,  short  term,  H. 
Muller,  long  term,  4th  ward.  *A.  B.  Bunn,  Clerk  and  Attorney. 

1867- — John  K.  Warren,  Mayor.  Aldermen  : S.  F.  Hawley, 
Joseph  Mills,  1st  ward ; E.  McNabb,  2d  ward  ; M.  Forstmeyer,  J. 

R.  Gorin,  3d  ward ; II  Muller,  B.  F.  Dodson,  4th  ward.  C.  H. 
Fuller,  Register. 

1868.  — Isaac  C-  Pugh,  Mayor.  Aldermen  : D.  P.  Elwood,  Jo- 
seph Mills,  1st  ward ; L.  L.  Haworth,  S.  Burrows,  2d  ward ; M. 
Forstmeyer,  J.  R.  Gorin,  3d  ward  ; B.  F.  Dodson,  H.  Prather,  4th 
ward.  C.  H.  Fuller,  Register. 

1869.  — Wm.  L.  Hammer,  Mayor.  Aldermen:  D.  P.  Elwood, D. 

S.  Shellabarger,  1st  ward  ; L.  L.  Haworth,  J.  L.  Libby,  2d  ward  ; 
M.  Forstmeyer,  G.  S.  Simpson,  3d  ward  ; H.  Prather,  W.  F.  Busher, 
4th  ward.  C.  II.  Fuller,  Register. 

1870.  — F.  Priest,  Mayor.  Aldermen  : * E.  M.  Misner,  D.  S. 
Shellabarger,  1st  ward  ; Benj.  Dill,  f E.  McNabb,  2d  ward  ; G.  S. 
Simpson,  M.  Forstmeyer,  3d  ward;  W.  F.  Busher,  E.  Harpstrite, 
4th  ward.  C.  H.  Fuller,  Register. 

1871.  — E.  M.  Misner,  Mayor.  Aldermen  ; Joseph  Mills,  fWm. 

J.  Myers,  1st  ward  ; Benj.  Dill,  E.  McNabb,  2d  ward  ; M.  Forst- 
meyer, Wm.  H.  Bramble,  3d  ward  ; E.  Harpstrite,  Wm.  Gabbler, 
4th  ward.  C.  H.  Fuller,  Register. 

1872.  — D.  S.  Shellabarger,  Mayor.  Aldermen  : Joseph  Mills, 
W.  J.  Myers,  1st  ward  ; F.  Hardy,  E.  McNabb,  2d  ward  ; A.  T. 
Hill,  Wm.  IT.  Bramble,  3d  ward;  Wm  Gabbler,  B.  B.  Richards, 
4th  ward ; George  P.  Hardy,  Register  ; Thomas  Lee,  Attorney ; M. 

K.  Hatch,  Treasurer  ; G.  V.  Loring,  City  Engineer ; John  W.  Ha- 
worth, Marshal. 

1873.  — Martin  Forstmeyer,  Mayor.  Aldermen:  Geo.  Stare,  W. 
J.  Myers,  1st  ward;  Frank  Hardy,  L.  F.  Muzzy,  2d  ward  ; A.  T. 
Hill,  T.  J.  Able,  3d  ward  ; James  Peake,  B.  B.  Richards,  4th  ward  ; 
Joseph  Leake,  A.  Shoemaker,  5th  ward;  Geo.  P.  Hardy,  Register; 

I.  A.  Buckingham,  Attorney ; G.  V.  Loring,  City  Engineer ; M.  K. 
Hatch,  Treasurer ; John  W.  Haworth,  Marshal. 

1874.  — F.  Priest,  Mayor.  Aldermen  : H.  W.  Waggoner,  Geo. 
Stare,  1st  ward  ; E.  McNabb,  L.  F.  Muzzy,  2d  ward ; J.  T.  Able, 
Isaac  Ehrman,  3d  ward  ; James  Peake,  J.  W.  Butman,  4tli  ward  ; 
Joseph  Leake,  R.  N.  Mills,  5th  ward ; Geo.  P.  Hardy,  Register ; I. 
A.  Buckingham,  Attorney  ; M.  K.  Hatch,  Treasurer ; Geo.  V.  Lor- 
ing, City  Engineer;  John  W.  Haworth,  Marshal. 

1875.  — R.  H.  Merriweather,  Mayor.  Aldermen  : H.  W.  Wag- 
goner, W.  J.  Myers,  1st  ward  ; Wm.  M.  Boyd,  H.  D.  Durfee,  2d 
ward;  Isaac  Ehrman,  B.  F.  Stephens,  3d  ward;  James  Peake,  J. 
W.  Butman,  4th  ward ; Joseph  Leake,  R.  N.  Mills,  5th  ward. 
George  P.  Hardy,  Register;  M.  K.  Hatch,  Treasurer;  I.  A.  Buck- 
ingham, Attorney ; John  W.  Haworth,  Marshal  ; S.  Burgess,  City 
Engineer. 

1876.  — W.  B.  Chambers,  Mayor.  Aldermen : W.  J.  Myers,  W. 

J.  Wayne,  1st  ward ; H.  B.  Durfee,  L.  F.  Muzzy,  2d  ward  ; I.  W. 
Ehrman,  B.  F.  Stephens,  3d  ward;  James  Peake,  Edward  Harps- 
trite, 4th  ward ; Joseph  Leake,  Kilburn  Harwood,  5th  ward. 
Geo.  P.  Hardy,  Register;  I.  A.  Buckingham,  Attorney;  M.  Iv. 
Hatch,  Treasurer;  S.  Burgess,  City  Engineer;  John  W.  Haworth, 
Marshal. 

1877.  — W.  B.  Chambers,  Mayor.  Aldermen  : W.  J.  Wayne, 

* Resigned,  f To  fill  vacancy. 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


125 


W.  W.  Swearingen,  1st  ward ; L.  F.  Muzzy,  J.  T.  Barnett,  2d 
ward;  I.  W.  Ehrman,  W.  H.  Bramble,  3d  ward;  E.  Harpstrite, 
F.  Kuny,  4th  ward ; Iv.  Harwood,  W.  S.  Nichols,  5th  ward. 
George  P.  Hardy,  Register ; Milton  Johnson,  Treasurer ; S.  Bur- 
gess, Engineer  and  Supt.  Water  Works  ; George  Dempsey,  Street 
Commissioner ; I.  A.  Buckingham,  City  Attorney ; Norman 
Pringle,  Marshal ; John  A.  Brockway,  Deputy  Marshal. 

] 878. — Franklin  Priest,  Mayor.  Aldermen  : W.  W.  Swearingen, 
J.  G.  Shea,  1st  ward ; J.  T.  Barnett,  H.  B.  Durfee,  2d  ward ; W. 
H.  Bramble,  Silas  Overmire,  3d  ward  : Fred.  Kuny,  J.  W.  Butman, 
4th  ward  ; W.  S.  Nichols,  A.  Shoemaker,  5th  ward.  George  P. 
Hardy,  Register  ; Theodore  Nelson,  Treasurer  ; S.  Burgess,  En- 
gineer and  Supt.  Water  Works;  John  W.  Haworth,  Marshal; 
John  Brockway,  Deputy  Marshal ; W.  H.  Shorb,  Street  Super- 
visor. 

1879.  — L.  L.  Haworth,  Mayor.  Aldermen : J.  G.  Shea,  Iv. 
Harwood,  1st  ward;  J.  T.  Barnett,  E.  McNabb,  2d  ward;  Silas 
Overmire,  Peter  McDonald,  3d  ward ; J.  W.  Butman,  W.  A. 
Dennis,  4th  ward;  W-  S.  Nichols,  A.  Shoemaker,  5th  ward;  Geo. 
P.  Hardy,  Register  ; Robert  McClelland,  Treasurer ; W.  H.  Shorb, 
City  Supervisor ; Sullivan  Burgess,  Surveyor  and  Engineer  ; Jno. 
T.  Barnett,  Marshal ; J.  A.  Brockway,  Dejmty  Marshal. 

1880.  — H.  W.  Waggoner,  Mayor.  Aldermen  : Iv.  Harwood, 
D.  S.  Shellabarger,  1st  ward  ; E.  McNabb,  D.  Bunn,  2d  ward ; 
Peter  McDonald,  W.  H.  Bramble,  3d  ward  ; W.  A.  Dennis,  A.  W. 
Hardy,  4th  ward ; W.  S.  Nichols,  A.  Shoemaker,  5th  ward  ; Geo. 
P.  Hardy,  City  Register ; Theodore  Nelson,  City  Treasurer  ; G.  V. 
Loring,  Surveyor  and  Engineer  ; R.  N.  Baker,  City  Marshal ; J.  S. 
Hewes,  Deputy  Marshal;  W.  H.  Shorb,  City  Supervisor. 

With  this  is  closed  the  chapter  on  Decatur.  To  do  complete 
justice  to  so  thriving  a city,  even  more  space  is  needed  than  has 
been  given.  If  her  citizens  in  the  future  shall  be  guided  by  the 
same  enterprising  spirit  they  have  exhibited  in  the  past ; if  they 
shall  encourage  their  manufactures,  and  foster  their  schools,  which 
have  reached  a high  degree  of  efficiency,  year  by  year  their  length- 
ening streets  will  echo  to  the  tread  of  a greater  and  busier  popula- 
tion, and  greatness  will  be  assured. 

Decatur  Township  has  an  area  of  29  square  miles  or  18,560 
acres.  It  is  traversed  from  east  to  west  by  the  Sangamon  river, 
the  chief  tributary  of  which,  in  the  township,  Stevens’  creek,  flows 
from  the  north  and  enters  it  about  a mile  east  of  the  western  boun- 
dary. It  lies  south  of  Hickory  Point  and  Whitmore  townships, 


west  of  Oakley  and  Long  Creek,  north  of  Long  Creek  and  South 
Wheatland,  and  east  of  Harristown.  Is  well  timbered  and  drained, 
and  contains  much  good  land.  It  is  difficult  in  writing  the  history 
of  a county,  city,  and  township  to  avoid  repetition  Therefore,  as 
an  extended  notice  is  given  of  the  only  city  in  the  township,  the 
reader  is  referred  to  that  article,  and  to  the  chapter  on  the  Pio- 
neers and  Early  Settlers,  for  information  regarding  the  early 
history  of  this  township.  We  subjoin,  as  of  general  interest,  a list 
of  the  first  land  entries,  and  a list  of  township  supervisors  from  the 
first  to  the  present. 

The  first  land  entries  in  Decatur  precinct  were  made  by  the 
following  persons : on  the  13th  of  November,  1827,  James  Miller 
entered  80  acres  in  Section  No.  10 ; Jonathan  Miller  entered  80 
acres  in  Section  No.  14,  July  7th,  1828;  July  16,  1828,  Dorus 
Stevens  entered  80  acres  in  Section  3 ; David  Miller  entered  80 
acres  same  section  and  date;  David  L.  Allen  entered  Nov.  1st, 
1828,  80  acres  of  the  W.  4 of  the  N.  W.  i of  Section  No-  14,  all  in 
township  No.  16,  N.  R.  2 East  of  the  Third  Principal  Meridian. 
The  land  entered  by  James  Miller,  Jonathan  Miller,  and  David  L. 
Allen  is  now  embraced  within  the  corporate  limits  of  Decatur. 

Supervisors  of  Decatur  Township  and  City. — H.  B.  Durfee,  (chairman)  elected 
in  1860;  John  W.  Koehler,  elected  in  1860;  H.  B.  Durfee,  (chairman)  re- 
elected in  1861 ; John  W.  Koehler,  re-elected  in  1861  ; II.  B.  Durfee,  (chair- 
man) re-elected  in  1862;  John  W.  Koehler,  re-elected  in  1862;  H.  B.  Durfee, 
(chairman)  re-elected  in  1863  ; B.  F.  Dillehunt,  elected  in  1863;  J.  E Rob- 
erts, elected  in  1864;  David  Morgan,  elected  in  1864;  W.  O.  Jones,  elected 
in  1865  ; David  Morgan,  re-elected  in  1865  ; H.  B.  Durfee,  (chairman)  re- 
elected in  1866;  W.  A.  Barnes,  elected  in  1866;  H.  B-  Durfee,  (chairman) 
re-elected  in  1867 ; W-.  A.  Barnes,  re-elected  in  1867 ; H.  B.  Durfee,  (chair- 
man) re-elected  in  1868;  M.  Forstmeyer,  elected  in  1868  ; James  Milhken, 
elected  in  1869;  M- Forstmeyer,  re-elected  in  1869;  Reuben  Betzer,  elected  in 
1870;  M.  Forstmeyer,  re-elected  in  1870;  M.  Forstmeyer  re-elected  in  1871; 
Joseph  Mills,  elected  in  1871 ; Jacob  Spangler,  elected  in  1872  ; H.  Ilummel, 
elected  in  1872 ; Jacob  Spangler,  re-elected  in  1873 ; David  S.  Hughes, 
elected  in  1873;  Jacob  Spangler,  re-elected  in  1874;  H.  Hummell,  re-elected 
in  1874;  Jacob  Spangler,  re-elected  in  1875;  II.  B.  Durfee,  re-elected  in 
1S75  ; M.  Forstmeyer,  re-elected  in  1875  ; M.  Forstmeyer,  re-elected  in  1867  ; 
D.  S.  Hughes,  elected  in  1876;  Samuel  Powers,  elected  in  1876;  D.  W. 
Brenneman,  elected  in  1877  ; A.  A.  Murray,  elected  in  1877 ; Benjamin  Dill, 
elected  in  1877 ; E.  McNabb,  elected  in  1878 ; Benjamin  Dill,  re  elected  in 
1878;  D.  S.  Shellabarger,  elected  in  1878;  Wm.  B.  Chambers,  elected  in 
1879;  D.  S.  Hughes,  re-elected  in  1879  ; Jason  Rogers,  elected  in  1879 ; D.S. 
Shellabarger,  re-elected  in  1880;  D.  T.  Hill,  elected  in  1880;  W.  A.  Barnes, 
re-elected  in  1880. 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES. 


This  distinguished  soldier  and  statesman  was  born  on  the  twenty- 
fifth  of  July,  St.  James’  day,  1824,  in  Oldham  County,  Kentucky. 
His  parents,  Isabella  AVatson  and  Jacob  Oglesby,  both  of  Scottish 
descent,  came  to  Kentucky  from  Virginia. 

After  following  other  pursuits,  Jacob  Oglesby  became  a farmer 
in  Kentucky  where  he  was  a man  of  some  influence,  representing 
his  county  two  terms  in  the  legislature  of  the  state.  The  profit  of 
his  farm  enabled  him  to  live  comfortably  with  his  large  family  of 
eight  children  until  1833,  when  the  cholera,  which  swept  through 
the  country  at  that  time,  bereft  the  young  family  of  both  father  and 
mother,  a brother  AVoodford  and  a sister  Isabella.  Afterward  in 
1836  the  youngest  daughter  Sarah  died  at  the  age  of  six  years, 
in  Illinois.  Robert,  the  youngest  son,  six  years  old  at  the  time 
of  his  parents’  death,  died  at  the  age  of  twenty-one,  after  a year’s 
service  in  the  Mexican  war.  The  death  of  the  parents  in  early 
126- 


maturity  left  the  young  family,  two  sons  and  four  daughters,  totally 
unprovided  for. 

Kind  relatives,  however,  came  to  their  relief,  and  assumed  their 
care.  Richard,  the  fifth  child,  and  the  elder  of  the  surviving  broth- 
ers, was  but  eight  years  old  at  the  time  of  his  father’s  death,  and 
was  taken  in  charge  by  an  uncle,  AVillis  Oglesby,  who  in  1836 
moved  to  Decatur,  Illinois,  and  afterward  lived  in  Kentucky  and 
Indiana.  Richard  remained  with  his  uncle  until  the  age  of  four- 
teen, when  he  started  out  in  the  world  alone.  His  first  journey  was 
on  foot,  with  only  a small  bundle,  from  Terre-Haute,  Indiana,  back 
to  his  favorite  home,  Decatur,  Illinois,  where  he  sought  and  found 
the  protection  of  two  devoted  sisters,  Mrs.  Henry  Prather  and  Mrs. 
J.  J.  Peddecord.  In  Decatur,  therefore,  in  November,  1838,  Richard 
J.  Oglesby,  at  the  age  of  fourteen,  fairly  entered  upon  the  struggle 
of  life;  for  a while  he  had  friends  and  relations  who  always  took  a 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


127 


deep  interest  in  his  welfare,  and  pointed  out  to  him,  by  suggestions 
and  advices,  the  best  course  to  pursue,  he  felt,  and  it  was  true,  that 
he  must  rely  chiefly  on  his  own  will  and  resources  for  all  the  future 
yet  to  be  revealed  and  developed.  The  financial  crash  of  1837  was 
then  being  felt  throughout  the  country;  every  one  was  poor.  “The 
times  were  hard,”  sure  enough.  And  that  common  suffering,  which 
puts  all  on  an  equality,  while  beset  with  innumerable  deprivations, 
yet  impressed  upon  the  generation  of  that  period  the  hard  lesson  of 
self-denial,  simplicity  of  manner,  and  a pure  and  unselfish  patriot- 
ism. From  the  age  of  fourteen  to  seventeen  years,  his  life  was 
very  similar  to  that  of  other  boys,  working  on  the  farm,  and  about 
town  at  such  employment  as  could  be  found,  by  the  day,  week, 
or  month. 

The  usual  amusements  of  those  days,  he  says,  were  hunting,  fish- 
ing and  “Burgooing,”  and  on  Saturday  afternoon  in  all  county- 
seat  towns,  horse-racing,  ball-playing  and  occasionally  a fist-fight  in 
the  street  to  settle  up  old  differences,  clear  up  the  atmosphere  and 
get  ready  for  church  next  day.  Richard  had  his  full  share  in  the 
sports  and  pastimes  of  the  day,  but  managed  to  keep  clear  of  the 
sterner  tussels  in  the  street. 

At  seventeen  he  went  to  Kentucky,  still  the  home  of  his  eldest 
sister,  Mrs.  James  F.  Wilson,  where  he  learned  the  trade  of  a house- 
carpenter  under  .James  Rankin.  Returning  after  a year  to  Decatur 
he  worked  for  Major  E.  O.  Smith  at  the  same  trade,  for  six  dollars 
a month  and  board.  Times  steadily  grew  harder,  and  work  at  any 
trade  more  difficult  to  obtain  ; besides  farming  and  merchandizing 
there  was  little  life  in  any  trade  or  industry  in  the  West.  In  1843 
farming  was  next  undertaken,  in  company  with  Lemuel  Allen,  a 
teacher  of  some  repute,  Avhose  school  Richard  had  attended  for 
three  months  the  previous  winter.  They  farmed  on  rented  ground 
one  mile  east  of  Decatur,  and  raised  oats,  corn  and  twelve  acres  of 
hemp.  The  last  was  duly  cut  and  cured,  and  the  following  winter 
and  spring  was  spun  into  well-rope  and  bed-cords  on  a rope  walk, 
invented  by  Mr.  Oglesby  for  the  purpose.  On  this  same  rope  ma- 
chine was  spun  the  two  large  cables  used  in  launching  the  first  flat- 
boat  sent  out  on  the  Sangamon  river  from  Decatur.  It  was  laden 
with  corn  and  other  produce  of  Macon  county.  The  whole  popu- 
lation turned  out  to  see  the  boat  take  its  departure  on  its  long  jour- 
ney down  the  Sangamon  to  the  Illinois  river  and  thence  down  the 
Mississippi  to  New  Orleaus.  Many  of  the  older  and  wiser  heads  of 
the  great  company  assembled  on  that  occasion  regarded  the  auspi- 
cious event  as  the  fulfilment  of  a prophecy  made  by  “ Abe  Lincoln’’ 
in  a speech  near  a little  corner  grocery  at  Decatur  in  1830:  “That 
the  Sangamon  would  some  day  be  declared  a navigable  stream  open 
to  the  commerce  of  the  world.”  The  sympathizing  crowd  followed 
the  course  of  the  “ flat-boat  ” for  many  miles,  cheering  vociferously 
as  it  swept  the  various  and  abrupt  curves  of  the  sluggish  Sangamon, 
somewhat  perilous  to  navigation  on  account  of  the  drift-wood,  which 
had  caught  and  collected  into  large  and  compact  masses,  clogging 
the  stream,  in  many  places,  from  bank  to  bank. 

In  1840  Mr.  Oglesby  firstheard,  in  the  way  of  public  speaking,  the 
very  able  debate  between  Lincoln  and  Douglas  in  the  old  court- 
room in  Decatur.  Though  he  was  but  sixteen  he  had  developed  an 
admiration  and  attachment  for  Mr.  Lincoln  which  continued  to  the 
present  time.  The  example  Mr.  Lincoln’s  life  afforded,  having  be- 
gun the  study  of  law  with  a limited  education  at  the  age  of  twenty, 
seven,  became  an  inspiration  to  many  young  men  in  the  West. 
Mr.  Oglesby  like  others  felt  its  influence,  and  finally  resolved  as  soon 
as  he  could  obtain  the  means  to  follow  in  the  path  illuminated  by 
the  genius  and  talent  of  this  noble  man. 

Therefore  in  1844,  at  the  age  of  twenty,  he  began  the  study  of 
law  with  Silas  W.  Robbins,  in  Sjiringfield.  In  November,  1845, 


after  the  usual  examinations  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar.  It  is  due 
to  the  truth  of  biography  to  state  that  the  education  of  Mr.  Ogleshy 
had  been  limited.  His  opportunities  had  been  of  the  poorest 
kind.  At  the  period  when  he  began  the  study  of  law,  he  could 
read  and  write,  had  a slight  knowledge  of  arithmetic  and  a brief 
acquaintance  with  geography ; but  this  was  all  he  could  claim  in 
the  way  of  an  education. 

In  the  spring  of  1840,  the  war  between  the  United  States  and 
Mexico  opened  a new  field  of  action  ; and  wTe  find  Mr.  Oglesby  in 
that  service  for  one  year  as  First  Lieut,  of  Company  C,  4th  Illinois 
volunteers,  commanded  by  the  late  Col.  E.  D.  Baker  of  Illinois. 
Lieut.  Oglesby  marched  with  the  regiment  on  foot  over  seven  hun- 
dred miles  through  the  interior  of  Mexico,  and  was  in  the  battles 
of  Vera  Cruz  and  Cerro  Gordo  ; in  the  latter,  he  commanded  the 
company,  Captain  Pugh  having  been  placed  by  Colonel  Baker,  in 
command  of  the  left  wing  of  the  regiment,  and  out  of  forty-one, 
rank  and  file,  lost  ten,  killed  and  wounded.  It  wras  in  this  battle 
General  Shields  fell  wounded,  at  the  head  of  the  Fourth  Illinois 
regiment,  near  Colonel  Baker.  Lieutenant  Oglesby  was  left  in 
charge  of  the  wounded  general  for  two  days  on  the  battle-field,  as 
a mark  of  respect  to  the  company.  On  his  return,  at  the  close  of 
the  war,  to  his  home  he  at  once  resumed  the  practice  of  law,  giving 
it  his  whole  attention. 

But  in  1849,  catching  the  gold  fever,  he  made  one  of  a party  of 
eight,  which  left  Decatur  for  California.  He  drove  a team  of  six 
mules  every  mile  of  the  journey,  from  St.  Joseph,  Missouri,  to 
Sacramento  City,  California.  The  trip  was  made  in  ninety-five 
days,  and  was  one  of  uninterrupted  interest  and  pleasure.  As  an 
evidence  of  the  wisdom  of  the  venture,  he  states,  that  on  the  even- 
ing of  the  third  day  after  his  arrival  in  Sacramento  City  he  re- 
paid the  two  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  borrowed,  to  make  the 
journey,  and  had  four  hundred  and  seventy* dollars  in  cash  left. 

His  career  as  a miner  was  so  successful  that  at  the  end  of  two 
years  and  six  months,  though  he  had  lost  three  thousand  dollars 
deposited  in  a Sacramento  bank,  and  two  thousand  five  hundred 
dollars  by  the  burning  of  Nevada  City,  he  returned  to  Decatur 
with  four  thousand  five  hundred  dollars  in  gold,  and  had  more 
cash  for  a few  weeks  than  any  other  man  in  Decatur,  then  a town 
of  five  hundred  inhabitants,  including  many  promising  young  men. 

Shortly  after  the  return  from  California,  the  law  firm  of 
“ Oglesby  and  Waite  ” was  established,  which  continued  until  the 
spring  of  1856.  At  this  time  Mr.  Oglesby  decided  upon  a tour 
abroad,  and  in  April  he  left  Illinois  for  a journey  to  Great  Britain 
and  Europe,  which  was  extended  to  Egypt,  Arabia,  Palestine  and 
Asia  Minor. 

He  sailed  from  Philadelphia  in  the  “ City  of  Baltimore,”  Cap- 
tain Lutch,  landing,  after  a pleasant  voyage  of  ten  days,  at  St. 
George’s  Pier,  Liverpool.  After  three  days  in  Liverpool  he 
crossed  to  Dublin,  and  visited  various  places  of  interest  in  Ireland. 
From  Port  Rush,  he  sailed  for  Glasgow,  and  traveled  over  Scot- 
land, arriving  in  London  late  in  June,  where  he  spent  three  weeks 
visiting  points  of  historical  interest.  Parliament,  then  sitting, 
claimed  his  attention  several  times,  and  he  was  interested  to  ob- 
serve the  style  and  manners  of  English  oratory. 

In  the  House  of  Lords,  he  heard  Lord  Lyndhurst,  the  Duke  of 
Argyle,  Marquis  of  Lansdale,  Lord  John  Campbell,  Bishop  of 
Oxford  and  many  other  distinguished  peers.  Lord  John  Camp- 
bell he  notes  as  the  most  fluent  speaker.  In  the  house  of  commons 
among  the  many  members  whose  speeches  he  heard,  were  Lord 
Palmerston,  then  in  his  prime,  Lord  John  Russell  and  the  famous 
D’lsraeli.  Leaving  London,  Mr.  Oglesby  spent  two  weeks  in 
Paris  and  environs,  then  proceeded  to  Berlin,  visiting  en  route, 


128 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


Brussels,  Waterloo,  Cologne,  Mayence,  Bonn,  Frankfort,  Leipsic 
and  Dresden.  In  Berlin  lie  celebrated  his  thirty-second  birthday, 
and  among  other  reflections  regrets  “ that  he  is  still  a bachelor.” 
After  a short  time  spent  in  that  city  and  Potsdam,  he  determined 
to  sail  from  Stettin  to  St.  Petersburg. 

August  the  2d,  he  embarked,  meeting  among  his  fellow-pas- 
sengers the  famous  Colonel  Colt,  of  revolver  celebrity,  who  with 
his  bride  was  on  his  way  to  St.  Petersburg.  They  arrived  after 
three  days  rough  passage  on  the  Baltic,  and  on  the  sixth  of  August 
Mr.  Oglesby  celebrated  another  birthday,  time  being  then  reckoned 
in  Russia  O.  S. 

Two  weeks  were  spent  in  St.  Petersburg  and  two  in  Moscow, 
where  on  the  7th  of  September,  he  saw  the  present  Czar  and  his 
Empress  crowned  in  the  Church  of  the  Assumption.  From  Moscow 
he  traveled  by  diligence  eight  hundred  miles  to  Warsaw,  a tedious 
journey,  but  having  some  unusual  interests.  In  Poland  he  saw  the 
most  beautiful  women  of  Europe.  Leaving  Warsaw  by  railway 
for  Dresden  and  Berlin,  he  rejoices  to  find  himself  once  more 
among  the  comfortable  Germans.  He  felt  depressed  in  spirit  and 
body  after  witnessing  so  much  human  misery  in  Russia  and  Poland. 
His  stay  in  Berlin  was  long  and  agreeable.  On  the  sixteenth  of 
October  he  was  one  of  a party  of  ten  Americans  invited  to  attend 
King  William,  the  Crown  Prince,  now  Emperor,  and  their  court, 
on  the  annual  wild  boar  hunt  in  the  “King’s  Forest,”  ten  miles 
north  of  Berlin.  The  thirtieth  of  December,  he  left  that  lovely 
German  city  to  visit  Dresden  again,  Vienna  and  Trieste.  From 
the  last  place  he  sailed  to  Alexandria,  where  he  beheld  with 
astonishment  the  marvelous  wonders  of  this  ancient  city  of  Egypt. 
He  describes  among  other  famous  monuments  the  obelisks,  called 
“ Cleopatra’s  needle,”  then  standing  on  their  original  sites,  one  of 
which  was  recently  brought  to  New  York. 

Late  in  January,  Mr.  Oglesby  arrived  in  Cairo.  After  a short 
stay,  he  in  company  with  a friend,  chartered  a boat  and  crew,  and 
laying  in  a supply  of  provisions,  resolved  to  make  a trip  up  the 
Kile  to  Thebes.  They  left  Cairo  with  the  American  flag  flying, 
expecting  to  be  gone  thirty  days,  but  found  so  many  mysteries 
along  the  Nile  to  see  and  study,  that  their  journey  was  prolonged, 
and  more  than  forty  days  passed  before  their  return  to  Cairo. 

The  ancient  temples  and  tombs  of  Upper  Egypt,  still,  as  for 
centuries,  the  marvel  of  the  world,  the  great  pyramids  on  the  west 
bank  of  the  Nile  near  Cairo,  one  of  the  “seven  wonders  of  the 
world,”  were  all,  in  succession,  visited,  studied  and  examined  with 
the  greatest  possible  interest  and  profit  to  the  travelers  from  the 
western  prairies  of  the  new  continent,  where  only  the  great  natural 
objects  arrest  the  eye  of  the  traveler.  Two  weeks  after  their  return 
to  Cairo,  Mr.  Oglesby  joined  a caravan,  to  cross  the  desert,  consist- 
ing of  ten  travelers,  two  dragomen,  eleven  Bedouins  and  thirty-three 
camels.  On  the  twentieth  of  March  they  left  Cairo  for  their  perilous 
march  to  the  Holy  Land.  The  journey  across  the  desert  was  full  of 
eventful  and  startling  adventures,  camel-riding,  tenting,  tracing  the 
scenes  of  scriptural  history  on  the  vast  sandy  plains,  desert  mountains 
and  along  the  shores  of  the  Dead  Sea,  the  halt  at  the  city  of  Suez, 
and  the  ascent  of  Mt.  Horeb  and  Mt.  Sinai,  where  during  the  night 
Mr.  Oglesby  read  and  committed  to  memory  the  ten  commandments, 
and  with  a companion  repeated  them  on  the  top  of  Mt.  Sinai,  as 
the  sun  was  rising  over  the  mountains  of  Arabia  and  the  wilderness 
where  the  children  of  Israel  wandered  for  forty  years.  His  journal 
describes  the  scene,  as  the  light  burst  upon  the  barren  plains  and 
rock-riven  peaks  of  the  terrible  desert,  as  one  of  surpassing  splendor. 
There  was  also  a visit  to  the  city  of  Petra,  and  Aaron’s  tomb  on 
Mt.  Hor.  The  dangers  encountered  on  this  journey  were  the 
simoom,  which  overtook  them  oneday  and  night,  during  which  their 


suffering  was  terrible,  and  the  ugly  threats  and  violent  demonstra- 
tions of  the  wild  Bedouins.  At  Hebron  the  weary  travelers  took 
horses  for  Jerusalem,  where  they  arrived  May  the  first,  having 
accomplished  a tedious  and  perilous  journey  in  forty  days  from 
Cairo.  During  his  stay  in  Jerusalem  Mr.  Oglesby  visited  all  vil- 
lages and  places  of  scriptural  interest  near  the  city  and  studied  with 
care  and  reverence  the  history  of  these  holy  places.  After  his  final 
departure  from  Jerusalem,  he  traveled  over  the  plain  of  Esdraelon, 
by  Mt.  Carmel,  Nazareth,  Mt.  Tabor,  the  Sea  of  Galilee,  which,  he 
says,  was  one  of  the  few  places  that  looked  as  he  thought  it  would  ; 
Magdala,  Capernaum,  by  the  waters  of  Merone  and  snow-capped 
Hennon.  Late  in  May  they  reached  the  three  streams  that  form 
the  source  of  the  Jordan,  which  they  found  clear  and  of  icy  coldness. 
The  next  day  they  visited  Cresarea  Philippi ; from  there,  their  des- 
tination was  Damascus,  where  they  spent  two  weeks  sight-seeing, 
and  once  more  enjoyed  the  comforts  of  civilization,  good  coffee,  and 
baths.  From  Damascus  they  set  out  for  Beyroot,  halting  on  the 
way  between  Lebanon  and  Anti-Lebanon,  to  see  the  wonderful 
temple  of  Baalbeck  and  the  town  of  Jebel . Arriving  in  Beyroot, 
three  days  later  Mr.  Oglesby  sailed  for  Constantinople,  landing  after 
a voyage  of  eight  days,  having  stopped  at  several  ports  ; among  them 
Smyrna  and  Rhodes.  After  five  days  spent  in  Constantinople,  he 
sailed  for  Athens;  two  weeks  were  spent  in  this  classic  city,  when 
he  took  ship  on  his  last  voyage  on  the  Mediterranean  for  Naples; 
from  there  he  visited  Rome,  Florence,  Milan,  Venice,  and  other 
famous  Italian  cities ; crossing  the  Alps  by  the  St.  Gothard’s 
Pass,  he  returned  through  Switzerland  and  the  Rhinish  States  to 
Berlin,  where,  after  a brief  stay,  he  passed  through  Northern  Ger- 
many to  Holland,  visiting  the  important  cities.  Returning  to  Paris 
he  stayed  four  weeks,  visiting  every  place  of  interest  in  that  gay 
capital,  when  he  went  to  London,  from  whence  he  left  for  Ports- 
mouth, where  he  sailed  for  America,  landing  in  New  York  Decem- 
ber, 1857.  A foreign  trip  at  this  time,  so  extended  as  Mr.  Oglesby’s, 
was  unusual ; and  led,  through  the  interest  of  his  friends  to  a series 
of  lectures,  given  from  his  carefully  kept  journal,  during  his  stay 
abroad.  These  lectures  are  said  to  have  possessed  great  interest  by 
those  who  were  fortunate  enough  to  hear  them,  and  he  is  often, even 
yet,  earnestly  entreated  to  lecture  again  on  the  same  subject. 

At  the  time  of  the  great  contest  between  Lincoln  and  Douglas,  in 
1858,  Mr.  Oglesby  became  the  Republican  candidate  for  Congress 
in  the  Congressional  district  as  then  arranged.  But,  unhappily  for 
his  rising  ambition,  the  district  had  been  created  to  return  a Demo- 
cratic majority,  and  the  Hon.  James  C.  Robinson  went  to  Congress 
while  Mr.  Oglesby  still  continued  to  practice  law.  In  1860  Mr. 
Oglesby  was  requested  by  the  Republican  party  to  become  a candi- 
date for  the  State  Senate,  and,  though  the  district  had  before  been 
largely  Democratic,  was  elected  in  November  at  the  same  time  that 
Mr.  Lincoln  was  elected  President  of  the  United  States.  He  served 
one  term  in  the  senate,  but  in  1861  was  elected  Colonel  of  the  eighth 
RegimentofUlinois  Volunteers,  and  resigned  his  seat  to  go  to  the  field 
as  a soldier  in  the  great  civil  war.  It  is  not  deemed  necessary  to 
reproduce  the  stirring  events  of  that  fearful  struggle.  Mr.  Oglesby 
served  for  one  year  as  Colonel  and  led  the  right  of  Gen.  Grant’s 
army  in  his  advance  on  Fort  Donelson,  and  was  on  the  field  of 
battle  for  three  days  in  attacking  that  rebel  stronghold,  which  finally 
yielded,  with  its  fourteen  thousand  prisoners,  after  a severe  battle 
on  the  fourteenth  of  February,  1862.  This  was  the  first  substantial 
union  victory  up  to  that  time.  In  1861  Colonel  Oglesby  had  been 
appointed  by  President  Lincoln  Brigadier  General  for  gallantry  at 
the  battle  of  Fort  Donelson,  taking  rank  as  such  from  April  the 
first,  1862.  In  the  autumn  of  1862,  the  great  battle  of  Corinth  was 
fought,  on  the  third  and  fourth  days  of  October.  Gen.  Oglesby 


129 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


commanded  a brigade  in  that  fight,  and  on  the  afternoon  of  the  first 
day  fell  upon  the  field  of  battle,  as  was  then  thought,  mortally 
wounded,  the  ball  having  passed  under  the  left  arm,  through  the 
lungs  and  lodged  near  his  spine.  He  passed  six  months  of  intense 
suffering  and  danger  before  he  was  able  to  leave  his  home,  and  still 
carries  in  his  body  the  enemy’s  ball  which  brought  him  so  near  the 
gates  of  death.  On  his  recovery  in  April,  1863,  he  was  promoted  to 
the  rank  of  Major-General  of  Volunteers,  by  appointment  of  Presi- 
dent Lincoln,  to  rank  as  such  from  the  twenty-ninth  of  November, 
1862. 

Still  suffering  from  his  wound,  although  on  duty  in  the  field,  he 
tendered  his  resignation  in  July,  1863;  but  it  was  not  accepted. 
He  was,  however,  granted  a leave  of  absence  and  returned  home, 
where  he  was  detailed  as  president  of  a general  court-martial  which 
sat  in  Washington  from  December,  1863,  until  May,  1864.  Upon 
Gen.  Oglesby’s  return  to  Illinois  in  this  year,  he  was  unanimously 
nominated  as  the  Republican  candidate  for  Governor,  and  although 
the  state  had  gone  democratic  at  the  last  election,  was  elected  by 
thirty-one  thousand  majority. 

On  his  nomination  for  Governor  on  May  25th,  1864,  the  Presi- 
dent accepted  his  resignation  as  Major-General,  and  he  left  the  field 
of  active  hostilities,  for  which  his  severe  wound  had  long  unfitted  him, 
to  enter  the  arena  of  political  life,  where  at  that  time  the  strife  was 
as  bitter  as  in  the  fields  of  war. 

Gov.  Oglesby  is  spoken  of  by  the  journals  of  that  time  as  “ a 
liberal-hearted  administrator  of  the  high  and  sacred  trust  imposed 
upon  him  as  the  official  head  of  a great  commonwealth  “ showing 
himself  eminently  faithful,  competent  and  able  ; combining  in  an 
admirable  degree  the  qualities  of  a very  man  among  men.”  The 
Chicago  Tribune  of  January  18th,  1865,  says  of  his  inaugural : 
“ The  address  is  a manly,  straight-forward  document,  devoid  of 
pretension,  replete  with  common  sense,  and  admirably  written.  It 
clearly  proclaims  that  the  same  nerve,  the  same  intelligence  and 
the  patriotism  which  marked  Gen.  Oglesby’s  conduct  at  Donel- 
son  and  Corinth  will  distinguish  his  administration  as  Gover- 
nor.” 

Being  at  Washington  when  that  awful  national  calamity,  the 
assassination  of  President  Lincoln  occurred,  it  was  Gov.  Oglesby’s 
painful  privilege  to  be  present  at  the  bedside  of  his  beloved  friend, 
within  an  hour  after  the  fatal  shot  was  given  ; he  watched  over  him 
until  the  end,  and  saw  him  yield  up  his  noble  life  in  the  cause  of 
the  country  he  loved  and  served  so  well.  Afterward  he  remained 
close  beside  the  precious  remains,  following  in  the  mournful  journey 
back  to  Illinois,  until  they  were  placed  in  the  silent  tomb  amid  the 
lamentations  of  a great  nation. 

17 


Gov.  Oglesby  was  made  president  of  the  National  Lincoln  Monu- 
ment Association  organized  May  11th,  1865,  which  labored  so  assidu- 
ously until  it  obtained  the  means  to  erect  to  the  martyred  president 
an  enduring  memorial  worthy  to  mark  his  last  resting-place,  and  hold 
the  ashes  of  this  noble  man  sacred.  This  stately  monument  was 
so  far  completed  that  it  was  formally  dedicated,  and  the  beautiful 
statue  of  Lincoln  unveiled,  October  loth,  1874.  The  Springfield 
Journal  says  : “ There  seems  a peculiar  propriety  that  Lincoln’s 
ardent  friend  and  admirer,  the  eloquent  and  sympathetic  Oglesby, 
should  deliver  the  oration,  and  that  the  President  and  the  cabinet 
should  lend  dignity  by  their  presence  to  an  occasion  which  will 
soon  become  historic.” 

Gov.  Oglesby  was  regarded  by  the  returning  regiments  of  soldiers 
with  the  warmest  affection;  his  generous  “ soldier  heart”  responded 
to  every  demand  for  assistance  or  sympathy  coming  from  a man  in 
federal  blue.  He  was  ever  solicitous  for  the  welfare  of  all  military 
organizations,  and  every  individual  soldier  embraced  therein. 

At  the  end  of  his  first  term  he  retired  to  private  life ; but  again, 
in  1872,  his  party  required  his  services,  and  he  was  nominated  and 
again  elected  governor  in  November  of  that  year  by  forty-one 
thousand  majority.  On  the  tenth  day  after  his  inaugural  he  was 
chosen  by  the  legislature  United  States  Senator  for  the  term  of  six 
years,  from  March  fourth,  1873. 

Senator  Oglesby  was  as  cordially  admired  and  respected  in  the 
senate  as  in  the  other  public  positions  he  had  occupied  so  honor- 
ably. He  was  an  earnest  and  industrious  member,  and  his  un- 
blemished integrity  and  honesty  of  qmrpose  won  for  him  the  highest 
regard  and  respect  from  his  brother  senators. 

“ With  proper  modesty  and  fearlessness,  he  bore  himself  always 
as  became  a republican  senator,  proud  of  the  noble  state  he  repre- 
sented ;”  and  his  public  career  was  honorably  closed  by  the  expira- 
tion of  his  senatorial  term  on  the  fourth  of  March,  1879. 

He  is  in  private  life  the  same  sound  and  unswerving  republican  he 
has  ever  been — the  same  patriot, — and  has  the  same  high  sense  of 
public  honor  which  ought  to  fill  the  breast  of  every  man  who  ac- 
cepts the  public  confidence.  The  fidelity,  courage  and  honesty  of 
purpose  with  which  Richard  J.  Oglesby  has  served  his  country 
whenever  her  cause  has  been  intrusted  to  his  hands,  certainly  pro- 
claims him  worthy  to  bear  the  motto  of  his  Scottish  ancestors: 

“ PRO  PATRIA.” 

He  has  been  twice  married  ; first,  in  1859,  to  Anna  E.,  daughter  of 
Joseph  White,  of  Decatur ; and  afterwards,  in  1873,  to  Emma, 
daughter  of  John  D.  Gillett,  of  Elkhart.  He  has  children  by  b®th 
marriages. 


130 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


Among  the  many  able  men  who  have  been  connected  with  the 
Macon  county  bar  none  have  reflected  upon  it,  greater  honor  for 
legal  learning  or  judicial  talent,  than  Arthur  J.  Gallagher,  whose 
death  occurred  in  June,  1879.  He  was  born  at  Strabaue  in  the 
county  of  Tyrone,  North  of  Ireland,  on  the  2d  of  May,  1828. 
He  was  the  youngest  of  eight  children,  of  whom,  seven  were  sons 
and  one  a daughter.  When  he  was  about  a year  old  his  father 
came  to  America  and  settled  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia.  His 
mother  died  when  he  was  five  years  old.  He  lived  in  Philadelphia 
till  he  was  twelve.  He  then  came  West  with  an  older  brother, 
who  established  himself  in  the  dry  goods  business  in  St.  Louis. 
He  soon  afterward  went  to  live  on  a farm  in  Illinois  below  St- 
Louis,  and  was  also  employed  for  a short  time  in  a store  in  that 
part  of  the  state.  Having  but  little  liking  for  life  on  the  farm 
he  returned  to  St.  Louis,  and  for  several  years  was  a student  at  St. 
Joseph’s  college,  where  he  secured  a thorough  education.  He 
had  previously  enjoyed  good  school  advantages  in  Philadelphia. 
He  was  possessed  of  a naturally  bright  and  strong  mind,  and 
learned  with  great  rapidity.  He  was  unusually  fond  of  reading, 
and  as  a boy,  read  many  books,  thus  acquiring  a mass  of  valuable 
information  which  a good  memory  enabled  him  to  retain  in  after 
years.  At  St.  Joseph’s  college  he  studied  the  classic  languages, 
and  also  became  well  acquainted  with  the  French  and  German. 

On  the  breaking  out  of  the  Mexican  war  in  1846,  though  then 
only  eighteen  'years  of  age,  he  enlisted  in  the  second  regiment 


Illinois  volunteers,  commanded  by  Colonel  Bissel,  afterward  gover- 
nor of  the  state.  His  time  of  enlistment  was  one  year,  but  he 
served  fourteen  months.  He  was  at  the  battle  of  Buena  Vista. 
After  returning  from  the  army  he  began  the  study  of  law  at  Belle- 
ville, in  the  office  of  Judge  Underwood.  He  devoted  his  attention 
to  his  legal  studies  with  great  assiduity.  Another  young  man  was 
his  companion  in  Judge  Underwood’s  office,  and  it  is  said  that  for 
a period  of  six  months  they  spent  nineteen  hours  a day  in  legal 
study.  His  clear  intellectual  perceptions  enabled  him  to  learn 
easily,  and  he  made  rapid  progress  in  preparing  himself  for  the 
bar.  He  was  admitted  to  practice  af  Belleville.  In  1848  he 
removed  to  Vandalia  and  opened  a law  office.  He  made  satisfac- 
tory progress  in  his  profession,  and  was  fortunate  in  securing  several 
valuable  friends,  who  remained  steadfast  in  their  attachment 
through  life.  In  1852  he  was  elected  to  the  legislature  from 
Fayette  county.  He  also  filled  the  position  of  Register  of  the 
United  States  Land  Office  at  Vandalia,  by  the  appointment  of 
President  Pierce. 

In  the  year  1854  he  removed  to  Chicago  and  began  the  practice 
of  law  in  that  city.  After  remaining  there  about  six  months  he 
accepted  the  offer  of  a partnership  with  Richard  J.  Oglesby  and 
Sheridan  Wait,  and  came  to  Decatur  where  the  law  firm  of 
Oglesby, Wait  and  Gallagher  was  established.  He  was  a young  man 
of  twenty-seven  when  he  became  connected  with  the  Macon  county 
bar.  Although  gifted  with  brilliant  talents  and  possessed  of  a 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


131 


mind  of  great  natural  vigor,  he  by  no  means  disdained  the  results 
which  came  from  close  labor  and  assiduous  study.  He  devoted 
great  attention  to  the  preparation  of  his  cases,  and  was  accustomed 
to  devote  long  and  uninterrupted  hours  to  patient  reading  and  in- 
vestigation. It  was  only  a question  of  time  as  to  when  this  course 
of  application  should  bear  its  legitimate  fruits,  and  by  degrees  he 
won  for  himself  a conspicuous  position  at  the  bar. 

During  the  second  year  of  the  war  of  the  rebellion  in  1862,  he 
raised  a company  of  cavalry  and  offered  his  services  to  the  govern- 
ment. His  company  was  attached  to  the  seventh  Illinois  regiment, 
commanded  by  Colonel  William  Pitt  Kellogg,  afterward  governor 
of  Louisiana.  He  remained  in  the  army  about  a year.  In  1869 
the  unanimous  voice  of  the  bar  urged  him  to  become  a candidate 
for  judge  of  the  old  sixteenth  circuit.  To  this  office  he  was  elected 
without  opposition.  He  was  on  the  bench  till  1873,  when  he  re- 
sumed the  practice  of  his  profession.  On  the  twenty-seventh  of 
June,  1865,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Rachel  Smith, 
daughter  of  the  Hon.  E.  O.  Smith,  one  of  the  early  settlers  of 
Macon  county.  One  child,  Arthur,  was  born  of  this  marriage  in 
November,  1870.  In  politics  Judge  Gallagher,  previous  to  the 
war,  acted  with  the  democratic  party.  He  subsequently  became 
an  earnest  republican,  and  was  consistent  and  devoted  in  his  sup- 
port of  the  principles  of  that  organization.  His  death  occurred 
suddenly  of  heart  disease  at  his  office  on  the  afternoon  of  the 
twenty-third  of  June,  1874. 

The  news  of  his  death  occasioned  universal  regret.  It  was  every- 
where felt  that  Decatur  had  lost  a distinguished  citizen,  and  the 
Macon  county  bar  its  brightest  ornament.  His  remains  now  repose 
in  Greenwood  Cemetery,  and  his  last  resting  place  is  marked  by  a 
monument  of  Scotch  granite,  twenty-two  feet  in  height,  on  which 
is  the  following  inscription  : 

“ Sacred 
to  the  memory  of 

ARTHUR  J.  GALLAGHER. 

Born  May  2d,  1828. 

Died  June  23d,  1879. 

A soldier  in  the  Mexican  War  in  1846- 
A Captain  of  Cavalry  in  the  War  of  the  Rebellion  in  1861. 

Without  opposition,  elected  Circuit  Judge  of  the  Sixteenth  Judicial  Cir- 
cuit in  1867.  He  never  failed  a friend  in  time  of  need,  and  was  regarded 
as  a sure  dependence  by  the  unfortunate.” 

Of  Judge  Gallagher’s  qualities  of  head  and  heart  too  much  cau 
not  be  said  in  praise.  He  possessed  that  rare  combination  of  in- 
tellectual qualities  which,  when  united  with  habits  of  close  appli- 
cation, makes  the  able  lawyer.  AVhen  he  first  came  to  the  bar  his 
remarkable  clearness  and  grasp  of  mind  attracted  the  attention  of 
older  lawyers,  who  predicted  for  him  great  success.  His  industry 
in  mastering  the  learning  of  the  profession  was  untiring.  He  was 
sensitive  to  defeat,  and  profited  by  his  mistakes.  His  success 
rested  on  pure  intellectual  power  and  thorough  ability  as  a lawyer. 
He  was  not  eloquent  or  fluent  in  speech,  though  few  lawyers  could 
address  either  the  court  or  jury  more  effectively.  He  was  logical 
and  clear  in  statement,  and  his  appeals  were  made  to  the  reason 
rather  than  to  sentiment  or  feeling.  His  conduct  toward  his 
bi-other  lawyers  was  marked  by  kindness  and  courtesy,  and  he  was 
especially  considerate  toward  the  younger  members  of  the  profes- 
sion. He  treated  his  opponents  with  fairness  and  honor.  It  is 
said  that  an  unkind  word  or  criticism  upon  a brother  lawyer  was 
never  heard  to  fall  from  his  lips. 

A just  estimate  of  his  character  as  a lawyer  was  given  by  his 
successor  on  the  bench  of  the  sixteenth  circuit  in  some  remarks  made 


on  the  occasion  of  the  presentation  of  some  resolutions  to  the  Cir- 
cuit Court,  relative  to  Judge  Gallagher’s  death  : 

“ As  a lawyer  it  is  not  hazarding  too  much  to  say  that  he.  was 
the  peer  of  any  lawyer  in  the  state.  With  a marvellously  clear  and 
comprehensive  mind,  habits  of  industry,  a large  and  varied  practice 
involving  great  interests,  he  rose  rapidly  to  a just  and  honorable 
distinction  in  his  profession  until  at  last  he  stood  among  the  fore- 
most of  its  known  and  recognized  masters.  The  law  was  to  him  a 
goddess  at  whose  shrine  he  constantly  worshiped  with  the  most  un- 
relenting devotion.  Here  he  drank  deeply  and  freely  from  the 
fountains  of  learning  and  wisdom  of  the  ages,  until  his  mind  be- 
came a storehouse  filled  with  the  ripest  knowledge  of  his  profes- 
sion, from  which  he  might  always  draw  without  stint,  and  to  the 
advantage  of  those  he  sought  to  instruct.  He  was  never  boisterous 
or  rude  to  his  antagonist  or  the  court.  Conscious  of  his  strength 
and  power  he  was  dignified  and  courteous  in  his  intercourse  with 
all  men.  Brave  and  determined  in  all  things  as  Jove,  he  was  yet 
modest  and  gentle  as  a woman.  In  nothing  did  his  high  character 
as  a lawyer  appear  more  clearly  than  in  his  sincere  and  honest 
purpose  to  be  a faithful  and  correct  adviser  of  the  court.” 

“ After  winning  the  rewards,  distinctions  and  honors  of  his  pro- 
fession as  a lawyer,  he  was  called  to  the  bench  by  the  almost  unani- 
mous voice  of  his  district,  to  discharge  the  more  arduous  and 
responsible  duties  of  a judge.  Here  it  was  that  he  justified  the 
partiality  and  discernment  of  his  friends.  Every  trait  of  his  cha- 
racter and  his  education  were  but  so  many  arguments  in  favor  of 
his  fitness  for  the  bench.  He  brought  to  the  discharge  of  the 
duties  of  his  office  the  learning  and  experience  which  a large  and 
varied  practice  had  given  him.  He  loved  justice  and  right,  and 
hated  all  wrong,  fraud  and  injustice  with  a perfect  mind.  He 
carried  to  the  bench  that  same  gentle  and  patient  quality  of  heart 
and  mind,  which  had  distinguished  him  at  the  bar  above  his 
brethren.  His  face  was  as  immovable  on  the  bench  as  the  sphinx. 
No  lawyer  could  ever  tell  from  any  manifestations  of  his  while 
hearing  an  argument  what  the  judgment  would  be.  He  had  that 
rare  quality  of  listening  patiently  and  quietly  to  what  was  said, 
and  determining  at  once  between  plausible  error  and  naked  truth. 
No  man  ever  sat  upon  the  bench  who  was  more  justly  beloved  by 
the  bar  and  the  people  than  Judge  Gallagher,  nor  more  deeply 
mourned  by  those  who  knew  him  best.” 

It  is  not  alone  for  his  distinguished  ability  as  a jurist  that  Judge 
Gallagher’s  memory  is  worthy  of  preservation.  He  was  a useful 
citizen  and  a firm  believer  in  the  rigid  maintenance  of  law  and 
order.  He  was  an  earnest  patriot.  He  was  a soldier  of  two  wars, 
and  proved  his  bravery  on  the  field  of  battle.  He  was  a respecter 
of  sacred  things,  a believer  in  a Higher  Power,  and  two  or  three 
incidents  in  his  own  life  led  him  to  think  that  a special  supervision 
is  exerted  to  preserve  individuals  from  danger.  Once  in  St.  Louis 
when  a boy  an  act  of  courtesy  to  some  elderly  people,  prevented 
him  from  taking  a ferry-boat  on  which  otherwise  he  would  have 
been  a passenger.  From  the  landing  he  saw  the  departing  boat 
blown  to  fragments  in  mid  stream.  Again,  in  Mexico  a slight  cir- 
cumstance intervened  to  save  himself  and  a comrade  from  assas- 
sination. These  incidents  made  a strong  impression  on  his  mind. 
Though  much  away  from  home  and  exposed  to  the  danger  of  travel 
he  was  without  the  slightest  fear  of  injury  from  any  casualty.  To 
his  family  he  was  a tender  and  loving  husband  and  a kind  father. 
He  had  warm  and  devoted  friends.  He  maintained  such  admira- 
ble discipline  over  his  feelings  that  he  never  offended,  by  a hasty 
or  careless  word,  or  gave  a causeless  wound.  He  was  modest  in  his 
deportment,  sincere  in  his  actions,  warm  in  his  attachments  and 
true  in  his  friendships. 


132 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


DR.  WILLIAM  J.  CHEKOWETH. 

Among  the  physicians  of  this  part  of  the  state  who  have  won 
distinction  in  the  practice  of  their  profession,  Dr.  William  J. 
Chenoweth,  of  Decatur,  stands  among  the  foremost.  He  is  descend- 
ed from  one  of  the  earliest  pioneer  families  of  Kentucky.  Two 
brothers  by  the  name  of  Chenoweth  emigrated  from  Wales  to 
America  and  settled,  one  in  Maryland,  and  one  in  Virginia.  Dr. 
Chenoweth  belonged  to  the  Virginia  branch  of  the  family.  Rich- 
ard Chenoweth,  his  great-grandfather,  accompanied  General 
George  Rogers  Clark  on  his  expedition  down  the  Ohio  river  in  the 
year  1778.  Several  members  of  the  expedition,  amoug  whom  was 
Richard  Chenoweth,  with  their  families  stopped  on  an  island  at  the 
Falls  of  the  Ohio,  near  the  present  city  of  Louisville.  They  were 
unable  to  cultivate  any  crops  on  the  main-land  by  reason  of  the  In- 
dians, and  so  planted  corn  on  the  island  which  is  still  known  as 
Corn  Island.  This  corn  is  said  to  have  been  the  first  ever  planted 
in  Kentucky.  It  was  only  a short  time  previous  that  Boone  had 
made  the  first  settlement  in  the  state.  Richard  Chenoweth  built 
a cabin  on  Corn  Island.  He  was  a carpenter  by  trade,  and  was 
employed  by  the  government  to  build  a fort  where  now  stands  the 
city  of  Louisville.  He  received  his  pay  in  the  old  Continental 
money  in  use  during  the  period  of  the  Revolution,  which  proved  to 
be  of  little  value  as  a purchasing  medium,  though  it  was  abundant 
in  quantity. 

James  Chenoweth,  Dr.  Chenoweth’s  grandfather,  was  five  years 
old  on  the  settlement  of  the  family  in  Kentucky.  Subsequently  the 
Chenoweth’s  moved  to  Middletown,  twelve  miles  from  the  river, 
where  they  bore  their  full  share  of  the  Indian  troubles.  James 
Chenoweth,  when  he  was  eleven  years  old,  was  wounded  in  the  hip- 
joint  by  an  Indian’s  arrow,  which  was  not  extracted  till  nine  years 
afterward.  In  the  year  1791  their  cabin  was  attacked  and  de- 
stroyed, and  several  members  of  the  family  massacred.  Dr.  Cheno- 
weth’s great-grandmother  was  scalped.  Several  of  her  children 
were  killed.  The  sleeping  infant  was  overlooked,  and  escaped  un- 
harmed. His  grandfather  was  struck  by  a tomahawk ; the  blow 
fractured  his  skull,  but  he  recovered  without  the  aid  of  a surgeon, 
though  till  the  day  of  his  death,  which  took  place  when  past  his 
seventieth  year,  he  carried  the  marks  of  the  wound.  He  married  a 
grand-daughter  of  James  Harrod,  famous  as  one  of  the  bravest  of 
the  early  Kentucky  pioneers,  who  is  said  to  have  built  the  first 
cabin  ever  erected  in  Kentucky. 

John  S.  Chenoweth,  the  father  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was 
born  in  Shelby  County,  Kentucky  in  the  year  1803.  He  married 
at  Lexington,  Kentucky,  Elizabeth  Ross,  daughter  of  Captain  Ross, 
a Scotchman  by  birth,  at  one  time  an  officer  in  the  British  service, 
and  a man  of  ability  and  social  rank  at  Lexington.  JohnS.  Cheno- 
weth was  a man  of  great  natural  ability,  and  carried  on  the  mer- 
cantile business  at  Louisville,  and  afterwards  at  Cincinnati.  Dur- 
ing the  last  years  of  his  life  he  resided  at  Maysville,  Kentucky,  and 
died  at  St.  Louis  in  1866. 

The  little  town  of  Greensburg  in  Green  county,  Kentucky,  was 
the  birth-place  of  Dr.  Chenoweth.  He  was  born  on  the  first  day  of 
December,  1823.  Shortly  afterward  his  parents  moved  to  Harrods- 
burg,  where  he  lived  till  twelve  years  of  age,  and  obtained  the  rudi- 
mentary part  of  his  education ; his  father  then  removed  to  Louisville. 
He  entered  Augusta  College  in  1837.  and  graduated  in  1841.  After 
leaving  school  he  entered  the  store  which  his  father  was  carrying  on 
at  Louisville,  and  afterward  was  employed  in  the  same  manner  at 
Cincinnati.  After  attaining  his  majority  he  acquired  an  interest 
in  the  store.  On  the  nineteenth  of  May,  1846,  he  married  Miss 
America  Leforgee  of  Fleming  county,  Kentucky,  daughter  of 
Ayres  Leforgee,  who  was  of  French  Huguenot  descent,  and  removed 


to  Kentucky  from  Pennsylvania.  Dr.  Chenoweth’s  wife’s  father  is 
still  living  in  Kentucky  in  his  eighty-sixth  year. 

He  began  his  medical  studies  while  in  Cincinnati,  attending  lec- 
tures at  the  Ohio  Medical  College  during  the  winter  of  1849-50. 
As  was  almost  universally  the  custom  of  those  days,  he  began  prac- 
tice after  attending  his  first  course  of  lectures,  locating  at  Fleming 
county,  Kentucky,  in  March,  1850.  He  subsequently  attended  a 
second  course  of  lectures  at  the  LTniversity  of  Louisville,  from 
which  he  was  graduated  in  March,  1853.  The  same  year  he  left 
Kentucky  with  the  intention  of  making  his  home  in  Texas,  but 
found  that  his  sentiments  on  the  subject  of  slavery  differed  greatly 
from  the  views  entertained  by  the  great  mass  of  the  people  of 
that  section,  and  concluded  that  he  would  prefer  to  make  his  home 
in  a free  state.  Accordingly  in  May,  1854,  he  came  to  Decatur, 
then  a town  of  five  or  six  hundred  inhabitants,  with  two  railroads, 
just  reaching  completion,  and  supposed  to  have  a great  future  be- 
fore it.  He  at  once  established  himself  in  practice  at  Decatur, 
which  has  been  his  home  ever  since. 

In  September,  1861,  during  the  war  of  the  rebellion,  he  was  com- 
missioned as  surgeon  of  the  Thirty-fifth  Illinois  regiment,  and 
served  in  Missouri,  Arkansas,  Kentucky,  Tennessee,  Mississippi,  and 
Alabama.  He  took  part  in  the  battles  of  Pea  Ridge  and  Perry  ville. 
He  resigned  in  December,  1862,  and  returned  to  Decatur  to 
resume  his  professional  practice. 

In  his  early  life  he  was  a member  of  the  Democratic  party. 
Though  born  and  raised  in  a slave  state,  he  held  liberal  views  on 
the  subject  of  slavery.  He  favored  the  colonization  of  the  negroes 
and  the  gradual  extinction  of  a system  which  he  believed  to  be 
injurious  to  the  best  interests  of  the  south.  Previous  to  the  war  he 
belonged  to  the  Douglas  branch  of  the  Democratic  party,  and  from 
the  position  of  a strong  war  Democrat  during  the  rebellion,  he 
logically  found  his  way  into  the  Republican  party,  with  which  he  has 
since  acted.  Helias  been  connected  with  the  Methodist  church, 
though  his  views  on  many  theological  points  differ  materially  from  the 
doctrine  maintained  by  the  Methodist  denomination.  He  has  two 
children,  Dr.  Cassidy  Chenoweth,  and  Eliza,  wife  of  R.  H.  Piper. 

From  the  start  Dr.  Chenoweth  has  maintained  a leading  position 
among  the  physicians  of  Decatur.  His  specialties  have  been 
surgery,  and  female  diseases.  For  many  years  he  was  a part- 
ner of  Dr.  S.  T.  Trowbridge,  then  the  leading  surgeon  in  this 
part  of  the  state,  and  has  since  had  a large  practice  in  surgery,  in 
the  course  of  which  he  has  performed  some  of  the  most  difficult  opera- 
tions known  to  this  department  of  the  healing  art.  It  is  sometimes 
said,  that  no  man  does  anything  well  unless  in  love  with  his  work. 
Dr.  Chenoweth’s  great  liking  for  his  profession  may  account  in  some 
measure  for  his  success.  He  has  been  an  enthusiastic  student,  and 
among  the  first  to  take  advantage  of  the  latest  reliable  results  of  pro- 
gressive medical  science.  In  all  matters  concerning  his  profession 
he  has  taken  a deep  interest.  To  him,  in  connection  with  Dr.  A. 
R.  Small,  is  principally  due  the  passage  of  the  law  of  1877,  to 
regulate  the  practice  of  medicine  in  the  state  of  Illinois,  admitting 
to  practice  only  graduates  of  medical  colleges,  physicians  of  ten 
years  standing,  and  those  capable  of  passing  an  examination  before 
a state  board  of  examiners.  His  attention  was  called  to  the  subject 
from  the  perusal  of  a similar  provision  in  the  laws  of  California. 
Other  physicians  became  interested  in  the  measure,  and  its  passage 
was  finally  secured.  With  a strong  and  vigorous  mind,  a sound 
and  well-balanced  judgment,  and  an  impulsive  and  earnest  nature, 
he  has  not  only  been  successful  as  a physician,  but  had  he  chosen, 
could  have  won  distinction  in  other  fields.  His  management  of  a 
paper,  which  he  published  for  a year  at  Decatur,  showed  marked 
literary  ability.  On  the  few  occasions  on  which  he  has  addressed 


* 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


133 


public  assemblies,  lie  has  displayed  an  excellent  command  of 
language,  and  a strong,  earnest  and  effective  style  as  a public 
speaker.  He  has  been  one  of  the  public-spirited  citizens  of  Decatur, 
an  advocate  of  improvement,  and  in  all  the  relations  of  life  has 
sustained  the  reputation  of  an  honorable  man. 


DR.  CASSIDY  CHENOWETH 

Wiio  for  the  last  five  years  has  been  a partner  of  his  father,  in 
the  practice  of  medicine,  was  born  on  the  twenty-eighth  of  March, 
1848.  His  education  was  obtained  in  the  common  schools  of 
Decatur.  He  began  the  stud^  of  medicine  at  the  age  of  fourteen. 
He  entered  Rush  Medical  College  at  Chicago,  in  the  fall  of  1867, 
and  graduated  in  the  spring  of  1869.  When  he  received  his 
diploma,  he  was  not  quite  twenty-one  years  of  age.  He  began 
practice  at  Decatur,  and  in  August,  1875,  went  into  partnership 
with  his  father.  Part  of  the  year  1874  he  spent  in  England,  en- 
gaged in  professional  studies  in  different  hospitals  in  the  city  of 
Loudon.  He  was  married  on  the  first  day  of  November,  1870,  to 
Miss  Hattie  M.  Honn  of  Chicago.  He  is  an  aggressive  Republican 
in  politics. 


JOHN  K.  WARREN. 

Mr.  Warren  is  a native  of  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  and  was  born 
on  the  tenth  of  August,  1834.  His  father  was  Josiah  Warren,  and 
his  mother’s  name,  before  marriage,  Ann  Reynolds.  On  his  father’s 
side  his  ancestors  were  English,  and  on  his  mother’s  Scotch-Irish. 
He  was  raised  in  Philadelphia.  He  attended  the  preparatory 
academy,  preliminary  to  entering  the  college  at  Princeton,  New 
Jersey,  but  ill  health  compelled  the  abandonment  of  a collegiate 
course  of  study.  He  engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits  for  four  or 
five  years  at  Bristol,  Bucks  county,  Pennsylvania.  Believing  that 
the  west  would  relieve  him  of  the  asthma,  with  which  he  was  afflict- 
ed, he  came  to  Chicago  in  the  year  1855,  intending  to  locate  in  that 
city.  Finding  no  improvement  resulting  from  the  change,  he  de- 
termined to  go  south,  and,  passing  down  the  Illinois  central  rail- 
road, then  just  completed,  he  stopped  over  night  at  Decatur.  He 
awoke  in  the  morning  to  find  himself  free  from  asthma,  for  the  first 
time  in  many  months  ; and  this  circumstance  induced  him  to  settle 
in  Macon  county.  Within  a week  he  purchased  a tract  of  land 
three  miles  north-east  of  Decatur,  and  returned  in  the  spring  of 
1856,  accompanied  by  his  mother,  since  deceased,  and  began  farm- 
ing. In  1858  he  became  a resident  of  Decatur,  and  has  since  been 
closely  connected  with  its  business  interests.  He  entered  into  the 
real  estate  and  insurance  business  in  1859.  From  1863  to  1866, 
the  late  Henry  B.  Durfee  was  his  partner ; and  since  1865,  he  has 
been  in  partnership  with  B.  K.  Durfee  under  the  firm  name  of 
Warren  & Durfee.  The  firm  of  Durfee,  Warren  & Co.,  as  it  was 
formerly  known,  prepared  the  first  set  of  abstracts  of  titles  ever 
used  in  Macon  county,  and  were  the  pioneers  of  copyright  as 
applied  to  abstracts  of  titles  in  the  United  States.  From  1873  to 
1878,  Mr.  Warren  spent  the  greater  part  of  his  time  in  California 
and  Texas,  seeking  in  a change  of  climate  a cure  for  the  asthma, 
which  had  returned  in  a complicated  form.  The  change  proved  to 
be  a very  successful  one  for  his  health. 

With  the  railroad  interests  of  Decatur  he  has  had  much  to  do. 
He  recognized  the  fact  that  the  prosperity  of  the  place  depended 
largely  on  its  railroad  connections,  and  from  1867  to  1872  was  ac- 
tively engaged  in  securing  new  lines  to  important  points.  He  was 
connected  with  the  Pekin,  Lincoln  and  Decatur  (now  the  Peoria, 
Decatur  and  Evansville)  road  from  the  first  inception  of  the  enter- 
prise till  the  road  was  completed  and  trains  ran  into  Decatur. 


With  the  Indiana  and  Illinois  Central  Railway,  originally  organ- 
ized in  1853,  (now  the  Indianapolis,  Decatur  and  Springfield,)  he 
was  associated  as  President  from  1868  to  1871.  He  succeeded  in 
overcoming  the  obstacles  which  had  long  stood  in  the  way  of  the 
building  of  the  road,  a most  difficult  and  trying  undertaking,  and 
secured  such  a reorganization  of  the  company  as  resulted  in  the 
eventual  building  of  the  line.  In  1868  he  took  a leading  part  in 
the  establishment  of  gas  works.  These  efforts  resulted  in  the  organ- 
ization of  the  Decatur  Gas  Light  and  Coke  Company,  of  which  he 
is  now  the  president.  He  was  married  in  May,  1866,  to  Emma 
Powers,  a native  of  Decatur.  In  his  politics  he  comes  from  a line 
of  whig  ancestors.  He,  himself,  has  been  a republican  since  the 
formation  of  that  party.  He  is  a member  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church.  He  was  elected  mayor  of  the  city  of  Decatur  in  1867, 
and  has  filled  other  offices  of  trust  and  honor.  His  name  merits 
mention  in  this  work  as  one  of  the  most  public-spirited  citizens  of 
Macon  county. 


J.  W.  BUTMAN. 

J.  W.  Butman,  the  superintendent  of  the  Decatur  Gas  Light  and 
Coke  company,  is  a native  of  the  state  of  Massachusetts.  He  was 
born  at  the  village  of  Middlesex,  two  miles  from  Lowell,  on  the 
thirty-first  of  January,  1823.  His  ancestors  were  of  English  origin. 
His  father  was  named  Jonathan  Butman,  and  his  mother’s  name 
before  marriage  was  Amy  W.  Shattuck.  Mr.  Butman  was  the 
third  of  a family  of  seven  children.  He  lived  in  Middlesex  till  he 
was  ten  years  of  age,  and  then  the  family  moved  to  Lowell,  where 
they  resided  three  or  four  years.  From  Lowell  they  went  to  Sax- 
onville,  where  occurred  the  death  of  his  father.  The  subject  of  this 
sketch  had  good  opportunities  for  obtaining  an  education,  attending 
school  quite  regularly,  until  he  was  sixteen  years  old.  The  school 
system  of  Massachusetts  compared  favorably  with  that  of  any  state 
in  the  Union,  but  still  the  opportunities  for  acquiring  an  education 
in  Mr.  Butman’s  boyhood  were  scanty  in  contrast  with  those  of  the 
present  time.  As  was  the  custom  with  boys  generally  in  the  manu- 
facturing districts  of  the  New  England  states,  who  were  anxious  to 
earn  their  own  livelihood,  at  the  age  of  sixteen  he  found  employ- 
ment in  a woolen  factory.  This  was  his  occupation  for  several 
years.  On  the  first  of  May,  1845,  he  married  Lucinda  Parmenter, 
who  was  born  at  Sudbury,  Massachusetts.  Determining  to  make 
his  home  in  the  West,  in  the  year  1855  he  left  Massachusetts  and 
settled  at  Wyocena,  Wisconsin.  He  resided  there  till  1871,  when 
he  became  resident  of  Decatur.  On  coming  to  Decatur  he  took 
charge  of  the  gas  works  as  superintendent,  and  has  held  the  same 
position  ever  since.  In  connection  with  his  duties  as  superintendent 
of  the  gas  works  for  a couple  of  years,  he  carried  on  a gas-fitting 
establishment,  but  his  time  has  since  been  wholly  employed  in  look- 
ing after  the  interests  of  the  gas  company.  He  has  made  an  effi- 
cient superintendent.  In  his  political  principles  he  was  at  first  a 
member  of  the  old  Whig  party,  with  which  he  voted  in  the  days 
when  Whigs  and  Democrats  appealed  to  the  voters  of  the  country 
for  their  support.  When  the  Whig  organization  dissolved  he 
became  a Republican,  voted  for  Fremont  in  1856,  and  has  been  a 
member  of  the  Republican  party  from  that  time  to  the  present. 
He  has  taken  an  active  and  intelligent  interest  in  the  affairs  of 
Decatur,  and  has  served  two  terms  as  a member  of  the  City  Coun- 
cil. He  was  first  elected  in  1874,  served  two  years,  and  was  again 
elected  in  1878.  Both  terms  he  represented  the  Fourth  ward,  the 
place  of  his  residence.  He  has  especially  been  a warm  friend  of 
the  fire  department,  and  has  done  everything  in  his  power  to  con- 
tribute to  the  efficiency  of  the  different  companies. 


134 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


Dr.  Ira  B.  Curtis,  one  of  the  old  residents  of  Decatur,  is  a native 
of  Delaware  county,  Ohio.  The  family  from  which  he  is  descended 
settled  in  Connecticut  previous  to  the  Revolutionary  war.  His 
father,  Carlos  Curtis,  was  born  at  Newtown,  Fairfield  county, 
Connecticut,  on  the  twenty-ninth  of  September,  1786.  His  mother, 
whose  maiden  name  was  Mary  Sample,  was  a native  of  the  same 
place.  Their  marriage  took  place  on  the  twentieth  of  September, 
1807.  In  the  year  1811  his  father  moved  with  the  family  from 
Connecticut  to  Delaware  county,  Ohio.  They  made  a settlement  in 
the  wilderness.  The  nearest  house  was  twenty -five  miles  distant. 
The  country  was  still  inhabited  by  the  Indians  who,  however,  a few 
years  afterward,  gave  way  before  the  encroachments  of  the  white 
settlers,  and  moved  farther  west.  His  father  improved  a farm,  on 
which  all  his  children  were  born,  and  which  was  his  home  till  his 
removal  to  Illinois  in  the  year  1835.  On  coming  to  this  state  he 
lived  one  year  on  the  Round  Prairie,  near  Springfield.  In  1836  he 
entered  land  in  Coles  county,  south  of  Oakland,  which  he  improved, 
and  on  which  he  lived  till  his  death  on  the  eighth  of  January,  1844. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  on  the  eighteenth  of  October, 
1823.  The  part  of  Ohio  in  which  his  early  boyhood  was  spent  had 
by  that  time  become  well  settled.  The  schools  which  he  attended 
were  much  the  same  as  those  common  in  that  state  half  a century 
ago.  It  was  the  custom  to  go  to  school  about  three  months  in  the 
winter  season.  The  school-house  was  a log  building,  with  a log  left 
out  along  the  sides  to  admit  the  light.  This  opening  was  the  only 
window.  The  course  of  instruction  was  poor  and  limited  in  contrast 
with  that  of  the  present  day.  The  teachers,  in  harmony  with  the 
surroundings,  were  old-fashioned  in  their  methods,  and  believed  in 
wielding  the  rod  liberally  as  the  one  great  requisite  to  success.  The 
main  branches  were  taught.  These  backwoods  schools,  rude  and 


unpretending  as  they  were,  furnished  the  early  intellectual  training 
of  many  of  the  distinguished  men  Ohio  has  since  produced.  Dr. 
Curtis  was  twelve  years  old  when  he  came  with  his  father  to  this 
state.  He  went  to  school  a short  time  in  Sangamon  county,  and 
after  removing  to  Coles  county  attended  a school  at  Oakland,  doing 
chores  nights  and  mornings  for  his  board.  Coles  county,  at  the  time 
the  family  made  it  their  home,  was  in  a backward  state,  and  the 
settlers  had  few  of  the  conveniences  of  life.  Flour  was  a rare  thing 
to  see.  The  people  most  of  the  time  lived  on  corn  meal,  all  the 
grinding  being  done  by  horse-power ; each  took  his  own  horse  and 
harness,  and  waited  for  his  turn  ; sometimes  traveling  a long  distance, 
and  then  waiting  twelve  and  twenty-four  hours,  all  day  and  all 
night.  Wheat  was  hauled  to  Chicago,  one  hundred  and  eighty 
miles,  and  marketed  at  eighty-five  cents  a bushel.  On  one  trip  to 
Chicago  he  came  home  all  the  way  at  an  expense  of  only  twenty- 
five  cents.  With  the  proceeds  of  his  sales  his  father  had  told  him 
to  buy  so  much  sugar,  so  much  salt,  and  so  many  nails ; and  when 
he  had  completed  these  purchases  he  found  he  only  had  twenty-five 
cents  remaining.  He  did  not  like  to  ask  the  merchant  to  take  back 
part  of  the  goods ; he  already  had  feed  for  his  horses,  so  he  invested 
the  solitary  quarter  in  corn  meal  and  bacon,  camped  out  over  night 
along  the  roads,  and  made  an  economical  trip  back  to  Coles  county. 

When  he  was  about  seventeen  his  father  gave  him  permission  to 
leave  home  and  make  his  way  in  the  world  on  his  own  account. 
It  was  one  day  late  in  November  when  he  quit  the  paternal  roof. 
Very  few  of  this  world’s  goods  were  in  his  possession.  Although 
the  weather  was  cold  and  wintry,  he  was  clad  in  an  old  pair  of  linen 
pants,  stogey  shoes,  and  a hat  adapted  rather  for  summer  than  win- 
ter wear.  Twenty-five  cents  was  his  whole  cash  capital.  This  may 
seem  a small  sum,  but  it  must  be  remembered  that  in  those  days 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


135 


ready  money  was  scarce.  It  is  probable  that  the  whole  of  the  cash 
then  in  Macon  county  would  have  amounted  to  no  more  than  a few 
hundred  dollars.  He  set  out  for  Decatur,  where  he  had  a sister 
living — the  wife  of  Kirby  Benedict,  then  a practicing  lawyer  at  the 
Macon  county  bar,  and  who  afterward  died  in  New  Mexico,  where 
for  a number  of  years  he  was  chief  justice  of  the  territorial  courts. 
He  made  the  distance  from  Coles  county  to  Decatur  on  foot,  lived 
that  winter  with  his  sister,  and  attended  school  in  a frame  building 
which  stood  on  east  William  street.  Among  the  members  of  his 
class  were  R.  J.  Oglesby,  Henry  Elliott  and  “ Doc.”  Martin,  all 
well-known  to  the  old  residents  of  Macon  county  This  was  the 
last  school  he  ever  attended.  The  next  spring,  that  of  the  year 
1842,  he  went  back  to  Coles  county  to  study  Latin  with  a teacher 
who  had  charge  of  a school  in  the  neighborhood  of  his  home.  He 
had  increased  his  capital  by  this  time  to  seventy-five  cents,  which  by 
judicious  management  he  made  sufficient  to  pay  the  most  of  his  -ftay 
back  home  on  the  stage  line.  The  teacher  whom  he  expected  to 
become  his  instructor  in  Latin  had  been  obliged  to  go  home  to  visit 
his  sick  family,  and  meantime  Dr.  Curtis  was  employed  to  teach  the 
school.  He  gave  such  satisfaction  that  the  directors  placed  him  in 
charge  permanently,  and  he  taught  the  school  for  nine  months,  in 
those  days  an  unusually  long  term.  During  the  winter  he  had 
between  fifty  and  sixty  pupils,  some  of  whom  were  larger  and  older 
than  himself. 

In  thespring  of  1843  lie  returned  to  Decatur,  and  began  the  study 
of  medicine  with  Dr.  Joseph  King.  From  his  early  boyhood  he  had 
taken  a strong  liking  to  the  medical  profession,  and  had  determined 
to  become  a physician.  After  reading  about  a year  and  a-half,  in 
an  unusually  sickly  season  when  malarial  diseases  prevailed  to  a 
great  extent,  he  began  practice  in  connection  with  his  preceptor. 
He  attended  a large  number  of  cases  without  losing  a single  one. 
In  those  days  the  diseases  were  usually  of  a simple  character,  and 
readily  yielded  to  treatment.  In  the  fall  of  1846  he  entered  the  ✓ 
University  of  Missouri  at  St.  Louis,  better  known  as  the  old 
McDowell  Medical  College.  Having  no  means,  he  obtained  his 
tickets  for  lectures  on  time.  After  attending  the  first  course  of 
lectures  he  returned  to  Decatur  and  went  into  partnership  with  Dr. 
King,  but  went  back  to  St.  Louis  in  the  fall  of  1848,  attended  his 
second  course  of  lectures,  and  graduated  in  the  spring  of  1849. 
After  his  graduation  he  determined  on  locating  at  Taylorville, 
Christian  county,  which  was  then  thought  by  many  to  offer  better 
prospects  for  future  growth  than  Decatur.  He  began  practice  at 
Taylorville  in  June,  1849.  On  July  the  tenth,  of  the  same  year,  he 
married  Jane  Butler,  daughter  of  William  Butler,  of  Decatur. 
She  was  born  in  Kentucky  in  the  year  1825,  and  was  six  years  old 
when  her  father  came  to  this  state  and  settled  at  Decatur.  Her 
father  was  a man  of  some  education,  had  taught  school  in  his  early 
years,  and  was  one  of  the  first  justices  of  the  peace  at  Decatur.  Dr. 
Curtis  practiced  medicine  at  Taylorville  seven  years.  He  had 
plenty  to  do,  and  led  a hard  and  laborious  life,  traveling  night  and 
day,  sometimes  visiting  localities  thirty  or  thirty-five  miles  distant 
from  home.  The  charges  in  those  days  were  twenty-five  cents  a mile 
— one-fourth  of  the  jmesent  price — and  at  these  low  charges  he  occa- 
sionally booked  forty  and  fifty  dollars  a day.  The  country  was  thinly 
settled,  the  streams  had  no  bridges,  the  roads  were  bad,  and  a physi- 
cian with  a large  practice  was  obliged  to  undergo  much  hardship. 

After  living  at  Taylorville  till  April,  1856,  he  concluded  to  come 
back  to  Decatur,  which  by  that  time  had  become  a railroad  town, 
with  every  prospect  of  a rapid  and  important  growth.  For  one 
year  he  was  a partner  with  Dr.  W.  J.  Chenoweth.  He  was  in 
active  practice  at  the  beginning  of  the  war  of  the  Rebellion.  In 
February,  1862,  at  the  request  of  Gov.  Yates  he  went  to  the  front 


to  assist  iu  caring  for  the  Illinois  soldiers  who  had  been  wounded  at 
the  storming  of  Fort  Donelson,  and  he  afterward  rendered  like 
service  at  Cairo.  After  the  battle  of  Shiloh  in  April,  1862,  he  again 
responded  to  a request  from  Gov.  Yates,  and  went  to  Mound  City, 
where  the  hospitals  were  crowded  with  the  wounded  brought  from 
the  Shiloh  battle-field.  After  Dr.  Gray,  a former  partner  of  his  at 
Decatur,  who  as  surgeon  had  charge  of  one  of  the  hospitals,  became 
sick  and  unable  to  attend  to  his  duties,  Dr.  Curtis  was  put  in  his 
place.  A thousand  wounded  soldiers  were  under  his  charge.  The 
number  of  assistant  surgeons  was  deficient,  and  work  pressed  on  him 
so  hard  that  for  a period  of  ten  days  he  had  not  more  than  a couple 
of  hours  out  of  the  twenty-four  in  which  to  catch  a little  sleep.  The 
exertion  was  beyond  the  possibilities  of  human  endurance,  and  iu 
consequence  he  was  seized  with  paralysis  paraplegia.  He  was 
unable  at  once  to  get  relieved,  and  while  suffering  with  the  disease, 
lay  in  bed  for  a week  directing  the  affairs  of  the  hospital.  After 
returning  home  his  life  was  still  further  endangered  by  the  mistake 
of  a druggist  who  prepared  a preparation  of  corrosive  sublimate  in 
place  of  a harmless  drug  which  had  been  prescribed.  The  five 
physicians  in  attendance  told  him  that  death  would  certainly  ensue 
within  a few  hours,  but  he  himself  had  every  confidence  that  he 
would  recover — and  so  he  did.  He  gradually  became  better,  and 
his  health  was  finally  restored  with  the  exception  of  the  paralysis  of 
the  lower  limbs.  The  exertions  and  anxiety  of  Mrs.  Curtis  during 
her  husband’s  illness  were  largely  the  cause  of  her  deafness  and 
blindness,  to  which  she  became  subject  several  years  afterward. 

His  physical  condition,  resulting  from  the  paralysis,  unfitting  him 
for  the  active  practice  of  his  profession,  in  the  fall  of  1863  he  was 
the  Republican  candidate  for  county  treasurer,  to  which  position  he 
was  elected  in  the  face  of  a large  previous  Democratic  majority,  and 
against  William  Cantrell,  a popular  man,  and  then  known  as  the 
“ wheel  horse  of  the  Democracy.”  He  was  county  treasurer  for 
six  years,  or  three  successive  terms.  He  subsequently  made  a 
special  study  of  the  eye  and  ear,  and  undertook  the  practice  of  that 
department  of  medicine.  Since  1877  he  has  filled  the  office  of  jus- 
tice of  the  peace,  and  has  transacted  a considerable  part  of  the 
magistrate’s  business  in  Decatur.  He  has  had  five  children. 
Three  are  now  living : Lamar  L.  Curtis,  born  April  twentieth, 
1850;  Otto  E-  Curtis,  born  February  ninth,  1853;  and  Frank 
Curtis,  whose  birth  occurred  October  thirtieth,  1858.  The 
oldest  is  yard-master  at  Decatur  for  the  Wabash,  St.  Louis 
and  Pacific  railroad  company,  and  the  two  others  are  in  the 
jewelry  business  at  Decatur.  Dr.  Curtis  in  early  life  allied 
himself  with  the  old  Whig  party,  and  he  cast  his  first  vote  in 
one  of  the  most  exciting  and  enthusiastic  campaigns  this  country  has 
ever  known,  that  of  1840,  when  the  Whigs  elected  Harrison.  At 
that  time  he  had  not  yet  attained  his  majority,  but  it  was  a common 
custom  in  those  days  for  young  men  to  vote  previous  to  their  com- 
ing of  age.  He  voted  for  Clay  four  years  afterward.  In  1856  he 
became  a Republican,  voted  for  Gen.  Fremont,  the  first  Republican 
presidential  candidate,  and  has  since  been  a strong  and  steadfast 
member  of  the  Republican  party.  He  is  a man  who  has  made  his 
way  through  life  by  his  own  energy.  He  had  only  his  own  talents 
and  industry  to  rely  on  when  he  began  his  career,  and  previous  to 
the  misfortune  that  befel  him  in  the  prime  of  life,  had  made  an 
unusually  successful  record.  While  his  present  condition  must  of 
necessity  deprive  him  of  much  pleasure  and  many  opportunities  for 
the  advancement  of  his  own  interests,  still  it  must  be  some  satisfac- 
tion to  a patriotic  mind  to  know  that  the  injury  was  incurred  in  the 
service  of  his  country  and  in  the  discharge  of  the  most  sacred  duty 
that  can  fall  to  the  lot  of  any  physician — the  care  of  her  soldiers 
who  were  wounded  on  the  field  of  battle  in  defence  of  her  honor. 


136 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


The  present  circuit  clerk  of  Macon  county,  was  born  in  Franklin 
county,  Pennsylvania,  in  October,  1818.  His  parents,  Andrew 
McClellan  and  Jane  Thompson,  were  natives  of  Scotland.  On 
coming  to  America  they  settled  in  Franklin  county,  Pa.,  and  were 
married  there.  His  father  was  a cooper  by  trade,  but  followed 
farming,  and  was  the  owner  of  a farm  a mile  from  Shippensburg, 
on  which  Mr.  McClellan  was  born.  The  subject  of  this  biography 
was  the  next  to  the  youngest  of  a family  of  five  children.  When 
he  was  nine  or  ten  years  old  the  family  moved  to  within  a mile 
ot  Chambersburg,  in  the  same  county,  in  which  town  he  received 
the  principal  part  of  his  education,  attending  an  academy  in  which 
the  ordinary  branches,  together  with  Latin  and  Greek,  were  taught. 
He  attended  this  academy  about  three  years,  and  also  went  to 
school  two  years  at  Newville,  in  Cumberland  county.  In  the  year 
1835,  when  Mr.  McClellan  was  seventeen,  his  father  moved  with 
the  family  to  Illinois.  After  remaining  a few  weeks  at  Beards- 
town,  they  moved  to  Springfield,  where  afterward  both  his  father 
and  mother  died.  He  only  staid  in  Springfield  about  six  weeks, 
and  then  came  to  Decatur,  where  he  obtained  a situation  as  clerk 
in  the  store  of  William  Cantrell  & Co.  He  remembers  Decatur  at 
that  time  as  a town  of  about  three  hundred  inhabitants.  There 
were  three  stores.  The  most  of  the  buildings  were  log  structures. 
He  had  learned  surveying  while  at  school  in  Pennsylvania,  and 
after  clerking  in  the  store  about  two  years,  he  undertook  that 
business.  He  received  the  appointment  of  deputy  county  surveyor, 
and  in  1838  was  elected  county  surveyor.  He  held  this  office  four 
years.  In  1840  he  was  appointed  deputy-sheriff.  In  the  fall  of 
1842  he  married  Judith  Snyder,  a native  of  Oldham  county,  Ken- 
tucky, daughter  of  Henry  Snyder,  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  this 
part  of  the  state,  who  located  along  the  Okaw  timber,  then  in  Macon, 
but  now  in  Moultrie  county.  Mr.  McClellan  was  employed  in  va- 
rious ways  up  to  1851,  when  he  became  a clerk  in  the  store  of 


Jasper  J.  Peddecord,  and  afterward  in  the  store  of  Samuel  K. 
Thompson.  In  his  politics  he  had  originally  been  a Whig,  assisting 
in  the  election  of  Harrison  in  the  exciting  campaign  of  1840,  and 
voting  with  the  Whigs  until  the  question  of  slavery  caused  a new 
division  of  parties.  He  was  one  of  the  early  Republicans  of  Macon 
county,  voting  for  Fremont  in  1856. 

In  the  Fremont  campaign  the  Republicans  made  him  their 
candidate  for  sheriff  of  Macon  county.  He  was  successful  in  the 
race,  though  the  Democrats  carried  the  county  and  elected  the 
remainder  of  their  ticket.  After  the  expiration  of  his  term  as  sheriff 
he  was  employed  in  the  store  of  Hugh  Taylor  till  1860,  when  he 
was  elected  city  marshal  of  Decatur,  a position  which  he  held  three 
years,  or  during  the  greater  part  of  the  war.  During  the  war  he 
was  also  appointed  deputy  U-  S.  provost-marshal,  amd  acted  as  such 
for  two  years.  In  the  year  1864,  as  deputy  to  William  L.  Ham- 
mer, he  entered  the  circuit  clerk’s  office.  Having  served  as  de- 
puty for  four  years,  in  1868  he  received  the  Republican  nomination 
for  circuit  clerk  and  was  elected.  He  was  re-elected  in  1872 
and  in  1876,  and  at  this  writing  is  again  the  Republican  nominee 
for  the  office.  He  brought  to  the  office  of  circuit  clerk  careful 
attention  to  its  business,  and  the  fact  that  he  has  been  retained  in 
the  office  so  long  attests  the  fidelity  with  which  he  has  performed  its 
duties  and  the  satisfaction  he  has  given  the  people  of  the  county. 
Among  the  lawyers  it  is  claimed  that  under  his  administration  the 
records  of  the  office  are  as  well  kept  as  those  of  any  county  in  the 
state.  He  has  had  ten  children,  of  whom  eight  are  now  living.  He 
is  now  one  of  the  oldest  residents  of  Macon  county,  and  has  been 
identified  with  its  interests  for  many  years.  Every  position  he  has 
occupied  has  been  filled  with  fidelity  and  ability.  His  personal 
traits  of  character  and  long  residence  in  the  county  have  made  him 
many  friends,  and  it  may  be  said  with  truth  that  few  better  deserve 
popularity. 


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HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


137 


GEORGE  D.  HAWORTII. 

Was  born  in  Clinton  county,  Ohio,  on  the  29th  of  November,  1893. 
His  ancestors  were  English  Quakers.  James  and  Thomas  Haworth 
came  to  America  early  in  the  eighteenth  century.  One  settled  in 
Pennsylvania,  the  other  in  Virginia.  Both  his  grandfather  and  great- 
grandfather were  born  in  Viginia.  The  former,  whose  name  was  Mah- 
lon  Haworth,  was  one  of  the  pioneer  settlers  of  East  Tennessee,  and 
about  the  year  1800  removed  to  Clinton  county,  Ohio.  His  father, 
also  named  Mahlon  Haworth,  was  born  in  that  part  of  Ohio.  His 
mother,  Sarah  J.  Woolman,  was  a native  of  Clark  county,  Ohio, 
and  related  to  John  Woolman,  the  early  Quaker  preacher  and 
active  opponent  of  slavery.  Her  grandmother  was  a Newton,  a 
daughter  of  Samuel  Newton,  who  was  a cousin  of  Sir  Isaac  Newton. 
The  part  of  Ohio  in  which  he  was  born  and  raised  was  well-settled 
and  abounded  in  good  schools.  His  boyhood  was  spent  on  a farm 
near  Port  William  in  Clinton  county.  In  the  public  schools  of 
the  neighborhood  he  studied  the  branches  usually  taught,  though 
his  education  is  principally  the  result  of  much  reading  and  habits 
of  close  observation  in  later  years. 

At  eighteen  he  made  his  first  important  venture  in  life  on  his 
own  account.  The  discovery  of  gold  in  California  had  drawn 
great  numbers  of  enterprising  young  men  to  the  Pacific  slope,  and  in 
the  spiing  of  1852,  in  company  with  his  next  oldest  brother,  Uriah 
E.,  he  set  out  to  try  his  fortune  in  the  gold  regions  of  the  new  El  Do- 
rado. They  wTent  by  boat  from  Cincinnati  to  St.  Joseph,  Missouri 
and  from  the  latter  place  started  with  a wagon  train  across  the 
plains.  All  went  well  till  they  had  traveled  westward  several 
hundred  miles  when  his  brother  was  taken  seriously  ill  and  he  was 
obliged  to  return  with  him  to  St.  Joseph,  where  he  died.  This  un- 
fortunate incident  put  an  end  to  his  California  trip,  and  he  returned 
to  Ohio.  On  his  journey  homeward  through  Illinois,  the  favorable 
impressions  he  received  of  the  country  induced  his  father  to  remove 
with  his  family  to  this  state  the  following  autumn — that  of  the 
year  1853. 

They  settled  on  a farm  near  Mechaniesburg  in  Sangamon  county. 
Mr.  Haworth  was  then  nearly  twenty.  Two  citizens  of  Mechanics- 
burg  had  been  experimenting  for  some  time  with  the  purpose  of 
constructing  a corn-planting  machine,  the  need  of  which  was  greatly 
felt  by  farmers.  From  his  early  boyhood  Mr.  Haworth  had 
manifested  a taste  for  mechanical  pursuits.  He  had  made  himself 
familiar  with  the  working  of  various  pieces  of  machinery,  and, 
though  he  had  never  regularly  learned  the  trade,  was  a good  workman 
at  the  lighter  kinds  of  blacksmithing.  The  gentlemen  interested  in 
getting  up  the  corn-planter,  Cyrus  Correll  and  Dr.  A.  J.  Randall, 
accordingly  called  on  him  for  assistance.  The  experiments  were 
carried  on  during  the  winter  of  1853-4,  and  by  the  next  spring  two 
hundred  corn-planters  were  ready  for  sale,  the  main  features  of 
which  were  Mr.  Haworth’s  invention.  The  machine  was  drawn  by 
one  horse,  and  the  corn  was  dropped  by  means  of  a trigger.  These 
were  the  first  corn-planters  ever  placed  on  the  market.  Though 
crude  and  imperfect  in  comparison  with  those  now  made  they  worked 
successfully  and  were  largely  sold  till  finally  superseded  by  the 
two  horse  planters.  His  attention  having  been  attracted  to  the 
manufacture  of  labor-saving  agricultural  implements,  he  began  to 
consider  the  feasibility  of  constructing  corn  harvesters  and  reaping 
machines.  On  account  of  the  greater  facilities  for  the  manufacture 
of  new  machinery  then  existing  in  Ohio,  he  went  to  that  State  in 

1857,  and  began  work  at  Nenia.  In  July,  1857,  he  invented  a 
corn  harvester  to  be  used  for  shocking  corn.  This  machine  had 
many  excellent  points  about  it,  but  its  great  expense  prevented  it 
from  going  into  general  use.  From  Xenia  he  went  to  Dayton.  In 

1858,  he  invented  a combined  reaper  and  corn  harvester,  a number 


of  which  were  manufactured  and  sold.  The  machines  worked 
well,  but  their  construction  on  a successful  scale  required  a large 
amount  of  capital,  and  for  this  reason  they  were  never  made 
extensively.  He  returned  to  this  State  in  1859. 

His  next  invention  was  a two  horse  corn-planter,  the  manufacture 
of  which  he  began  at  Mechaniesburg,  in  1860.  In  1861,  he  manu- 
factured these  machines  at  Decatur,  to  which  place  his  father  had 
removed  in  1857,  and  then  went  to  Springfield,  where  he  was 
engaged  in  their  manufacture  till  1870,  with  John  C.  Lamb  as  his 
partner.  The  patents  which  he  obtained  are  still  used  by  other 
makers  of  corn-planters.  While  manufacturing  the  corn- 
planters,  he  had  seen  the  necessity  for  some  invention 
to  regulate  by  machinery  the  dropping  of  the  corn  from  the 
planter,  and  in  1866,  began  experimenting  with  a view  of  meeting 
this  difficulty.  These  experiments  resulted  in  the  Haworth  Check 
Rower,  completed  in  1869.  This  was  the  first  Check  Rower  ever 
invented,  and  at  once  gave  great  satisfaction.  In  the  fall  of  1869, 
he  formed  a partnership  with  his  father,  Mahlon  Haworth,  and  his 
brothers,  L.  L.  and  James  W.  Haworth,  and  began  the  manufacture 
of  the  check  rowers.  Three  hundred  (300)  were  sold  during  the 
season  of  1870.  The  next  year  the  sales  increased  to  two  thousand, 
and  each  succeeding  year  the  demand  has  been  greater.  The 
Haworth  manufacturing  establishment  is  one  of  the  features  of 
Decatur,  and  has  contributed  largely  to  its  celebrity  as  a manu- 
facturing centre.  Both  wire  and  rope  Check  Rowers  are  manufac- 
tured. Various  improvements  have  been  made  since  their  first 
invention,  and  great  care  is  taken  in  their  construction  in  which 
only  simple  principles  are  involved.  The  great  saving  of  time* 
labor  and  expense  to  the  farmer  has  made  their  use  very  popular 
and  during  the  last  few  seasons  the  number  sold  has  been  limited 
only  by  the  capacity  to  manufacture  them. 

His  first  marriage  occurred  at  Springfield,  in  June,  1863,  to  Miss 
Kizzie  McCandless,  daughter  of  Robert  McCandless.  She  was 
born  near  Pittsburg,  Pennsylvania.  Her  death  took  place  in  1870. 

His  present  wife,  to  whom  he  was  married  on  the  27th  of 
December,  1876,  was  formerly  Miss  Mary  E.  Grunendike.  She 
was  born  in  Monroe  county,  New  A’ork,  near  the  city  of  Rochester. 
Her  father,  Capt.  Reuben  A.  Grunendike,  was  a native  of  the 
same  county,  and  removed  to  Illinois  in  1861.  Mrs.  Haworth, 
previous  to  her  marriage,  was  a very  successful  teacher  in  the 
schools  of  Decatur.  Mr.  Haworth  has  led  the  quiet  life  of  a 
private  citizen,  and  has  never  taken  any  active  part  in  public 
affairs.  He  is,  however,  known  as  a man  of  the  highest  personal 
character  and  as  a liberal  and  public-spirited  citizen.  While  his 
genius  for  invention  has  brought  him  wealth  he  has  used  it 
with  no  illiberal  hand.  He  has  done  his  part  toward  giving 
Decatur  a reputation  as  a city  of  fine  residences,  and  both  to 
private  charities  and  public  enterprises  he  has  been  a generous 
contributor.  His  views  on  religious  subjects  are  liberal  and  pro- 
gressive, and  differ  somewhat  from  the  doctrines  maintained  by 
the  orthodox  denominations.  From  his  father,  who  was  an  early 
anti-slavery  man,  and  was  called  an  “abolitionist”  in  the  days 
when  that  term  was  a synonym  of  unpopularity,  he  inherited  views 
in  opposition  to  slavery  which  attached  him  to  the  Republican 
party  from  its  first  foundation.  Amid  the  cares  of  a busy  life  he 
has  found  time  to  indulge  his  natural  tastes  for  literature.  While  he 
has  never  sought  distinction  nor  cared  to  come  into  public  promi- 
nence, his  name  deserves  mention  as  one  of  that  class  who  have 
been  of  the  greatest  benefit  to  the  West  in  revolutionizing  agricul- 
ture and  placing  in  the  hands  of  the  tiller  of  the  soil,  instead  of  the 
slow  and  laborious  implements  of  fifty  years  ago,  machinery  which 
enables  one  man  to  do  the  work  of  ten. 


138 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


Judge  Anthony  Thornton  was  bom  in  Bourbon  county,  Ken 
tucky,  on  the  ninth  of  November,  1814.  He  is  descended  from  an 
English  family.  His  great-great-grandfather  emigrated  from  Eng- 
land to  Virginia.  In  Caroline  county,  of  the  Old  Dominion,  mem- 
bers of  the  family  lived  for  two  or  three  generations.  His  father, 
Anthony  Thornton,  was  born  in  that  county,  was  raised  there,  and 
married  Mary  Towles,  a native  of  the  same  county,  and  also  con- 
nected with  an  old  Virginia  family.  In  the  year  1807,  Judge 
Thornton’s  father  and  grandfather  removed  from  Virginia  to  Ken- 
tucky. The  colony,  including  the  members  of  the  family  and  the 
negro  servants,  numbered  in  all  ninety-nine  persons  On  their 
arrival  in  Kentucky,  they  settled  in  Bourbon  county,  where  his 
parents  resided  till  their  death. 

The  early  years  of  Judge  Thornton’s  life  were  spent  in  his  native 
county.  He  first  attended  the  common  schools.  At  the  age  of 
fourteen  or  fifteen  he  was  sent  to  a high  school  at  Gallatin,  Ten- 
nessee, where  he  remained  two  years.  He  then  entered  Centre 
College  at  Danville,  Kentucky,  and  subsequently  became  a student 
in  Miami  University  at  Oxford,  Ohio,  from  which  he  graduated  in 
the  fall  of  1834.  He  studied  law  at  Paris,  Kentucky,  in  the  office 
of  an  uncle,  John  R.  Thornton,  and  was  licensed]to  practice  by  the 
Kentucky  Court  of  Appeals  before  he  was  twenty-two.  In  October, 
1836,  he  passed  through  Illinois,  on  his  way  to  Missouri ; he  in- 
tended to  make  his  home  in  the  latter  state.  Stopping  at  Shelby- 
ville,  to  visit  some  relatives,  he  concluded  to  give  up  his  project  of 
settling  in  Missouri  and  establish  himself  in  the  practice  of  the  law 
at  Shelbyville.  In  November,  1836,  he  opened  an  office.  He  was 
favored  with  success  from  the  very  start,  and  during  the  first  year 
had  as  much  business  as  he  cared  to  attend  to  in  the  courts  of 
Shelby  and  adjoining  counties.  In  those  days  all  the  lawyers  of 


any  prominence  traveled  twice  a year  over  the  circuit.  A com- 
pany of  ten  or  fifteen  generally  made  the  round  together,  and  their 
social  habits  commonly  made  the  journey  far  from  an  unpleasant 
one.  Law-books  were  scarce  ; only  a few  text-books  were  in  exist- 
ence, and  the  reports  were  meager  in  comparison  with  the  great 
numbers  which  now  crowd  the  shelves  of  every  legal  library.  The 
young  lawyer  was  in  consequence  compelled  to  thoroughly  under- 
stand the  principles  of  law  and  adapt  his  facts  to  them — a training 
which  produced  able  and  ready  lawyers.  Judge  Thornton’s  pro- 
gress was  rapid.  He  soon  obtained  a high  standing  at  the  bar, 
and  was  usually  retained  in  all  cases  of  importance.  He  practiced 
by  himself  till  1858.  He  resided  at  Shelbyville  till  November,  1879, 
when  he  became  a resident  of  Decatur.  He  is  now  a member  of 
the  law-firm  of  Thornton,  Eldridge  & Hostetler,  at  Decatur. 

He  was  a member  of  the  Constitutional  Convention  of  1848, 
which  framed  the  second  constitution  of  the  State  of  Illinois.  In 
1850  he  was  elected  a member  of  the  Sixteenth  General  Assembly. 
At  that  time  the  questions  connected  with  the  building  of  railroads 
through  the  state  assumed  great  importance,  and  Judge  Thornton, 
though  a whig,  was  sent  to  the  legislature  from  a democratic  dis- 
trict, as  a warm  friend  of  the  railroads,  and  in  favor  of  the  state 
granting  the  lands  given  by  the  general  government  to  build  the 
Illinois  Central  Railroad  to  private  individuals  who  should  under- 
take the  construction  of  the  road,  instead  of  the  state  itself.  In 
1862  he  was  elected  a member  of  the  constitutional  convention 
which  held  its  sessions  in  the  winter  of  1862-3.  During  the  rebel- 
lion he  occupied  the  position  of  a war-democrat,  and  in  various 
speeches  sustained  the  government  in  its  efforts  to  break  down  the 
rebellion  and  preserve  the  Union.  In  the  autumn  of  1864  he  was 
elected  to  the  Thirty-ninth  Congress,  and  took  his  seat  in  March 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


139 


1865,  just  as  the  war  was  being  brought  to  a close.  He  was  ap- 
pointed a member  of  the  committee  on  claims,  and  performed  much 
arduous  labor,  the  committee  being  obliged  to  report  on  a vast 
number  of  claims  presented  immediately  after  the  close  of  the  war. 
He  was  renominated,  but,  though  his  election  would  have  been 
beyond  question,  he  declined  becoming  a candidate,  preferring  to 
practice  his  profession.  He  served  on  the  supreme  bench  of  Illinois 
from  July,  1870,  to  June,  1873.  During  that  period  the  supreme 
court  had  before  it  an  immense  amount  of  business,  which  required 
uninterrupted  and  laborious  attention.  Litigation  was  then  at  its 
height.  The  dockets  were  enormously  large,  and  the  position  of 
supreme  judge  involved  an  immense  amount  of  continuous  labor. 
He  resigned  to  resume  his  practice. 

It  is  scarcely  necessary  to  speak  of  Judge  Thornton’s  character- 
istics as  a lawyer,  for  his  name  has  long  been  familiar  to  the  bar  of 
this  state.  His  great  industry  has  made  him  thoroughly  acquainted 
with  the  learning  of  the  law,  and  his  natural  abilities  long  since 
gave  him  a commanding  position  in  his  profession.  A strong  liking 
for  legal  work,  and  especially  for  the  trial  of  a case  in  court,  has 
made  the  practice  of  the  law,  to  him,  a pleasant  and  congenial 
occupation.  He  has  great  strength  as  an  advocate.  While  on  the 
supreme  bench,  he  was  regarded  as  one  of  its  ablest  members.  He 
was  first  married,  in  1850,  to  Mildred  Thornton,  who  died  in  1856. 
His  marriage  to  Kate  Smith,  of  Shelby  county,  occurred  in  1866. 
He  has  had  four  children,  of  whom  three  are  living. 


KILBURN  H.  ROBY, 

One  of  the  oldest  members  of  the  Macon  county  bar,  was  born  at 
Mont  Vernon,  in  Hillsborough  county,  Yew  Hampshire,  on  the  2d 
of  September,  1837.  The  ancestors  both  of  his  father  and  mother 
were  early  settlers  of  Massachusetts,  emigrating  to  that  colony 
from  England.  Soon  after  the  Revolutionary  war  his  great-grand- 
father, John  Roby,  removed  from  Chelmsford,  Massachusetts,  to 
Hillsborough  county,  New  Hampshire,  then  a wild  and  frontier 
country.  Members  of  the  family  have  resided  in  that  part  of 
New  Hampshire  ever  since.  John  Roby,  the  grandfather  of  the 
subject  of  this  sketch,  was  born  in  New  Hampshire,  where  he  lived 
till  his  death,  at  the  age  of  eighty.  He  was  a man  of  some  pecu- 
liar traits  of  character,  and  had  a remarkable  memory.  He  could 
repeat  from  memory  a great  portion  of  the  Bible.  Mr.  Roby’s 
father,  Clinton  Roby,  was  born  in  New  Hampshire  in  1808  ; in 
1834  he  married  Miss  Lois  Harwood,  who  was  born  in  the  year 
1811,  in  Hillsborough  county,  New  Hampshire,  and  was  descended 
from  an  old  New  England  family  of  English  origin,  which  had 
settled  early  in  Massachusetts.  A branch  of  the  Harwood  family 
removed  to  New  Hampshire  on  the  first  settlement  of  that  state. 

Kilburn  H.  Roby  was  the  youngest  of  two  children.  The  farm 
on  which  he  was  born  was  his  home  until  he  was  twenty  years  of 
age.  His  education  was  principally  obtained  at  the  Appleton 
Academy  in  his  native  town  of  Mont  Vernon,  and  at  the  Northfield 
Seminary,  an  institution  under  the  care  of  the  Methodist  church  at 
Northfield  (now  Tilton),  New  Hampshire.  These  schools  were 
thorough  and  efficient,  and  gave  educational  advantages  of  a supe- 
rior character.  Having  determined  on  making  his  home  in  the 
West,  he  left  New  Hampshire  in  the  spring  of  1858,  and  came  to 
this  state.  He  spent  the  succeeding  summer  at  Quincy,  and  in  the 
fall  secured  a position  as  teacher  of  a school  in  Marion  county. 
During  the  two  years  he  lived  in  Marion  county  he  was  chiefly  en- 
gaged in  teaching  school,  though  in  1859  he  began  the  study  of 
law,  at  first  under  the  direction  of  John  P.  Reynolds,  formerly  an 
able  member  of  the  Cincinnati  bar  and  now  a resident  of  Chicago. 


Mr.  Roby  was  afterward  in  the  office  of  Bryan  & Schaeffer,  at  Salem, 
Illinois. 

In  September,  1860,  he  came  to  Decatur  and  entered  the  law 
office  of  Tupper  & Nelson.  In  August,  1861,  he  enlisted  in  com- 
pany A,  40th  Regiment  Illinois  Infantry.  During  his  four  months’ 
service  he  wras  stationed  at  St-  Louis,  Cairo  and  Paducah,  and  at 
the  latter  place  was  discharged  on  account  of  sickness.  Returning 
to  Decatur  he  resumed  the  study  of  the  law',  and  was  admitted  to 
the  bar  in  the  spring  of  1862.  Mr.  Tupper,  of  the  firm  of  Tupper 
& Nelson,  soon  afterward  entered  the  army,  and  Mr.  Roby  went 
into  partnership  with  William  E.  Nelson,  with  whom  he  was  asso- 
ciated about  fifteen  years.  The  partnership  was  terminated  by  the 
election  of  Judge  Nelson  to  the  bench  in  1877.  He  is  now  senior 
member  of  the  firm  of  Roby,  Outten  & Vail,  one  of  the  best  known 
and  most  successful  of  the  legal  copartnerships  of  Decatur.  He 
began  practice  at  Decatur  with  nothing  on  which  to  rely  except  his 
own  energies.  His  thorough  knowledge  of  the  law  and  a sound  and 
comprehensive  judgment  on  legal  questions,  have  given  him  the 
reputation  of  a safe  adviser  and  an  able  counsellor. 

He  vTas  married  on  the  1st  of  December,  1863,  to  Miss  Annie 
Haworth,  a native  of  Clinton  county,  Ohio.  By  this  marriage  there 
have  been  seven  children,  of  whom  six  are  now  living.  In  his 
political  sympathies  he  has  favored  the  Republican  party.  His 
first  vote  for  President  was  cast  for  Lincoln  in  1860.  Though 
sincere  in  his  convictions  as  a Rejmblican,  he  has  taken  little 
active  part  in  politics.  The  only  public  office  he  ever  held  was 
that  of  clerk  and  attorney  of  the  city  of  Decatur,  a position  which 
he  occupied  for  two  years. 


DR.  SAMUEL  McBRIDE, 

Who  has  practiced  medicine  at  Decatur  since  July,  1855,  is  a 
native  of  Pike  county,  Ohio,  and  was  born  on  the  17th  of  December, 
1822.  His  ancestors  emigrated  from  Scotland  to  the  North  of  Ire- 
land and  from  there  to  America.  His  father,  William  McBride, 
was  born  in  Allegheny  county,  Pennsylvania,  in  1777,  and  his 
mother,  Letitia  McBride,  in  Westmoreland  county,  in  the  same 
state,  near  Greensburg.  Shortly  after  their  marriage  his  parents 
moved  to  Ohio.  From  Marietta,  their  first  stopping-place,  they  tra- 
veled through  thewilderness  on  foot  to  Ross  county,  where  they 
settled  in  what  is  known  as  the  Cat  Tail  swamp.  This  was  about 
the  year  1796  or  1798.  They  afterward  removed  to  the  Beach 
Flats,  near  the  Sun  Fish  mountains,  in  Pike  county.  When 
the  war  with  Great  Britain  broke  out,  in  1812,  Dr.  McBride’s 
father  volunteered  and  served  under  Gen.  McArthur  in  the  cam- 
paign against  the  British  and  Indians.  The  country  in  which  Mr. 
McBride  was  raised  was  hilly  and  mountainous,  but  was  old-settled, 
and  had  good  common  schools,  which  he  attended,  as  he  did  also 
the  Salem  Academy.  He  began  the  study  of  medicine,  and  in  1849 
was  a student  at  the  Starling  Medical  College  at  Columbus,  Ohio. 
According  to  the  old  custom  with  young  physicians,  he  began 
practice  before  graduation,  locating  at  Jasper,  Pike  county,  Ohio, 
on  the  Scioto  river,  between  Chillicothe  and  Portsmouth.  In  the 
winter  of  1851-2  he  took  his  last  course  of  lectures  at  the  Starling 
Medical  College,  from  which  he  graduated  on  the  20th  of  Febru- 
ary, 1852.  In  1855  he  removed  to  Decatur  and  established  himself 
in  practice  as  a physician.  He  was  married  in  September,  1867, 
to  Miss  Lida  Fariss,  of  Mt.  Pleasant,  Iowa.  He  is  a man  of  studi- 
ous habits,  and  throughout  his  life  has  been  a great  reader.  He 
has  been  a democrat  in  his  political  belief,  as  was  his  father  before 
him,  who  supported  the  democratic  party  from  the  time  of  Jef- 
ferson. 


140 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


Editor  and  proprietor  of  the  Decatur  Review,  is  of  Scotch-Irish 
descent.  He  was  born  in  Westmoreland  county,  Pennsylvania, 
October  seventeenth,  1836.  His  ancestors  settled  in  North  Caro- 
lina at  a period  previous  to  the  Revolutionary  war.  John  Jack, 
one  of  the  early  members  of  the  family  in  this  country,  was  presi- 
dent of  the  celebrated  Mecklenburg  Convention  which  met  in 
North  Carolina  in  1775,  and  declared  that  the  colonies  ought  to  be 
independent  of  Great  Britain.  Mr.  Jack’s  grandfather,  John 
Jack,  was  an  early  resident  of  the  Cumberland  valley  in  Pennsyl- 
vania. He  moved  further  west  in  1768,  settling  in  Westmoreland 
county,  then  the  extreme  frontier  of  that  state.  The  same  year  he 
received  a patent  for  a piece  of  land  situated  forty  miles  from 
Pittsburg.  This  tract  of  land  remained  in  the  family  one  hundred 
years,  and  during  that  time  was  in  the  ownership  of  only  two 
persons,  Mr.  Jack’s  father  and  grandfather.  John  Jack  was  a 
soldier  in  the  war  of  the  Revolution,  and  was  wounded  in  a 
skirmish  near  Philadelphia.  Joseph  Jack,  father  of  the  subject  of 
this  sketch,  was  born  in  Westmoreland  county,  Pennsylvania,  and 
was  one  of  thirteen  children,  of  whom  all  grew  to  maturity  and 
with  one  exception,  married  and  had  families.  Joseph  Jack  mar- 
ried Sarah  Nealay  Sloan,  who  was  born  in  Adams  county,  Pennsyl- 
vania, on  a farm  which  subsequently  formed  part  of  the  battle- 
field of  Gettysburg.  He  served  in  the  war  of  the  rebellion  as 
colonel  of  the  168th  Pennsylvania  regiment. 

Samuel  Sloan  Jack  was  raised  in  Westmoreland  county,  Penn- 
sylvania. He  attended  Elder’s  Ridge  Academy,  in  Indiana  county, 
and  Sewickley  Academy  in  Westmoreland  county,  and  also  for  a 
time  was  a student  in  Jefferson  College.  At  the  age  of  twenty  he 
took  charge  of  one  of  the  common-schools  in  his  native  county, 
and  subsequently  was  employed  as  a teacher  in  the  Sewickley, 
Academy.  When  twenty-three  years  old  he  was  elected  superin- 
tendent of  schools  of  Westmoreland  county,  and  at  the  time  of  his 
election  was  the  youngest  person  in  the  state  who  occupied  that 


position.  He  had  charge  of  about  three  hundred  schools,  and  filled 
the  office  for  six  years.  During  the  years  1867  and  1868  he  was 
employed  in  doing  county  institute  work  under  the  direction  of  the 
state  school  department.  In  1868  he  was  elected  professor  of  the 
English  language  and  literature,  in  the  Keystone  Normal  School 
in  Berks  county,  Pennsylvania.  Rejecting  an  offer  of  the  princi- 
palship  of  the  California  Normal  School  in  Washington  county, 
Pennsylvania,  he  came  West  in  1869,  and  in  1870  became  principal 
of  the  Decatur  high-school,  which  was  under  his  care  for  a year. 

For  the  last  ten  years  he  has  performed  considerable  journalistic 
work  for  newspapers  in  Decatur.  In  1876  he  purchased  the 
material  used  in  the  publication  of  the  Magnet  and  Tribune,  and 
established  the  Decatur  Times,  a daily  and  weekly  journal.  In 
July,  1880,  he  became  the  proprietor  of  the  Decatur  Revieiv,  the 
only  Democratic  paper  published  in  Macon  county,  which  he  has 
conducted  in  a vigorous  and  popular  manner.  His  marriage  oc- 
curred in  March,  1868,  to  Josephine  McKee,  of  Fayette  county, 
Pennsylvania.  He  has  four  children,  all  boys. 

In  his  politics  he  has  always  been  a democrat.  He  has  been 
unwavering  and  constant  in  his  advocacy  of  the  principles  of 
democracy,  and  has  been  of  no  little  service  to  the  democratic 
organization  in  Macon  county.  In  1874  he  was  elected  as  a demo- 
crat on  a Fusion  ticket,  to  the  Twenty-ninth  General  Assembly, 
where  he  discharged  his  duties  as  representative,  in  so  satisfactory 
a manner  that  in  1876  he  was  re-elected.  The  position  he  occu- 
pied in  the  Thirtieth  General  Assembly  was  peculiarly  important. 
He  exercised  much  influence  in  securing  the  election  of  David 
Davis  to  the  United  States  Senate,  to  succeed  John  A.  Logan.  He 
was  one  of  the  original  six  who  favored  the  election  of  Davis  at 
the  commencement  of  the  contest,  and  had  the  great  satisfaction  of 
witnessing  the  final  selection  of  his  candidate.  He  was  an  effi- 
cient member  of  several  important  committees  while  serving  in  the 
legislature,  and  was  the  author  of  several  important  bills. 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


141 


anm/iA 


Of  Decatur,  Illinois,  was  born  at  Claremont,  New  Hampshire,  on 
the  19th  of  December,  1829.  His  father,  Ira  Norton  Barnes,  was 
a representative  New  England  farmer,  and  being  industrious  and 
closely  attentive  to  his  business,  he  managed  to  draw  from  amoDg 
the  rocks  of  his  native  state  a comfortable  support  for  his  large 
family.  The  mother  of  Dr.  Barnes,  Harriet  Eastman  Barnes,  was 
a member  of  the  old  Eastman  family,  from  which  sprung  Daniel 
Webster  and  other  distinguished  characters.  When  Dr.  Barnes 
was  only  three  months  of  age  his  father  received  a severe  scald 
while  boiling  maple-syrup,  which  resulted  in  his  death  after  a 
few  days.  The  early  years  in  the  life  of  Dr.  Barnes  were  spent  at 
Claremont.  After  obtaining  a good  education  at  the  academies  of 
his  native  town  and  of  Springfield,  Vermont,  he  began  the  study  of 
medicine  and  pharmacy  with  W.  M.  Ladd,  M.D.,  of  Claremont.  In 
July,  1849,  he  was  commissioned  by  Governor  Dinsmoor  as  assistant 
surgeon  of  the  15th  regiment  of  New  Hampshire  militia.  He  re- 
mained in  the  drug  store  of  Dr.  Ladd  several  years,  and  then  he 
determined  upon  a collegiate  course  of  study.  After  two  years 
spent  in  preparation  at  Kimball  Union  Academy,  he  entered 
Dartmouth  College  in  1851,  and  graduated  therefrom  in  1855,  with 
the  degree  of  A.B.  The  following  year  was  spent  in  the  drug 
business  with  his  brother,  Dr.  W.  A.  Barnes,  at  Decatur,  Illinois. 
He  then  removed  to  Jackson,  Mississippi,  where  he  taught  a select 
school  and  read  medicine  with  Dr.  S.  C.  Farrar. 

In  1858  he  received  the  degree  of  A.M.  from  Dartmouth  College, 
and  attended  his  first  course  of  medical  lectures  at  Hanover,  New 
Hampshire,  and  continued  his  medical  studies  under  the  tuition  of 
Professors  Dixi  Crosby  and  E.  R.  Peaslee.  He  spent  the  summer 
of  1859  in  Philadelphia,  Pennsylvania,  attending  the  clinics  at  the 
various  hospitals,  and  in  the  autumn  of  the  same  year  he  matricu- 


lated at  the  Jefferson  Medical  College.  In  1861  he  returned  to 
Philadelphia  and  attended  his  last  course  of  lectures,  and  graduated 
at  the  Jefferson  School  in  March,  1862. 

Immediately  after  graduation  he  located  at  Decatur,  Illinois,  and 
formed  a partnership  with  Dr.  E.  W.  Moore,  which  has  continued 
to  the  present  time.  In  March,  1843,  he  was  appointed  and  com- 
missioned as  surgeon  of  the  116th  Regiment  of  Illinois  Volunteers. 
In  1864  he  was  appointed  surgeon-in-chief  of  the  2d  Div.  Army 
Corps,  and  in  1865  was  placed  in  charge  of  the  Division  Hospital. 
He  was  with  his  regiment  when,  as  part  of  the  Army  of  the  Tennes- 
see, it  participated  in  the  battles  around  Vicksburg  and  Jackson, 
Mississippi ; Chattanooga,  Mission  Ridge  and  Knoxville,  Tennessee ; 
Resaca,  Dallas,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Marietta,  Atlanta,  Fort  Mc- 
Allister and  Savannah,  Georgia  ; and  Columbia,  South  Carolina. 
After  marching  with  Sherman  to  the  sea,  and  thence  through  the 
Carolinas  and  Virginia  to  Washington,  District  of  Columbia,  he 
was  mustered  out  with  his  regiment  near  the  latter  city  in  June, 
1865.  He  at  once  returned  to  Decatur  and  resumed  the  practice 
of  his  profession,  in  which  he  has  been  very  successful.  The  part- 
nership between  him  and  Dr.  Moore  has  existed  longer  than 
any  other  medical  partnership  in  Macon  county.  He  has  been  a 
conscientious  and  industrious  physician,  and  his  energies  have  been 
wholly  devoted  to  his  large  practice.  Dr.  Barnes  is  a member  of 
the  Illinois  State  Medical  Society  and  of  the  American  Medical 
Association,  and  one  of  the  physicians  to  the  Hospital  of  the  Sisters 
of  St.  Francis.  On  the  25th  of  September,  1861,  he  was  married 
to  Diantha  G.  Sargent,  of  Claremont,  New  Hampshire,  who  died 
May  10th,  1879.  He  has  one  child,  a son,  Lynn  Moore  Barnes, 
born  October  3d,  1873. 


142 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


Dr.  Enoch  W.  Moore,  who  has  been  engaged  in  the  practice  of 
medicine  at  Decatur  since  1856,  is  a descendant  of  the  earliest 
American  family  to  settle  in  Illinois.  His  ancestors  were  Scotch- 
Irish,  and,  on  their  emigration  to  America,  settled  in  Virginia. 
His  grandfather,  James  Moore,  was  a captain  in  the  Virginia  forces 
during  the  war  of  the  revolution.  He  came  with  his  family  to  Illi- 
nois in  the  year  1781.  He  was  accompanied  by  a family  named 
Garrettson.  These  were  the  first  American  families  to  settle  per- 
manently in  Illinois.  Kaskaskia  had  been  founded  by  the  French 
a hundred  years  previous,  but  no  American  or  English  families 
came  to  the  country  till  the  time  of  the  revolution.  James  Moore 
first  came  to  Kaskaskia,  and  soon  afterward  settled  at  Bellefont.aine> 
near  the  present  town  of  Waterloo,  in  Monroe  county.  Other  fam- 
ilies subsequently  came  from  Virginia  and-  other  states,  and  the 
American  settlement  extended  to  the  Mississippi  Bottom,  which,  in 
consequence,  was  called  the  American  Bottom.  James  Moore  wras 
about  thirty  years  of  age  when  he  came  to  Illinois.  He  was  a man 
of  considerable  energy  and  force  of  chax-acter.  He  died  about  the 
year  1787.  He  put  a fine  farm  under  cultivation,  and  the  year  of 
his  death  had  one  hundred  acres  of  wheat.  Wheat  at  that  time 
commanded  a dollar  a bushel  at  Kaskaskia.  The  French  residents 
of  that  place  were  but  little  inclined  toward  agriculture,  and 
scarcely  raised  enough  grain  for  their  own  consumption. 

The  father  of  the  subject  of  this  biography  (Enoch  Moore)  was 
born  at  Bellefontaine  in  February,  1783.  He  was  the  first  male 
child  born  of  American  parents  within  the  limits  of  the  present 
State  of  Illinois.  He  died  in  Monroe  county  in  the  year  1848.  He 
was  a man  highly  respected  in  that  part  of  the  state,  and  held  sev- 
eral important  public  positions.  For  many  years  he  was  clerk  of 
the  circuit  court,  and  for  about  twenty  years  judge  of  the  pro- 


bate court.  He  was  a representative  from  Monroe  county  in  the 
state  legislature,  and  a member  of  the  convention  which  met  at 
Kaskaskia,  in  the  summer  of  1818,  and  framed  the  first  consti- 
tution of  the  State  of  Illinois.  Dr.  Moore’s  mother  was  Mary 
Whiteside,  daughter  of  Colonel  William  Whiteside,  one  of  the  pio- 
neer settlers  of  Monroe  county.  She  wras  born  at  the  head  of  the 
Big  Elkhorn,  in  Kentucky,  and  was  five  years  old  when  she  came 
to  Illinois,  in  the  year  1793.  The  Whitesides  were  Kentuckians, 
and  were  celebrated  as  Indian  fighters.  In  the  annals  of  the  early 
history  of  this  state  are  x-ecorded  many  incidents  of  daring  and 
bravery  in  which  members  of  the  Whiteside  family  prominently 
figured. 

Dr.  Moore  was  the  seventh  of  a family  of  ten  children,  and  was 
born  near  Waterloo,  in  Monroe  county,  on  the  seventh  of  Decem- 
ber, 1821.  His  boyhood  was  spent  in  his  native  county.  He  at- 
tended school  at  Waterloo,  and  secured  the  elements  of  a good  Eng- 
lish education,  principally  under  the  instruction  of  Nathan  Scarritt, 
a teacher  of  mox’e  than  ordinary  ability.  For  some  time  he  taught 
school.  In  the  fall  of  1849,  he  began  the  study  of  medicine  at 
Columbia,  in  Monroe  county,  with  Dr.  Knott.  He  received  his 
medical  education  in  the  medical  department  of  the  St.  Louis  Uni- 
versity, nowr  the  St.  Louis  Medical  College.  He  graduated  from 
this  institution  in  March,  1853.  In  the  year  1851,  he  began 
the  practice  of  his  profession  at  Caxdisle,  Illinois.  He  became  a 
resident  of  Decatur  in  March,  1856,  and  at  once  established  himself 
as  one  of  the  leading  physicians.  During  the  war  of  the  rebellion 
he  offex’ed  his  services  to  the  government,  and  was  commissioned  as 
surgeon  of  the  One  Hundi-ed  and  Fifteenth  Illinois  Regiment.  His 
regiment  was  attached  to  the  Army  of  the  Cumberland,  and  during 
his  connection  with  it  served  in  Kentucky  and  Tennessee.  After 


Res/dence  of  D1E.W. MOORE,  4-9  West  Ma/r  St  .Decatur, /ll  . 


R esi d ence  of  D*  IRA  N B A R IV £ S , Cor. North  ScCollege  Sts.  D ecatur,/ll  . 


* 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


143 


seven  months’  service,  he  resigned  on  account  of  ill  health,  and  re- 
sumed his  medical  practice  at  Decatur. 

He  was  married  in  October,  1854,  to  Miss  Annie  B.  Lockwood,  a 
native  of  Philadelphia,  daughter  of  Hon.  Daniel  C.  Lockwood. 
She  was  connected  with  the  Cummins  family,  one  of  whose  mem- 
bers was  Bishop  Cummins  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church, 
and  was  a cousin  of  General  Henry  K.  Lockwood  of  the  United 
States  Regular  Army,  now  stationed  at  the  Naval  Academy  at  An- 
napolis, Maryland.  Her  death  occurred  in  July,  1876.  By  this 
marriage  he  bad  three  children,  of  whom  only  one,  a daughter,  is 
now  living.  Dr.  Moore  was  originally  a whig,  and  supported  Henry 
Clay  in  the  presidential  election  of  1844.  On  the  dissolution  of 
the  whig  party,  his  anti-slavery  sentiments  made  him  a republican. 
He  voted  for  Fremont  in  1856,  the  first  nominee  of  the  republican 
party  for  president,  and  has  voted  for  every  republican  presidential 
candidate  from  that  time  to  the  present.  For  many  years  he  has 
been  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 

Although  his  large  practice  has  been  of  a general  character  for 
the  last  eight  or  ten  years,  he  has  devoted  special  attention  to  the 
diseases  of  women  and  children.  Of  thorough  attainments  as  a 
physician,  a diligent  student  of  progressive  medical  science,  and  a 
man  of  the  highest  personal  character,  he  has  met  with  merited 
success  in  his  profession. 


DR.  WILLIAM  A.  BARNES. 

Dr.  Barnes,  a native  of  Claremont,  New  Hampshire,  and  was  born 
on  the  fifteenth  of  March,  1824.  His  paternal  grandfather  was  one 
of  the  early  settlers  of  New  Hampshire,  removing  from  Farmington, 
Connecticut,  to  Claremont,  when  that  part  of  the  state  was  almost  a 
complete  wilderness.  His  father,  Ira  N.  Barnes,  was  born  at  Clare- 
mont. He  was  a farmer  in  comfortable  circumstances;  when  only 
about  thirty  years  of  age  his  death  resulted  from  an  accident. 
Dr.  Barnes’  mother,  Harriet  Eastman,  belonged  to  an  old  New 
England  family,  which  has  produced  several  men  of  distinction. 
The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  the  oldest  of  five  children.  He  was 
six  years  old  when  his  father  died.  From  seven  till  he  was  fifteen 
years  of  age,  his  home  was  with  his  grandfather.  He  had  good 
advantages  for  obtaining  an  education,  the  neighborhood  in  which 
he  was  raised  abounding  in  excellent  schools.  He  attended  the 
Claremont  academy.  In  the  year  1839,  when  fifteen,  he  went  to 
Dayton,  Ohio,  to  live  with  a cousin.  He  attended  school  at 
Dayton,  and  in  the  year  1844, 'when  twenty,  began  teaching  school  in 
Montgomery  county,  Ohio.  He  also  for  a time  taught  music,  to 
which  he  had  devoted  considerable  attention.  He  began  the  study 
of  medicine  in  1846,  in  the  office  of  Dr.  Van  Harlingen,  at  Centre- 
ville,  Ohio.  After  completing  his  preparatory  studies,  he  attended 
his  first  course  of  lectures  at  the  Starling  Medical  College  at  Colum- 
bia. In  the  fall  of  1849  he  went  to  Philadelphia  and  began  his  second 
course  of  lectures  at  the  University  of  Pennsylvania,  from  which  he 
graduated  in  the  spring  of  1850.  His  marriage  occurred  on  the 
thirtieth  of  October,  1849,  to  Eleanor  Sawyer,  a native  of  Lebanon 
county,  Pennsylvania,  with  whom  Dr.  Barnes  had  become  ac- 
quainted while  she  was  a resident  of  Centreville,  Ohio.  His  mar- 
riage took  place  in  Dauphin  county,  Pennsylvania. 

In  1850  after  his  graduation,  he  began  practice  at  Centreville, 
Ohio,  but  in  the  autumn  of  the  same  year  removed  to  Valparaiso, 
Indiana,  where  he  was  engaged  in  the  practice  of  his  profession 
for  three  years.  In  1853  he  became  a resident  of  Decatur.  He 
purchased  a track  of  land  four  miles  from  town,  and  devoted  his  at- 


tention to  its  improvement.  In  1855  he  succeeded  Drs.  King  and 
Chenoweth  in  the  ownership  of  a drug  store  in  Decatur,  which  he 
carried  on  till  1859.  He  received  the  appointment  of  master  in 
chancery  in  1861,  and  filled  the  office  throughout  almost  the  entire 
period  of  the  war,  resigning  in  1865.  He'was  one  of  the  first  to  enr 
bark  in  the  manufacturing  business,  which  has  added  so  much  to 
the  prosperity  of  Decatur.  In  1860,  in  partnership  with  William 
Lintner,  he  started  a factory  for  the  manufacture  of  hay-presses,  to 
which  the  making  of  pumps  and  agricultural  implements  was  after- 
wards added.  His  was  one  of  the  first  manufacturing  establishments 
in  Decatur.  He  disposed  of  his  interest  to  his  partner,  from  whom 
the  factory  passed  into  the  hands  of  the  present  proprietors,  who 
carry  it  on  as  the  Decatur  Furniture  Factory.  .Since  1868  he  has 
been  principally  engaged  in  dealing  in  real  estate,  and  the  improve- 
ment of  lauds,  of  which  he  owns  several  tracts  in  Macon,  Piatt  and 
Moultrie  counties. 

Dr.  Barnes  was  one  of  the  old  original  Republicans  of  Macon 
county,  and  has  been  a member  of  the  party  from  its  first  organi- 
zation in  this  part  of  the  state.  He  took  a deep  interest  in  the 
support  of  Fremont,  the  Republican  candidate  for  the  Presidency 
in  1856,  and  made  several  speeches  in  his  behalf  throughout  the 
county.  He  has  been  one  of  the  representative  citizens  of  Decatur, 
and  has  filled  several  public  positions.  Previous  to  the  war  he  was 
Mayor  of  Decatur,  and  has  represented  his  ward  several  times  in 
the  board  of  Aldermen.  He  has  been  an  advocate  of  every  enter- 
prise which  he  considered  likely  to  advance  the  interests  of  Decatur, 
and  did  his  full  share  toward  securing  to  the  city  the  system  of 
railroads,  which  now  makes  it  such  an  important  railroad  centre.  He 
was  one  of  the  active  members  of  the  Citizens’  Association,  orga- 
nized to  advance  the  public  interests  of  Decatur.  In  the  educa- 
tional interest  of  the  city  he  has  always  taken  a warm  interest. 
For  several  years  he  has  been  one  of  the  active  members  of  the 
Board  of  Education,  and  is  now  its  President.  With  the  exception 
of  one  year  he  has  been  President  of  the  Decatur  Public  Library 
since  its  organization.  These  facts  are  sufficient  to  show  his  connec- 
tion with  the  best  and  most  important  interests  of  Decatur,  to 
whose  superiority  as  an  educational  centre,  and  place  of  residence 
few  citizens  have  done  more  to  contribute. 


W.  H.  BRAMBLE. 

W.  H.  Bramble  was  born  at  Piketon,  Ross  county,  Ohio,  Sep- 
tember nineteenth,  1821.  His  parents,  Henry  Bramble  and  Eliza 
Turner,  were  natives  of  Maryland,  and  at  an  early  day  emigrated  to 
Ohio,  and  settled  at  Chillicothe,  in  Ross  county.  His  mother  died 
in  Ross  county.  Mr.  Bramble  was  the  youngest  of  four  children. 
He  lived  in  Ross  county  till  twelve  years  of  age,  when  his  father 
moved  to  Newark,  Ohio,  and  about  two  years  afterward  to  Delphi, 
Indiana.  His  father  kept  a hotel  both  at  Piketon  and  Newark,  and 
at  Delphi  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business.  He  then  moved  on 
a farm  in  Tippecanoe  county,  Indiana,  and  from  there  removed  to 
Dayton  in  the  same  state,  where  Mr.  Bramble’s  father  died,  when 
the  subject  of  this  sketch  was  seventeen  years  old.  In  the  various 
places  which  had  been  the  home  of  the  family,  Mr.  Bramble  at- 
tended school  and  laid  the  foundation  of  a good  education.  He 
remained  on  the  farm  after  his  father  died,  and  in  1840,  then  nine- 
teen years  of  age,  he  married  Miss  Anna  Slayback,  who  was  born 
near  Hamilton,  Ohio.  Her  father,  Levi  Slayback,  was  a farmer, 
and  from  Ohio  moved  to  Indiana. 

Iii  his  early  boyhood  the  bent  of  his  mind  led  him  to  attempt 
various  mechanical  contrivances,  and  he  was  always  employed  on 


144 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


some  new  invention.  After  his  marriage  he  still  proposed  to  carry 
on  farming,  but  his  mind  was  so  full  of  different  kinds  of  machines 
and  improvements  that  he  found  it  impossible  to  make  agriculture 
a success.  In  1841  he  patented  an  improved  cultivator,  and  then 
sold  the  farm  and  built  a hotel  four  miles  from  Lafayette,  Indiana, 
called  the  Fountain  Rise,  where  he  remained  about  three  years. 
He  conceived  the  idea  that  a grain  scale  could  be  invented 
by  which  grain  could  be  measured  and  weighed.  He  worked 
on  this  plan  for  eleven  years,  devoting  to  it  almost  his  entire 
time.  His  mind  was  completely  absorbed  in  the  project;  other 
business  was  neglected ; and  the  money  he  received  from  the  sale  of 
his  farm  was  soon  spent.  The  neighbors  seeing  the  light  in  his 
solitary  room  during  the  small  hours  of  the  night  began  to  form  the 
opinion  that  he  had  lost  his  reason,  but  still  he  worked  on,  trying 
new  experiments,  and  changing  pieces  of  machinery,  till  at  last  he 
was  successful,  and  placed  on  exhibition  at  Lafayette  a grain  scale 
which  received  and  measured  grain,  gave  the  number  of  bushels, 
and  calculated  the  amount  it  came  to  at  the  current  price. 
It  created  great  excitement  and  enthusiasm  among  the  people,  and 
in  six  weeks  he  sold  forty-seven  thousand  dollars  worth  of  rights  to 
territory.  Thinking  he  had  sufficient  money  he  bought  the  Lafay- 
ette House,  the  largest  hotel  in  Lafayette,  but  finding  the  house  not 
large  enough  to  suit  his  wishes,  he  bought  a lot  on  the  opposite 
corner  and  built  the  Bramble  House,  which  still  bears  his  name. 
But  this  prosperity  was  only  short-lived.  The  grain  scale  worked 
well  enough  for  small  quantities  of  grain,  but  for  large  quantities  it 
was  a total  failure.  His  recently  acquired  property  was  swept  away  ; 
to  the  buyers  of  rights  he  gave  back  their  money,  and  he  was  left 
without  a dollar.  In  this  disheartening  condition  a persoual  friend, 
a banker  at  Lafayette,  John  Reynolds,  came  to  him  and  asked  him 
whether  he  could  remedy  the  faults  in  his  machine  if  he  had  time 
to  make  further  experiments.  Mr.  Bramble  replied,  “Yes.” 
Reynolds  gave  him  a check  for  two  thousand  dollars,  told  him  to 
remove  his  family  to  some  suitable  place,  and  go  on  with  his  expe- 
riments. He  placed  his  family  near  Xenia,  Ohio,  and  went  to 
Cincinnati,  and  in  five  weeks  perfected  a new  machine;  this  he 
placed  in  operation  at  Xenia,  and  it  worked  in  a perfectly  satisfactory 
manner,  showing  none  of  the  faults  of  the  original  machine.  He 
took  out  several  patents  covering  the  invention  and  improvements. 
The  machine  weighed  all  grain  poured  in  the  hopper  from  one 
pound  to  thousands  with  mathematical  accuracy,  discharged  itself 
while  the  wheat  was  running,  and  kept  its  own  accounts.  The 
machinery  to  accomplish  these  results  was  remarkably  simple  and 
certain.  He  opened  an  office  at  Cincinnati,  and  in  eleven  months 
sold  $128,000  worth  of  rights  for  which  the  cash  or  equivalent 
property  was  received.  The  most  of  this  he  was  cheated  out  of  by 
his  partner,  a man  whom  he  had  taken  into  the  business  without  a 
dollar.  This  machine  he  exhibited  in  every  state  in  the  Union, 
received  premiums  at  hundreds  of  different  fairs,  and  a gold  medal 
at  the  New  York  American  Institute.  At  the  World’s  Fair  in  the 
Crystal  Palace  in  New  York  he  was  given  the  best  location  and 
drew  the  largest  crowds  of  any  of  the  exhibitors.  He  sent  a man  to 
Europe  under  an  arrangement  by  which  patents  were  to  be  taken 
out  in  the  name  of  Mr.  Bramble,  but  he  took  the  patents  out  in  his 
own  name  instead,  thus  defrauding  him  out  of  all  the  fruits  of  his 
invention  in  European  countries. 

After  these  unfortunate  transactions  with  the  Automatic  Grain 
Scale  he  made  up  his  mind  to  go  West.  He  had  become  the  owner 
of  fourteen  hundred  acres  of  land  near  Council  Bluffs,  Iowa,  and  in 
the  spring  of  1857  went  to  that  locality.  He  found  the  land  poor 
and  partly  covered  with  water,  and  the  country  wild  and  unsettled. 
His  family  being  dissatisfied  he  shipped  his  goods  back  to  St.  Louis 


without  unboxing,  intending  to  return  to  Springfield,  Ohio,  unless 
he  could  find  a location  elsewhere.  On  his  way  east  from  St.  Louis 
he  stopped  at  Jacksonville,  but  not  liking  the  place  he  came  to 
Decatur,  which  appearing  to  be  a thriving  town,  he  concluded  to 
settle  there.  At  that  time  he  was  without  a single  acquaintance  in 
Decatur.  He  had  no  money,  though  the  sale  of  some  fine  furniture 
bi-ought  him  some  cash.  Buying  an  acre  of  land  of  Orlando  Pow- 
ers, he  built  a shed  of  lumber  without  a floor,  into  which  he  moved 
a costly  piano  and  other  fine  furniture.  The  same  fall  he  built  the 
brick  residence  in  the  south-west  part  of  Decatur  now  occupied  by 
Charles  Ewing.  His  sons  helped  make  the  brick,  which  Mr. 
Bramble  laid,  his  first  experience  at  brick-laying,  and  the  house, 
even  to  the  wood-work,  was  completed  by  their  own  hands,  and  was 
at  the  time  one  of  the  best  residences  in  that  part  of  the  town.  He 
afterward  built  some  fine  residences  in  the  same  neighborhood. 

He  then  went  to  work  on  inventions.  He  patented  an  improved 
bedstead,  which  was  a success,  and  was  known  as  Bramble’s  Spring 
Rockaway  Bed,  many  of  which  are  still  used  in  Decatur.  His 
attention  was  next  turned  to  a post-office  lock-box,  for  which  he 
made  the  first  application  for  a patent  in  1865.  He  showed  it  to 
the  Boston  post-master,  who  agreed  to  adopt  the  box,  using  an 
appropriation  of  twenty  thousand  dollars  made  for  that  purpose. 
The  Yale  Lock  manufacturing  company,  of  Stamford,  Connecticut, 
adopted  his  ideas,  and  began  manufacturing  the  boxes  in  the  face  of 
Mr.  Bramble’s  patent.  A long  and  vexatious  contest  followed,  and 
after  Mr.  Bramble  had  brought  suit  in  the  United  States  courts,  a 
compromise  was  effected,  and  Mr.  Bramble  now  receives  a royalty 
on  every  post-office  box  sold  in  the  United  States.  Of  these  boxes 
he  was  the  original  inventor,  and  the  courts  have  decided  that  no 
other  company  has  a right  to  manufacture  post-office  boxes.  He 
has  also  a complete  line  of  door  locks  and  padlocks,  now  manufac- 
tured by  Russel  Erwin  of  New  Britain,  Connecticut,  and  said  to  be 
the  best  and  most  perfect  ever  put  on  the  market.  These  locks  took 
the  premium  at  the  last  Paris  Exposition.  He  expects  to  devote 
the  rest  of  his  time  to  improvements  on  locks. 

In  his  earlier  life  he  was  a somnambulist ; and  every  night  was 
accustomed  unconsciously  to  walk  in  his  sleep.  In  his  youth  he  has 
been  known  to  get  out  of  bed,  take  a horse  from  the  stable,  and  ride 
ten  miles  without  waking.  After  building  the  Bramble  House,  a 
high  four-story  building,  he  xvas  seen  walking  on  the  fire  walls 
without  any  consciousness  of  danger.  The  concern  of  his  friends 
led  them  to  try  the  experiment  of  locking  him  in  his  room  at  night, 
but  waking  and  unable  to  get  out  of  the  door  he  jumped  from  his 
window  in  the  third  story  to  the  pavement,  receiving  injuries  from 
which  he  did  not  recover  for  several  weeks.  He  has  not  practiced 
somnambulism  for  the  last  twenty  years,  and  his  health  through  life 
has  been  good.  He  has  three  children  : O.  N.  Bramble,  assistant 
engineer  at  the  water-works;  Edward  Bramble,  mail  agent  on  the 
St.  Louis  branch  of  the  Wabash,  St.  Louis  and  Pacific  railway;  and 
Estelle,  now  the  wife  of  A.  F.  Jenison.  In  his  politics  he  was  first 
a Whig;  became  an  early  Republican,  voting  for  Fremont  in  1856, 
and  has  since  been  a strong  member  of  that  party.  He  has  been 
alderman  from  the  third  ward  five  terms,  serving  ten  years,  a longer 
time  than  any  other  member  of  the  council.  He  is  a man  of  con- 
siderable influence  among  the  voters.  He  wTas  contractor  for  build- 
ing the  railroad  between  Decatur  and  Monticello,  which  he  graded 
half  the  distance  without  receiving  any  adequate  compensation  on 
account  of  the  financial  standing  of  the  company.  He  has  never 
sworn  an  oath,  or  used  whiskey  or  tobacco  in  his  life.  He  is  one 
of  the  active  and  public-spirited  citizens  of  Decatur,  and  freely  gives 
his  time  to  carry  out  any  project  in  which  the  interests  of  his 
adopted  city  are  in  question. 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


145 


Mahlon  Haworth  has  been  a resident  of  Decatur  since  1857. 
The  family  from  which  he  is  descended  was  of  English  origin.  It 
is  said  that  the  first  of  the  Haworths  to  come  to  America  were 
James  and  Thomas  Haworth ; one  of  whom  settled  in  Pennsylvania 
and  the  other  in  Virginia,  early  in  the  history  of  the  American 
colonies.  In  England  the  Haworths  had  been  members  of  the 
society  of  Friends  from  its  first  organization.  George  Haworth,  the 
grandfather  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  born  in  Virginia  and 
lived  there  during  the  Revolutionary  war.  Mr.  Haworth’s  father, 
Mahlon  Haworth,  was  born  in  the  valley  of  Virginia,  near  Win- 
chester. He  married  Phoebe  Frazer,  a native  of  Berks  county, 
Pennsylvania,  who  was  connected  with  a Scotch  family  which  had 
settled  in  Pennsylvania  at  an  early  period.  Shortly  after  his  mar- 
riage he  removed  to  the  neighborhood  of  Knoxville,  in  east  Tennessee, 
where  he  lived  several  years,  and  where  two  of  his  children  were 
born.  About  the  year  1800  he  concluded  to  make  his  home  in 
Ohio,  then  a wilderness  in  which  the  white  settlements  were  far 
from  numerous.  After  residing  for  a time  in  Warren  county,  he 
purchased  land  and  settled  in  Clinton  county.  He  was  one  of  the 
pioneers  of  that  region,  and  when  he  first  located  there  had  only  one 
neighbor  within  a distance  of  many  miles.  Mr.  Haworth’s  parents 
died  in  Clinton  county,  Ohio,  on  the  same  farm  on  which  they 
originally  settled. 

The  birth  of  Mahlon  Haworth  occurred  on  this  farm  in  Clinton 
county,  Ohio,  on  the  twentieth  of  August,  1809.  He  was  the  sixth 
of  nine  children.  That  part  of  Ohio,  though  only  forty  miles  from 
the  city  of  Cincinnati,  was  in  his  early  boyhood  thinly  settled. 
Schools  had  been  established,  but  the  course  of  instruction  was 
19 


usually  very  meager  and  limited.  The  school-houses  were  old- 
fashioned  log  structures  with  slab  benches.  Mr.  Haworth  took  the 
best  advantage  possible  of  these  opportunities.  He  could  only  go  to 
school  in  the  winter  season.  He  attended  school  in  the  neighbor- 
hood of  his  home,  and  afterward  at  Xenia  and  Wilmington.  His 
school  days  were  over  at  the  age  of  eighteen,  and  he  then  began 
teaching,  at  which  he  was  occupied  for  three  or  four  years.  On  the 
twentieth  of  August,  1830,  he  married  Sarah  J.  Woolman,  a native 
of  Clark  county,  Ohio,  who  belonged  to  the  same  family  as  the 
celebrated  John  Woolman,  famous  as  a Quaker  preacher,  and  an 
early  advocate  of  the  abolition  of  slavery.  In  the  year  1832  Mr. 
Haworth  began  the  mercantile  business,  first  in  Warren  county, 
Ohio,  and  afterward  at  Port  William,  in  Clinton  county.  In  the 
year  1835  he  sold  out  his  stock  of  goods,  purchased  a farm  near 
Port  William,  and  engaged  in  farming.  He  also  for  a time  man- 
aged a saw-mill  which  was  run  by  water-power.  For  nine  years  he 
served  as  justice  of  the  peace,  and  for  a considerable  period  was 
postmaster  at  Port  William.  He  removed  to  this  state  in  1853, 
and  for  three  years  lived  on  a farm  near  Mechanicsburg,  in  Sanga- 
mon county.  In  1857  he  removed  to  Decatur,  which  has  since  been 
his  home.  In  1859  he  undertook  the  business  of  buying  and  ship- 
ping grain,  which  he  continued  for  nearly  twenty  years.  In  the 
year  1869  the  present  firm  of  Hawrorth  and  Sons  was  established, 
and  the  manufacture  begun  of  the  Haworth  Check  Rower,  which 
has  since  had  such  a large  and  popular  sale.  The  other  members 
of  the  firm  are  his  sons,  L.  L.  Haworth,  George  D.  Haworth  and 
James  W.  Haworth,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Haworth  have  been  the  parents 
of  nine  children.  The  three  sons  now  living,  L.  L.  Ha-worth,  George 


146 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


D.  Haworth  and  James  W.  Haworth  are  residents  of  Decatur.  Of 
the  two  daughters,  Annie  M.  is  the  wife  of  K.  H.  Roby,  and  Mary 
R.  married  George  Simpson.  Uriah  E.  Haworth,  the  second  son, 
died  in  the  year  1852,  at  the  age  of  twenty,  at  St.  Joseph,  Missouri, 
while  on  his  way  to  California.  Another  son,  Mahlou  F.  Haworth, 
enlisted  in  1861  in  the  Seventh  Illinois  Cavalry.  He  served  with 
his  regiment  in  Missouri,  Tennessee,  Mississippi  and  other  parts  of 
the  South  ; took  part  in  several  hard-fought  battles,  and  was  finally 
taken  prisoner  at  Colliersville,  Tennessee.  He  was  first  confined  at 
Belle  Island  and  was  afterward  transferred  to  Andersonville,  where 
he  died  toward  the  close  of  the  war.  Two  other  children  died  in 
infancy. 

Mr.  Haworth’s  political  opinions  have  been  in  sympathy  with  the 
Whig  and  Republican  parties.  The  first  vote  which  he  cast  for 
President  was  in  1832,  when  he  supported  Henry  Clay,  the  Whig 
candidate,  against  Jackson.  From  his  earliest  recollection  he  was 
opposed  to  slavery.  His  belief  that  no  man  had  a right  to  hold 
another  in  servitude  was  imbibed  from  his  parents,  who  maintained 
that  doctrine  in  common  with  the  great  mass  of  the  society  of 
Friends.  He  was  accordingly  an  early  member  of  the  Republican 
party,  and  has  lived  to  see  the  final  triumph  of  the  principles  to 
which  he  has  been  devoted  all  his  life.  He  has  never  held  any 
political  office  in  this  state  with  the  exception  of  acting  as  a member 
of  the  city  council  of  Decatur  in  1859. 


EDWARD  OWEN  SMITH, 

Now  a resident  of  California,  is  one  of  the  men  to  whom  the  city 
of  Decatur  and  the  county  of  Macon  owe  a great  part  of  their 
growth  and  development.  His  father,  the  Rev.  James  Smith,  was 
a popular  and  distinguished  Methodist  preacher  of  Baltimore  who 
died  in  that  city,  leaving  six  children,  of  whom  the  subject  of  this 
sketch  was  the  fourth.  He  was  born  in  Montgomery  county, 
Maryland,  three  miles  west  of  Baltimore,  on  the  fifteenth  of  April, 
1817.  After  his  father’s  death  his  home  was  with  his  grandmother, 
Mrs.  Rachel  Owen.  When  fifteen  years  of  age  he  went  to  Wash- 
ington City  where  he  was  clerk  in  a store  during  part  of  General 
Jackson’s  administration.  He  returned  to  his  home  near  Balti- 
more, and  soon  afterward  carried  out  a purpose  which  he  had 
formed  of  trying  his  fortune  in  the  west.  In  the  fall  of  1834  he 
set  out  for  Ohio,  then  considered  one  of  the  frontier  states.  The 
nineteen  dollars  which  constituted  the  whole  amount  of  his  capital 
had  been  earned  by  his  own  labor.  With  a knapsack  on  his 
shoulder  containing  all  his  worldly  effects,  he  started  on  foot,  and 
following  the  old  National  road  across  the  Allegheny  mountains 
reached  Springfield,  Ohio,  a distance  of  five  hundred  miles  from 
Baltimore.  At  Springfield  he  learned  the  trade  of  a carpenter 
with  a man  named  Samuel  Price,  but  becoming  afflicted  with  the 
throat  disease  concluded  to  journey  farther  west.  He  stopped  for 
a short  time  at  Montezuma,  Indiana  ; afterward  worked  at  his 
trade  about  a year  at  Terre  Haute ; and  in  May,  1837,  came  to 
Decatur.  He  soon  found  employment.  His  first  work  was  to 
build  a house  for  Captain  D.  L.  Allen  on  Water  street,  above  North 
street,  and  another  residence  immediately  south,  which  are  now, 
with  one  exception,  the  oldest  houses  remaining  in  Decatur.  The 
fall  of  the  same  year  he  built  the  old  Macon  Hotel  on  the  east  side 
of  the  Park.  At  that  time  the  site  of  this  building  was  in  the 
midst  of  heavy  timber.  The  following  winter  he  built  Sjiangler’s 
Mill  on  the  Sangamon  river  four  miles  east  of  Decatur.  He  was 
then  only  twenty  years  of  age,  but  at  once  established  a reputation 
as  a good  business  man  and  an  enterprising  builder. 


He  was  engaged  in  active  business  in  Decatur  till  1853,  when  he 
made  his  first  visit  to  California.  He  raised  a company  of  thirty- 
nine  young  men  and  crossed  the  Plains,  reaching  his  destination  in 
about  a hundred  days.  He  took  with  him  a drove  of  cattle. 
After  a stay  of  two  years  and  three  months  on  the  Pacific  coast 
he  returned  to  Decatur,  having  made  considerable  profit  from  his 
business  ventures.  He  then  began  to  improve  property  on  Water 
street.  The  entire  business  of  the  place  was  formerly  conducted 
around  the  old  square,  and  he  was  the  first  to  turn  the  current 
toward  what  is  now  the  principal  business  thoroughfare.  He 
erected  the  first  business  structures  on  Water  street,  two  three- 
story  buildings,  one  of  which  is  now  occupied  by  the  Decatur 
National  Bank.  The  next  year  in  connection  with  Dr.  J.  T.  B. 
Stapp,  he  built  several  stores  on  the  south  side  of  the  park. 

He  started  on  his  second  trip  to  California  in  1858.  This 
journey  proved  a dangerous  and  difficult  undertaking.  He  pro- 
posed to  take  a large  drove  of  horses  and  cattle,  which  he  pui- 
chased  in  south-west  Missouri  and  the  Indian  territory  through  to 
California  by  way  of  New  Mexico  and  Arizona,  at  that  time  a 
route  but  little  traveled.  With  a company  of  forty-one  young  men 
he  explored  his  way  through  a complete  wilderness  from  Fort  Gib- 
son to  Albuquerque,  New  Mexico.  Twice  in  this  distance  was  his 
company  attacked  by  the  Indians,  who  each  time  were  repulsed 
without  loss.  The  blanket  which  he  carried  was  pierced  by  an 
Indian  lance.  Five  hundred  miles  west  of  the  Rio  Grande,  among 
the  San  Francisco  mountains  they  encountered  a body  of  returning 
emigrants  who  had  been  driven  back  by  the  Indians.  Eight  of 
their  number  had  been  killed,  and  all  their  cattle  had  been  stolen. 
After  driving  off'  the  Indians,  who  were  still  in  pursuit,  it  was  re- 
solved to  return  to  the  Rio  Grande  river,  winter  there,  and  then 
proceed  to  California  the  next  year  by  another  route.  On  their 
march  back  their  provisions  soon  gave  out,  and  for  six  weeks  their 
only  food  was  boiled  beef  without  salt.  After  going  into  winter 
quarters  here  Mr.  Smith  grew  restless,  and  determined  to  go  through 
to  California  that  winter.  He  managed  to  secure  four  men  to  assist 
him  in  driving  the  cattle.  A Mrs.  Bx-own  of  Iowa,  whose  husband 
had  been  killed  by  the  Indians  and  who  was  anxious  to  reach 
some  relatives  in  California,  and  her  four  small  daughters,  were 
also  members  of  the  party.  They  set  out  in  January,  1859,  and 
after  a journey  of  thirteen  hundred  miles  through  New  Mexico 
and  Arizona,  reached  San  Francisco  in  safety  without  more  peril- 
ous adventure  than  meeting  two  hundred  Indian  warriors  at 
Apache  Pass  who,  however,  acted  in  a friendly  manner,  the  chief 
bestowing  on  Mr.  Smith  a quiver  of  lion’s  skin  filled  with  arrows 
as  a token  of  friendship.  Mrs.  Brown,  the  hei’oine  of  the  arduous 
journey,  found  her  relatives,  and  subsequently  manned  Judge 
Johnson,  of  San  Francisco,  who  thanked  Mr.  Smith  with  great 
conliality  for  bringing  him  so  good  a wife.  The  cattle  had  been 
left  behind  in  Arizona,  and  after  grazing  them  for  a while  in  Lower 
California  near  the  mouth  of  the  Coloi-ado,  he  brought  them  to 
San  Francisco  in  March,  1860,  two  years  after  starting  with  them 
from  Missouri.  The  calves  had  become  nearly  grown. 

In  the  fall  of  1860  he  started  from  Los  Angelos,  California,  for 
Texas,  intending  to  make  aiTangements  to  raise  horses  in  the  latter 
state.  In  2>assing  thi-ough  the  Apache  country  his  company  was 
attacked  by  thirty  Indians,  who  killed  seven  of  their  horses.  Mr. 
Smith  had  six  companions,  one  of  whom  was  too  sick  to  render  any 
assistance  in  the  fight.  AVhile  crossing  the  Staked  Plains  they 
traveled  eighty-six  miles  without  water.  On  i-eaching  a frontier 
town  in  Texas  the  first  sight  that  met  his  eye  was  the  Lone  Star 
flag  of  the  republic  of  Texas,  and  then  he,  for  the  first  time,  learned 
that  Abraham  Lincoln  had  been  elected  president  and  that  Texas 


: V 


BillrlHMr.irH  li-ll  Ji-H 


Residence  of  H.W.  WAGGONER, Decatur,  Macon  Co.  Ill 


Bp  m 


Residence  and  Dairy  of  FRANK  MOSER,  Decatur,  Macon  Co.  I ll. 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


147 


had  withdrawn  from  the  Union,  and  resumed  her  original  position 
as  an  independent  republic.  He  expressed  surprise  and  regret, 
but  the  Texans  assured  him  that  “they  meant  business.”  Through 
Texas  to  Galveston,  from  that  place  on  the  steamer,  to  New  Orleans 
and  thence  up  the  Mississippi  to  Cairo,  nothing  was  heard  but  ex- 
citing talk  regarding  the  preparations  for  rebellion.  He  had  made 
arrangements  with  two  men,  whom  he  left  in  Texas,  to  raise  horses 
on  shares,  but  after  the  war  broke  out  he  entertained  little  hope  of 
reaping  anything  from  his  investment.  Seven  years  afterward, 
however,  his  share  of  the  horses  were  delivered  to  him  at  Decatur. 

On  his  return,  after  an  absence  of  three  years,  he  was  elected  in 
March,  1861,  Mayor  of  Decatur.  He  occupied  this  position  during 
the  first  year  of  the  rebellion,  when  its  duties  were  particularly 
important.  Regiment  after  regiment  of  soldiers  were  fed  at  the 
city’s  expense.  Personally  he  did  everything  in  his  power  to  assist 
the  Union  cause,  assisted  in  recruiting  soldiers,  and  for  various 
objects  in  connection  with  the  war  contributed  liberally  of  his  owm 
means.  In  1864  he  supported  Lincoln  for  president,  believing 
that  his  re-election  would  prove  an  effectual  blow  to  the  rebellion. 
After  the  war  he  could  not  give  his  approval  to  the  congressional  plan 
of  reconstruction,  and  has  since  acted  with  the  Democratic  party. 

In  1847  he  was  elected  a member  of  the  Illinois  Constitutional 
Convention,  representing  in  that  body  Piatt  and  Macon  counties. 
In  1848  he  was  the  whig  candidate  for  State  senator  for  the  district 
embracing  McLean,  Tazewell,  Logan,  De  Witt  and  Macon  counties. 
He  was  elected  by  a flattering  majority  after  a spirited  canvass. 
One  of  his  first  efforts  in  the  Senate,  was  to  secure  the  passage  of 
a joint  resolution  requesting  the  Illinois  Senators  and  Representa- 
tives in  Congress  to  secure  from  the  National  government  a dona- 
tion of  land  for  the  construction  of  the  Illinois  Central  and  the 
Northern  Cross  (now  the  Wabash)  railroad.  Aid  was  subsequently 
granted  the  Illinois  Central.  To  Mr.  Smith  belongs  the  credit  of 
taking  the  first  steps  which  led  to  the  successful  completion  of  this 
important  project.  While  in  the  Constitutional  Convention  he 
was  identified  with  another  measure,  which  proved  of  great  benefit 
to  the  state.  He  was  one  of  the  authors  of  the  special  provision 
adopted  by  a separate  vote  levying  a tax  of  two  mills  to  liquidate 
the  state  debt.  F rom  thirty  the  state  bonds  advanced  to  par,  con- 
fidence in  the  state  increased,  and  immigration  soon  afterward 
poured  in  to  occupy  the  vacant  lands.  He  was  active  in  securing 
for  Macon  county  several  of  her  railroads,  especially  the  Decatur 
and  St.  Louis  (now  the  St.  Louis  branch  of  the  Wabash,  St.  Louis 
and  Pacific)  of  which  he  was  one  of  the  incorporators  and  original 
directors. 

His  first  wife,  whom  he  married  on  the  eighteenth  of  May,  1843, 
was  Miss  Harriet  Krone,  a native  of  Carlisle,  Pennsylvania.  She 
was  a woman  of  modest  and  retiring  demeanor,  a faithful  wife,  a 
devoted  mother,  and  possessed  of  many  excellent  traits  of  cha- 
racter. She  died  on  the  thirteenth  of  January,  1867.  His  second 
marriage  was  on  the  fifteenth  of  April,  1869,  to  Mrs.  Catharine 
Hildman,  of  Peoria  county,  Illinois.  He  has  eleven  children. 
Rachel  R.,  married  Judge  A.  J.  Gallagher  of  Decatur,  now  de- 
ceased. Two  sons,  James  L.,  and  Edward  O.  Smith,  are  residents 
of  the  southern  part  of  Macon  county.  Lydia  A.,  who  married 
the  late  Aquilla  Toland,  resides  in  Austin  township.  M.  Ella  is 
the  wife  of  the  Rev.  S.  S.  Hebberd,  of  Pleasant  Ariew  township. 
Harriet,  now  Mrs.  Frank  Moore,  lives  in  California,  and  Laura, 
the  wife  of  Lester  Brown,  at  Elmwood,  Peoria  county,  in  this  state. 
Two  sons,  Lowell  and  Thomas  Curtis  Smith,  reside  in  California, 
and  Gertrude,  the  youngest  daughter  by  his  first  marriage,  in 
Decatur.  He  has  one  child,  Kate,  by  his  second  marriage.  Mr. 
Smith  at  present  being  a non-resident  of  this  state,  the  materials  of 


this  sketch  have  been  furnished  by  his  children,  living  in  Macon 
county. 

In  1870  he  removed  to  California.  He  lives  on  a farm  just  out- 
side the  corporate  limits  of  San  Jose,  the  garden  city  of  California, 
and  the  most  beautiful  of  all  rural  towns.  He  was  a member  of 
the  recent  Constitutional  Convention  which  framed  the  present 
Constitution  of  California.  He  still  owns  a large  amount  of  pro- 
perty in  this  county,  including  the  Opera  House  in  Decatur,  and  a 
number  of  large  farms.  During  his  early  residence  in  the  county, 
he  had  sufficient  foresight  to  see  that  investments  in  real  estate 
would  prove  profitable,  and  so  purchased  town  lots  and  unimproved 
land.  It  is  safe  to  say  that  he  has  improved  more  land  in  Macon 
county,  than  any  other  one  man,  and  has  also  erected  a large 
number  of  buildings  in  Decatur.  Beside  the  structures  already 
mentioned  he  built  the  four  large  stores  in  the  Opera  House  block, 
the  first  on  that  part  of  Water  street,  and  numerous  private  resi- 
dences. He  was  one  of  the  most  public-spirited  citizens  Decatur 
has  ever  known.  As  a business  man  his  characteristics  are  a great 
energy,  a keen  judgment,  and  a readiness  to  take  advantage  of 
every  opportunity.  He  is  benevolent  and  charitable  in  his  dispo- 
sition, and  no  man  has  been  more  willing  to  relieve  the  wants  of 
the  unfortunate,  or  lend  a helping  hand  to  others.  He  came  to 
the  county  without  means,  and,  by  his  own  talent  and  energy, 
became  one  of  the  most  successful  and  influential  citizens  of  the 
county,  where  he  is  always  welcomed  back  by  his  old  friends  and 
neighbors. 

BRADFORD  K.  DURFEE, 

Member  of  the  real  estate  and  insurance  firm  of  Warren  and 
Durfee,  was  born  at  Marshall,  Michigan,  on  the  twenty-fifth  of 
March,  1838.  The  history  of  the  family  from  which  he  is  de- 
scended in  this  country  dates  back  to  Thomas  Durfee,  who  came 
from  England  and  settled  at  Fall  River,  Massachusetts,  in  1660. 
Nathan  Durfee,  of  the  sixth  generation  in  descent  from  Thomas 
Durfee,  was  born  at  Fall  River  ; accompanied  his  father  to  Ohio 
when  a small  boy  ; grew  up  to  manhood  in  that  state ; and  at 
Cleveland,  Ohio,  in  1837,  married  Margaret  Kirk,  and  the  same 
year  removed  to  Marshall,  Michigan.  The  subject  of  this  sketch 
was  their  oldest  son.  His  home  was  at  Marshall  and  Battle  Creek, 
Michigan,  till  1857,  in  which  year  he  came  to  Decatur.  For  a 
time  after  coming  to  this  state  he  taught  school.  His  father  during 
the  war  of  the  rebellion  enlisted  in  an  Ohio  regiment,  of  which 
Mr.  Durfee’s  uncle,  B.  R.  Durfee,  was  colonel ; and  while  he  was 
absent  in  the  army  Mr.  Durfee  had  charge  of  the  farm.  In  1863 
he  was  employed  by  the  firm  of  Durfee  and  AVarren  to  prepare 
the  set  of  abstracts  of  titles  of  Macon  county.  In  1865  he  became 
a member  of  the  firm  of  Durfee,  Warren  and  Co.,  and  has  since 
been  associated  with  John  K.  Warren  in  the  real  estate  and  in- 
surance business.  He  was  married  in  October,  1868,  to  Lucy  AY. 
Hamilton,  of  Toledo,  Ohio.  He  was  brought  up  under  strong  anti- 
slavery  influences  His  father  was  one  of  the  early  abolitionists 
of  Ohio.  Mr.  Durfee’s  sympathies  were  with  the  Republican  party 
till  1872,  when  he  believed  its  policy  to  be  detrimental  to  the  best 
interests  of  the  country,  and  he  has  since  acted  with  the  Demo- 
cratic party.  In  1878  he  was  elected  as  the  regular  Democratic 
candidate  to  the  Thirty-first  General  Assembly.  He  served  on  the 
committees  on  appropriations,  insurance,  banks  and  banking,  and 
labor  and  manufactures  ; gave  close  and  constant  attention  to  the 
business  before  the  legislature,  and  made  an  efficient  member.  In 
1880  he  again  received  the  Democratic  nomination  for  representa- 
tive, the  convention  unanimously  presenting  him  as  the  candidate 
of  the  party. 


148 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


Dr.  Brown,  who  has  practiced  medicine  in  Macon  county  since 
1858,  was  born  near  Whitby,  in  Upper  Canada,  on  the  twenty- 
fourth  of  August,  1827.  His  father,  Abram  Brown,  was  a native 
of  Rhode  Island  ; and  his  mother,  whose  maiden  name  was  Bath- 
sheba  Wood,  of  the  State  of  New  York.  Both  were  members  of 
the  religious  Society  of  Friends.  They  were  married  in  Vermont, 
and  soon  afterward  removed  to  Canada,  where  his  father  followed 
farming.  Dr.  Brown  was  the  seventh  of  ten  children.  When  he 
was  twelve  years  of  age  his  father  died,  and  his  mother  was  left 
with  a large  family  on  her  hands,  and  a farm  of  one  hundred  acres, 
slightly  encumbered,  as  the  means  of  their  support.  The  mother 
was  of  a frugal  disposition,  and  kept  the  boys  at  work  on  the  farm, 
so  that  they  had  few  advantages' in  the  way  of  schools.  Dr.  Brown 
determined  to  acquire  an  education,  and  at  the  age  of  seventeen  left 
home  and  obtained  work  in  a neighborhood  where  he  had  an  op- 
portunity to  attend  school.  Up  to  that  time  he  was  barely  able  to 
read  and  write.  He  worked  during  haying  and  harvest,  and 
through  the  remainder  of  the  year  nights  and  mornings,  clothing 
himself,  and  getting  only  his  board  and  schooling  for  his  labor.  In 
his  twenty-first  year  he  attended  for  six  months  an  academy  at 
Whitby.  In  the  fall  of  1848,  then  just  twenty-one,  he  took  charge 
of  the  school  which  he  had  formerly  attended,  and  was  its  teacher 
for  half  a year.  He  then  entered  the  Wilson  Collegiate  Institute 
in  Niagara  county,  New  York,  and  in  1850  was  a student  in  the 
Genesee  Wesleyan  Seminary  in  Livingston  county,  in  the  same 
state.  The  means  with  which  to  attend  these  schools  he  obtained 
by  work  during  the  summer.  He  was  accustomed  to  work  during 
the  harvest  in  New  York,  and  then  go  to  Canada  and  find  employ- 
ment in  the  later  harvest  there. 


At  that  time  a demand  for  teachers  existed  in  the  south,  and  in 
the  fall  of  1850  he  went  to  Kentucky  with  the  purpose  of  securing 
a position.  He  obtained  a school  near  Paris,  Bourbon  county. 
During  the  twenty-one  months  he  resided  there,  he  taught  school, 
read  medicine,  and  began  the  study  of  law.  The  autumn  of  1852 
found  him  attending  lectures  at  the  Georgia  Medical  College  at 
Augusta,  Georgia.  In  the  spring  of  1853  he  began  practice  at 
Gaylesville,  Cherokee  county,  Alabama.  He  returned,  however,  to 
the  Georgia  Medical  College  in  the  fall,  and  graduated  in  the 
spring  of  1854.  He  was  engaged  in  successful  practice  at  Gayles- 
ville till  February,  1858.  In  November,  1854,  he  married  Sarah 
E.  Brown,  daughter  of  F.  A.  Brown,  one  of  the  pioneer  lawyers  of 
Georgia,  who  afterward  removed  to  Alabama.  While  living  in  the 
south,  Dr.  Brown  paid  little  attention  to  politics,  and  generally 
voted  the  democratic  ticket.  During  the  Fremont-Buchauan  cam- 
paign of  1856,  secession  was  openly  threatened  on  every  stump. 
The  excitement  grew  more  intense  as  the  opposition  to  slavery 
became  more  pronounced  at  the  north.  Dr.  Brown  determined  to 
remove  to  a free  state,  and  in  February,  1858,  settled  at  Maroa. 
He  was  the  first  physician  in  that  place.  In  October,  1862,  he 
removed  to  Decatur.  He  employed  his  spare  time  in  reviewing 
his  legal  studies,  which  he  had  begun  years  previously,  and  in 
April,  1870,  was  admitted  to  the  bar.  He  has  given  his  whole 
J attention  to  the  practice  of  medicine,  and  has  only  occasionally 
appeared  in  cases  before  the  court,  generally  as  associate  counsel  in 
important  cases  in  which  medical  questions  have  been  involved. 
He  has  had  seven  children  ; two  sons  died  in  infancy,  and  three 
sons  and  two  daughters  are  living.  In  politics  he  was  a democrat 
before  the  war,  though  opposed  to  slavery.  From  the  position  of  a 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


149 


war  democrat  during  the  rebellion,  he  came  to  act  with  the  republi- 
can party,  of  which  he  has  since  been  a strong  supporter.  Since 
1861  he  has  been  a member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  He  has 
had  a large  medical  practice,  and  is  well  known  throughout  the 
county.  The  republicans  in  1876  made  him  their  candidate  for 
prosecuting  attorney.  His  genial  disposition  and  tine  social  quali- 
ties have  secured  him  numerous  friends,  while  bis  attainments  as  a 
physician  have  won  success  in  his  profession. 


A.  R.  ARBUCKLE, 

Editor  and  proprietor  of  the  Decatur  Tomahawk,  is  a native  of 
Guernsey  county,  Ohio,  and  was  born  on  the  tenth  of  March,  1851. 
His  father,  Robert  Arbuckle,  was  born  and  raised  in  Pennsylvania, 
and  when  a young  man  went  to  Ohio,  where  he  married  Charlotte 
Freeman,  a native  of  Guernsey  county.  The  first  fourteen  years 
of  Mr.  Arbuckle’s  life  were  spent  in  Ohio.  His  father  was  a 
farmer.  In  1864  the  family  moved  to  McLean  county  in  this  state, 
and  settled  on  a farm  near  Le  Roy.  On  the  first  of  July,  1869, 
he  entered  the  law  office  of  General  Ira  J.  Bloomfield  at  Bloom- 
ington, with  the  purpose  of  fitting  himself  for  the  legal  profession. 
He  was  admitted  to  the  practice  of  the  law  in  June,  1871,  and 
opened  an  office  at  Le  Roy,  where  he  remained  one  year.  He 
became  a resident  of  Maroa  in  the  fall  of  1874,  and  for  about  two 
years  was  occupied  in  legal  practice.  Having  a taste  for  the 
journalistic  profession  he  became  connected  with  the  Maroa  News, 
which  he  published  six  months.  In  the  spring  of  1876  he  was 
elected  justice  of  the  peace,  which  office  he  filled  till  his  removal  to 
Decatur  in  September,  1878.  For  about  a year  he  engaged  in  the 
practice  of  law  at  Decatur,  in  partnership  with  S.  C.  Clark.  On 
the  eleventh  of  May,  1880,  he  issued  the  first  number  of  the  De- 
catur Tomahawk,  which  has  since  rapidly  increased  in  circulation. 
It  is  conducted  on  an  independent  and  liberal  platform,  both  as  to 
politics  and  religion,  and  is  the  only  journal  occupying  this  pecu- 
liar field  published  in  Central  Illinois.  He  was  married  in  Sep- 
tember, 1873,  to  Miss  Anna  Moore,  of  McLean  county.  In  his 
personal  political  views  he  has  always  been  a member  of  the  re- 
publican party. 


E.  McNABB. 

E.  McNabb,  architect  and  builder,  was  born  in  Centre  county, 
Pennsylvania,  on  the  seventeenth  of  September,  1823.  His  ances- 
tors were  Scotch,  and  emigrated  to  the  north  of  Ireland  at  the  time 
of  the  religious  persecution  which  drove  so  many  Protestants  from 
Scotland.  His  grandfather  came  to  America  shortly  after  the 
Revolutionary  war ; he  married  a woman  of  Irish  descent,  by  the 
name  of  Mitchell.  John  McNabb,  the  father  of  the  subject  of  this 
sketch,  was  born  in  Pennsylvania,  and  married  Mary  Young,  a 
native  of  the  same  state.  John  McNabb  was  a mechanic,  but  after 
his  removal  to  Richland  (now  Ashland)  county,  Ohio,  in  the  year 
1834,  he  engaged  in  farming.  He  died  in  that  county,  as  did  also 
Mr.  McNabb’s  mother.  The  subject  of  this  biographical  sketch 
was  the  seventh  of  ten  children.  He  was  eleven  years  old  when  he 
came  to  Ohio.  He  wras  raised  on  a farm,  and  obtained  his  educa- 
tion in  the  ordinary  district  schools.  Two  of  his  brothers  received 
excellent  educations,  and  were  ministers  in  the  Methodist  Church. 
When  seventeen  he  began  to  learn  the  ti’ade  of  a cabinet-maker  at 
Ashland,  Ohio,  and  followed  it  about  five  years.  He  then  studied 
architecture  under  0.  S.  Kinney,  a prominent  architect,  who  resi- 
ded at  Cleveland,  Ohio,  and  became  a builder.  He  resided  a short 
time  in  Cincinnati  and  Cleveland. 


In  1854  he  came  to  Illinois.  His  first  work  in  this  state  was  the 
building  of  a church  at  Mechanicsburg,  in  Sangamon  county.  In 
the  spring  of  1855  he  settled  at  Decatur,  where  he  had  purchased 
property  the  previous  year,  and  has  since  been  continuously  occu- 
pied as  an  architect  and  builder.  He  has  either  designed  or  con- 
structed a large  proportion  of  the  buildings  which  have  been  erected 
during  his  residence  in  Decatur.  The  evidences  of  his  taste  and 
judgment  may  be  seen  in  some  of  the  most  prominent  buildings  in 
the  city,  which  have  been  erected  according  to  his  designs  and 
under  his  supervision.  Among  these  are  the  First  and  Fourth  ward 
school-buildings,  the  residences  of  L.  L.  Haworth,  J.  L.  Fenton, 
H.  W.  Hill  and  George  D.  Haworth,  the  store  of  Linn  & Scroggs, 
a block  of  three  stores  on  Merchant  street  and  the  Christian 
church.  He  was  married  on  the  twenty-seventh  of  April,  1845, 
to  Maggie  B.  Heller,  a native  of  Huron  county,  Ohio.  He 
has  four  children  living;  Mrs.  Mary  Irene  August;  Willie  O. 
McNabb;  Mrs.  Emma  F.  Landis,  and  Arthur  L.  McNabb.  He 
has  always  taken  an  active  interest  in  politics  and  public  affairs. 
In  early  life  he  was  a democrat,  but  when  the  question  of  the  ex- 
tension of  slavery  came  to  be  agitated,  he  stood  with  those  in  favor 
of  free  soil,  and  was  one  of  the  earliest  members  of  the  republican 
party.  He  was  elected  a member  of  the  city  council  from  the 
Second  ward  in  the  spring  of  1860,  and  altogether  has  served  four 
times,  or  eight  years;  in  1860,  1861,  1867,  1869,  1877,  1872,  1879 
and  1880.  He  has  been  one  of  the  active  members  of  the  Council, 
and  his  practical  business  experience  has  been  of  service  in  assist- 
ing to  manage  the  affairs  of  the  city.  In  1878  he  represented  Deca- 
tur township  in  the  Board  of  Supervisors.  He  has  been  a member 
of  the  Christian  church  for  a period  of  thirty  years.  He  has  been 
a public-spirited  and  progressive  citizen.  He  was  one  of  the 
original  advocates  of  the  establishment  of  water-works,  and  has 
always  been  on  the  side  of  public  improvement. 


GEORGE  S.  DURFEE. 

The  birth  of  Mr.  Durfee  occurred  at  Marshall,  Michigan,  on 
the  thitteenth  of  March,  1840.  From  Thomas  Durfee,  who  emi- 
grated from  England  and  settled  at  Fall  River,  Massachusetts,  in 
1860,  the  Durfee  family  is  descended.  The  parents  of  the  subject 
of  this  biography  wrere  Nathan  and  Margaret  (Kirk)  Durfee.  His 
father  was  born  at  Fall  River,  Massachusetts  ; went  to  Ohio  with 
his  father’s  family  when  quite  young ; in  that  state  married  Mar- 
garet Kirk ; soon  after  his  marriage  removed  to  Michigan,  and  in 
1857  became  a resident  of  Macon  county.  George  S.  Durfee  was 
seventeen  when  he  came  to  Decatur.  He  principally  obtained  his 
education  at  Battle  Creek,  Michigan,  and  in  the  high  school  of  De- 
catur, which  he  attended  two  winters  after  coming  to  this  jxlace. 

At  the  beginning  of  the  war  of  the  rebellion,  on  the  seventeenth 
of  April,  1861,  he  enlisted  under  the  three  months  call  for  troops, 
in  a company  raised  at  Decatur,  and  attached  to  the  Eighth  Illinois 
infantry  as  company  A.  He  was  mustered  in  the  United  States 
service  on  the  twenty-fifth  of  April.  The  regiment  lay  at  Cairo 
till  the  expiration  of  their  three  months’  term  of  enlistment.  Mr. 
Durfee  at  once  re-enlisted  for  three  years  in  the  same  company  and 
regiment.  The  regiment  was  commanded  by  Colonel  (afterward 
Governor)  Oglesby.  He  had  enlisted  as  a private,  and  was  elected 
sergeant,  to  which  position  he  was  re-elected  after  his  re-enlistment 
and  was  appointed  by  the  colonel  commissary  sergeant.  His  regi- 
ment took  part  in  the  battles  of  Fort  Henry  and  Fort  Donelson. 
Just  before  the  battle  of  Shiloh  he  returned  to  his  company  as 
orderly  sergeant,  and  in  that  fight  received  a wound  in  the  hand. 


150 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


On  the  fourteenth  of  June,  1862,  just  after  the  siege  of  Corinth, 
he  received  a commission  as  second  lieutenant.  The  regiment 
served  under  General  Grant  in  his  campaign  through  Northern 
Mississippi.  On  the  thirteenth  of  February,  1863,  he  was  com- 
missioned as  second  lieutenant.  He  was  in  the  battles  of  Port 
Gibson,  Raymond,  Jackson,  Mississippi,  Champion  Hill,  and  in 
the  siege  of  Vicksburg.  The  captain  of  the  company  having  been 
killed  in  the  battle  of  Raymond,  Mississippi,  Mr.  Durfee  was 
promoted  to  be  captain,  his  commission  dating  from  the  thirteenth 
of  May,  1863.  During  the  winter  of  1863-4,  the  regiment  re-en- 
listed as  veterans.  He  was  present  at  the  second  fight  at  Jackson, 
Mississippi,  in  1864,  and  took  part  in  the  capture  of  Fort  Blakely 
in  Mobile  bay,  taken  in  April,  1865,  after  Lee’s  surrender.  At 
Fort  Blakely  his  regiment  was  the  assaulting  regiment,  and  was 
the  first  of  the  Union  forces  to  enter  Mobile.  From  Mobile  his 
regiment  was  sent  to  Texas,  where  it  assisted  in  paroling  Kirby 
Smith’s  Confederate  army.  He  was  stationed  at  Shreveport,  Loui- 
siana, and  Marshall,  Texas,  till  the  spring  of  1866,  and  of  the 
latter  place  acted  as  provost  marshal  for  four  months.  He  was 
mustered  out  of  the  United  States  service  at  Baton  Rouge, 
Louisiana,  on  the  fourth  of  May,  1866.  The  regiment  was  dis- 
banded at  Camp  Butler,  Springfield,  on  the  sixteenth  of  May,  1866, 
five  years  and  one  month  from  the  date  of  his  first  enlistment.  He 
came  out  as  third,  ranking  captain  of  his  regiment  in  command  of 
the  colors. 

After  returning  to  Decatur  he  was  employed  by  the  firm  of 
Warren  and  Durfee  till  1871,  when  he  engaged  in  the  agricultural 
implement  business  in  Decatur,  which  he  has  since  carried  on.  He 
was  married  on  the  fifth  of  September,  1867,  to  Sarah  A.  Powers, 
daughter  of  George  Powers,  one  of  the  early  residents  of  Decatur. 
He  has  four  children  living  and  one  deceased.  He  has  always  been 
a Republican. 


ROBERT  P.  LYTLE. 

Robert  P.  Lytle  was  born  at  Waterford,  Erie  county,  Pennsyl- 
vania, on  the  eighth  of  July,  1837.  His  education  he  obtained  in 
the  common  schools  of  his  native  town,  and  in  the  Waterford 
Academy.  At  eighteen  he  secured  employment  in  the  office  of  the 
Sharon  Iron  Company  in  Mercer  county,  Pennsylvania,  and  left 
this  position  in  the  fall  of  1857,  to  attend  a commercial  college  at 
Buffalo,  New  York.  In  the  spring  of  1858  he  came  to  New  Boston, 
Mercer  county,  in  this  state,  and  was  residing  there  at  the  beginning 
of  the  rebellion.  He  volunteered  under  the  first  call  of  the  Presi- 
dent for  troops,  but  his  company  was  too  late  for  acceptance.  In 
August,  1861,  he  was  mustered  into  the  service  as  second  lieutenant 
of  company  G,  Twenty-seventh  regiment,  Illinois  infantry.  For 
gallantry  at  the  battle  of  Belmont  in  November,  1861,  he  was 
promoted  to  be  first  lieutenant  of  company  B.  He  was  commisioned 
as  captain  in  December,  1862.  At  the  battle  of  Mission  Ridge  in 
November,  1863,  he  was  twice  severely  w’ounded,  and  at  Kenesaw 
Mountain  in  June,  1864,  he  received  a musket  shot  in  the  left 
elbow  joint,  which  made  necessary  the  amputation  of  his  arm  just 
below  the  shoulder.  After  the  war  he  settled  at  Decatur.  For 
six  years  and  a half  he  was  book-keeper  and  cashier  for  the  firm  of 
William  Linter  & Co.,  and  then  assisted  in  the  organization  of  the 
Decatur  Coffin  Company.  In  January,  1875,  President  Grant 
appointed  him  postmaster  at  Decatur,  the  duties  of  which 
office  he  has  since  discharged  with  great  efficiency.  He 
was  married  in  1864  to  Elizabeth  Smith  of  Waterford,  Pennsylva- 
nia. He  is  a member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  in  politics 
connected  with  the  Republican  party. 


HON.  SAMUEL  F.  GREER. 

Samuel  F.  Greer,  judge  of  the  county  court  of  Macon  county 
since  1851,  was  born  in  Fairfield  county,  Ohio,  on  the  8th  of 
September,  1825.  His  ancestors  were  Scotch-Irish,  and  settled  in 
Maryland  previous  to  the  Revolutionary  war,  in  which  some  of  them 
bore  an  honorable  part.  The  family  is  of  the  same  origin  as  the 
Greer  family  of  Virginia  and  Pennsylvania,  one  of  the  members  of 
which,  in  the  latter  State,  was  Justice  Greer,  of  the  United  States 
Supreme  Court.  William  J.  Greer,  the  father  of  the  subject  of 
this  biography,  was  born  and  raised  in  Prince  George  county, 
Maryland,  and  married  Sarah  Downing,  who  was  descended  from 
an  English  family  which  had  settled  at  an  early  period,  in  the 
same  state.  About  the  year  1829,  William  J.  Greer  removed  to 
Ohio,  and  settled  in  Fairfield  county,  where  he  lived  eight  or  ten 
years,  and  then  moved  to  the  neighborhood  of  Findlay,  in  Hancock 
county,  in  north-western  Ohio,  where  he  died  in  1833. 

Judge  Greer  was  the  next  to  the  youngest  of  a family  of  twelve 
children,  of  whom  nine  grew  to  maturity.  He  was  two  years  of 
age  when  the  family  moved  to  Hancock  county,  in  1827.  There 
Judge  Greer  was  raised.  The  country  was  new  when  the  family 
first  took  up  its  residence  in  that  part  of  the  State,  but  by  the  time 
the  subject  of  this  sketch  got  old  enough  to  attend  school,  compar- 
atively good  schools  for  the  day,  had  been  established.  They  were 
held  in  log  school-houses  for  about  three  months  in  the  winter,  and 
their  advantages  were  meagre  in  contrast  with  those  of  the  present 
time.  On  the  7th  of  t April,  1844,  he  married  Elizabeth  Taylor, 
who  was  born  at  Somerset,  Perry  county,  Ohio,  daughter  of  Hugh 
Taylor,  a native  of  the  State  of  Delaware.  In  1847,  Judge  Greer 
moved  to  Logan  county,  Ohio,  and  was  living  there  at  the  time 
the  excitement  arose  consequent  on  the  discovery  of  gold  in  Cali- 
fornia. He  was  one  of  the  pioneers  who  made  their  way  across  the 
plains  to  the  Pacific  slope  in  1849.  At  Independence,  Missouri, 
from  which  point  the  early  expeditions  across  the  plains  usually 
started,  he  joined  a wagon  train,  which  was  one  of  the  first  to 
reach  California  by  the  Overland  route.  It  passed  near  Salt 
Lake  City,  and  arrived  in  California,  in  September,  1849.  He 
was  occupied  part  of  the  time  in  merchandizing  at  Nevada  City, 
rnd  part  of  the  time  in  mining.  This  was  the  first  year  of  the 
heavy  emigration  to  California ; society  was  in  a disorganized  con- 
dition ; no  local  government  had  been  established,  and  the  Judge 
was  a witness  to  many  of  the  incidents  and  adventures  which 
made  life  in  California  at  that  time  memorable.  He  returned  to 
Ohio  in  the  fall  of  1850,  after  an  absence  of  about  nineteen 
months. 

He  became  a resident  of  Decatur  in  1854,  first  engaging  in  the 
mercantile  business.  In  1859,  he  was  elected  a justice  of  the 
peace.  In  the  fall  of  1861,  he  was  chosen  county  judge  of  Macon 
county.  He  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  January,  1862.  He  has 
been  re-elected  county  judge  in  1865,  1869,  1873,  and  1877.  He 
was  originally  a Whig  in  politics.  His  first  vote  for  president  was 
cast  for  Gen.  Taylor,  in  1848.  On  the  dissolution  of  the  Whig 
organization  his  sentiments  on  the  subject  of  slavery  led  him  to 
become  a Republican,  and  he  has  voted  for  every  Republican  can- 
didate for  the  Presidency,  from  Fremont,  1856,  to  the  present 
time.  He  has  four  children.  His  theological  views  coincide  with 
those  of  the  Methodist  Church,  of  which,  for  several  years,  he  and 
his  wife  were  members.  He  is  a man  of  moderate  and  conserva- 
tive views,  of  sound  judgment,  and  with  habits  of  thought  fitted  to 
take  a fair  and  comprehensive  view  of  any  subject.  The  ability  and 
faithfulness  with  which  he  has  filled  the  office  of  county  judge  is 
best  shown  by  the  number  of  times  in  succession  he  has  been  elected 
to  that  position. 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


151 


Gustavus  Adolphus  Smith,  a former  resident  of  Decatur,  now 
living  in  New  Mexico,  was  born  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia  on  the 
twenty-sixth  of  December,  1820.  He  was  the  sixth  child  of  the 
Rev.  James  Smith,  who  was  born  in  Virginia,  and  his  wife,  Nancy, 
who  was  the  only  daughter  of  Edward  and  Rachel  Owen,  of  Mont- 
gomery county,  Maryland.  His  father  was  a minister  of  the  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  Church.  His  mother  dying  when  he  was  but  two 
years  old,  and  his  father  when  he  was  but  five,  he  with  his  five 
brothers  and  sisters  were  taken  in  charge  by  their  grandmother, 
Mrs.  Rachel  Owen,  of  Montgomery  county,  Maryland,  then  a widow, 
and  one  of  the  noblest  and  best  of  women.  Mrs.  Owen  lived  to  see 
her  great-grandchildren,  and  died  at  a good  old  age  in  the  year 
1848.  At  the  age  of  sixteen  he  accompanied  his  sister,  Octavia  O- 
Wooton,  and  her  husband,  Dr.  Richard  Wooton,  who  were  on  their 
way  to  Mississippi,  as  far  as  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  where  he  left  them  to 
seek  his  own  fortune.  He  made  his  way  to  Springfield,  Ohio,  where 
two  of  his  older  brothers  at  that  time  resided.  He  was  urged  to 
accept  a position  as  clerk  in  a store,  but  persistently  refused,  insist- 
ing on  learning  the  carriage  and  wagon-making  trade  instead.  Two 
years  afterward  he  came  to  Decatur,  arriving  here  in  December, 
1837,  but  stopped  only  a short  time,  going  to  Springfield,  Illinois, 
where  he  resided  for  several  years.  After  visiting  his  old  home  in 
Maryland  and  spending  the  summer  and  fall  there,  he  returned  to 
Springfield,  and  on  his  twenty-third  birthday,  December  the  twen- 
ty-sixth, 1843,  was  united  in  marriage  to  Margaret  Ann  Bahau,  and 
immediately  afterward  took  up  his  residence  in  Decatur.  He 
devoted  his  attention  to  the  manufacture  of  carriages,  and  built  up 
a large  business,  employing  from  twenty  to  thirty  hands.  From 


1858  to  the  breaking  out  of  the  war  of  the  rebellion,  he  manufac- 
tured carriages  largely  for  the  southern  market.  He  spent  his 
winters  usually  in  the  south,  both  with  the  object  of  improving  his 
health  and  looking  after  his  business  interests.  The  southern  trade 
being  prospectively  good,  and  not  believing  that  the  south  would 
ever  be  so  foolish  as  to  carry  out  its  threats  of  secession,  he  made 
every  exertion  to  make  as  heavy  shipments  to  that  section  as  possi- 
ble. ' Consequently,  when  the  war  of  the  rebellion  cut  off  the  busi- 
ness intercourse  between  the  north  and  the  south,  he  was  a very 
heavy  loser.  Out  of  his  large  shipments,  amounting  to  over  fifty 
thousand  dollars,  he  never  received  a single  cent.  His  pecuniary 
interests  in  the  south  were  heavy ; but  at  the  meeting  held  at  the 
court-house,  on  the  arrival  of  the  news  of  the  firing  on  Fort  Sum- 
ter, he  was  the  second  speaker,  and,  in  a short  but  pointed  speech, 
held  that  the  integrity  of  the  Union  should  be  maintained  at  all 
hazards.  The  next  day  he  was  busy  drilling  men  and  preparing 
them  for  the  field.  He  was  asked  to  go  to  Mattoon  to  drill  the 
regiment,  which  afterwards  was  mustered  in  as  the  Twenty-first 
Illinois,  and  of  which  General  U.  S.  Grant  became  the  Colonel. 
He  also  assisted  in  drilling  some  of  the  early  regiments  formed  at 
Springfield.  He  declined  several  positions  offered  him  till  the  sixth 
of  May,  1861,  when  he  was  tendered  the  command  of  a regiment 
by  the  unanimous  vote  of  its  members.  For  six  months  afterward 
the  regiment  was  known  as  “ Gus.  Smith’s  Independent  Regiment.” 
Richard  Yates,  then  Governor,  with  part  of  his  staff,  made  applica- 
tion to  the  Secretary  of  War  that  the  regiment  might  continue  to 
be  known  as  G.  A.  Smith’s  Independent  Regiment  Illinois  Volun- 
teers ; but  this  was  found  to  be  contrary  to  the  regulations  of  the 


152 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


War  Department,  though  when  the  regiment  was  accepted  at 
Washington  as  the  Thirty-fifth  Illinois,  a special  provision  was 
made  in  the  case  of  Colonel  Smith,  that  his  regiment  should  not  be 
interfered  with  by  the  Commanding  General  of  the  Department 
under  three  months,  during  which  time  he  could  take  his  regiment 
anywhere,  and  be  allowed  subsistence  and  camp  and  garrison 
equipage.  This  unusual  privilege  was  given  him  on  account  of  his 
known  ability  for  drill  and  organization.  Within  a day  or 
two  after  receiving  this  order  from  the  Secretary  of  War,  he  re- 
ceived letters  both  from  Gen.  Fremont,  commanding  at  St.  Louis, 
and  Governor  Yates — the  former  urging  him  to  bring  his  regiment 
to  St.  Louis,  and  the  latter  to  Springfield.  Proceeding  to  Spring- 
field,  he  drove  with  Gov.  Yates  and  part  of  his  staff  to  the  point 
where  Camp  Butler  was  afterward  established,  and  selected  that 
camping  ground.  Gov.  Yates  was  very  desirous  that  Colonel  Smith 
should  take  command  with  his  regiment  and  organize  a state  mili- 
tary camp  of  instruction,  promising  that  his  men  should  be  at  once 
supplied  with  clothing  and  camp  and  garrison  equipage  by  the 
state.  Gen.  Fremont  promised  the  same,  and  urged  him  to  bring 
his  regiment  at  once  to  St.  Louis,  where  he  greatly  needed  troops 
and  was  apprehensive  of  an  attack  from  the  enemy. 

Col.  Smith  ordered  his  regiment  to  Decatur,  and,  being  desirous 
to  consult  the  wishes  of  his  men,  left  the  matter  for  them  to  decide. 
They  voted  almost  unanimously  to  go  to  St.  Louis,  to  which  place 
the  regiment  went  at  once,  and  was  stationed  at  Jefferson  Barracks. 
While  there,  a committee  of  the  citizens  of  Decatur  presented  the 
colonel  with  a fine  horse  and  sword,  and  the  regiment  with  a beau- 
tiful flag — the  latter  the  gift  of  the  ladies  of  Decatur.  From 
Jefferson  Barracks  the  regiment,  in  August,  1861,  proceeded  to 
Jefferson  City,  and  after  a few  days’  stay  at  the  capital  of  Missouri, 
went  to  Sedalia.  In  September,  Colonel  Smith,  in  command  of  a 
brigade  of  several  regiments  and  a battery,  set  out  to  join  General 
Fremont  at  Carthage,  in  south-west  Missouri.  From  Carthage  he 
preceded  General  Fremont’s  army  and  advanced  by  forced  marches 
to  Springfield,  arriving  six  hours  too  late  to  take  part  in  the  fight 
which  Major  Zagonyi,  of  Fremont’s  staff,  had  with  the  enemy.  The 
day  after,  Gen.  Fremont  came  up  with  the  remainder  of  the  army. 
A few  days  after,  a council  of  war,  at  which  Col.  Smith  wTas  present, 
determined  to  continue  the  pursuit  of  the  Confederate  General 
Price,  but  the  command  having  been  transferred  from  Fremont  to 
Hunter,  the  order  was  countermanded  and  the  army  returned,  part 
to  the  Army  of  the  Mississippi  and  part  to  winter  quarters  at  Rolla, 
Missouri.  In  January,  1862,  the  army  was  reorganized  under 
Gen.  Curtis,  and  advanced  in  pursuit  of  the  enemy  towards  Spring- 
field  and  Lebanon.  Daily  fights  and  skirmishes  occurred,  but  the 
force  pushed  southward  into  Arkansas,  and,  on  the  sixth,  seventh, 
and  eighth  of  March,  1862,  fought  the  battle  of  Pea  Ridge.  The 
enemy,  under  Gen.  Van  Dorn,  numbered  forty  thousand.  On  the 
second  day  of  the  battle  Col.  Smith  was  ordered  with  his  command, 
which  included  the  Thirty-fifth  Illinois  Regiment,  the  Twenty-fifth 
Missouri,  and  the  First  Iowa  Battery,  to  take  position  on  the  turn- 
pike near  the  Elk  Horn  Tavern.  He  soon  afterward  discovered 
the  enemy  in  front  deploying  in  mass  column,  apparently  with  a 
view  of  surrounding  our  army.  He  at  once  disposed  his  battery  so 
as  to  command  the  three  valleys,  giving  the  enemy  easy  access  to 
his  position,  and  opened  fire  on  the  solid  mass  columns  of  the  ene  /, 
doing  great  execution.  The  enemy  at  once  replied,  without  doing 
much  damage  for  an  hour  or  more,  but  finally,  getting  the  proper 
range,  poured  great  quantities  of  grape  and  canister  into  his  com- 
mand. About  two  hours  after  the  fight  opened,  Col.  Smith’s  horse 
was  shot  under  him.  While  waiting  for  another  horse,  still  in  per- 
sonal command  of  his  battery,  his  sword  was  struck  in  his  hand,  his 


belt  cut  from  his  body,  he  received  a shot  through  his  left  shoulder 
and  was  struck  on  the  right  side  of  his  head  with  a piece  of  shell, 
which  fractured  the  skull.  The  blood  flowed  profusely  from  these 
wounds,  but  he  continued  in  the  fight  until  exhausted  by  the  loss  of 
blood  ; he  was  then  taken  from  the  field,  supposed  to  be  mortally 
wounded.  To  ninety-nine  out  of  one  hundred  men  death  would 
have  resulted  ; but  his  fine  physical  condition  and  determined  will 
brought  him  safely  through,  though  his  wounds  did  not  completely 
heal  till  1868. 

His  wounds  rendering  him  unfit  for  field  duty,  in  July,  1862,  he 
was  authorized  to  raise  an  independent  brigade  in  Illinois,  which 
he  shortly  accomplished,  but  was  unable  to  accompany  them  to  the 
field.  In  September,  1862,  President  Lincoln  commissioned  him 
Brigadier  General  for  gallant  and  meritorious  conduct  on  the 
field  of  battle.  In  March,  1863,  he  voluntarily  reported  to 
Gen.  Rosecranz  at  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  and  asked  to  be  assigned 
to  active  duty  in  the  field,  which  request  was  refused,  the  surgeon 
reporting  that  in  the  condition  of  his  wounds  at  that  time,  active 
service  would  jeopardize  his  life.  At  Murfreesboro  he  met  his  old 
regiment,  the  Thirty-fifth  Illinois,  two  miles  out, — and  they 
escorted  him  to  their  camp.  The  rank  and  file  of  the  regiment 
presented  him  with  a magnificent  sword  (one  of  the  sergeants  mak- 
ing the  presentation  speech),  on  which  was  engraven  these  words  : 
“ Presented  to  Col.  G.  A.  Smith  by  the  rank  and  file  of  the  Thirty- 
fifth  Illinois  Regiment,  for  brave  and  gallant  conduct  at  the  battle 
of  Pea  Ridge  ; to  be  used  in  the  cause  of  human  progress.” 

Gen.  Rosecranz  having  been  authorized  to  appoint  a provost 
marshal  general  for  Illinois,  Gen.  Smith  received  the  appointment, 
in  the  appropriate  orders,  and  proceeded  at  once  to  organize  a full 
staff’;  but  in  a few  days  these  orders  were  countermanded  by  the 
Secretary  of  War,  who  ordered  that  Gen.  Smith  should  organize 
and  take  command  of  a convalescent  camp  from  the  Army  of  the 
Cumberland,  to  be  located  near  Murfreesboro.  Gen.  Smith  at  once 
proceeded  to  carry  out  these  instructions  under  the  direct  command 
of  Gen.  George  H.  Thomas.  This  position  gave  him  a fine  field  for 
the  display  of  executive  ability.  The  camp  increased  to  thirty 
thousand  men,  and  when  it  was  disbanded  the  December  following, 
he  received  complimentary  thanks  in  the  orders  of  both  General 
Thomas  and  Gen.  Rosecranz.  Here  he  wras  mustered  out  of  the 
service.  In  1864  he  took  an  active  part  in  the  re-election  of  Presi- 
dent Lincoln,  and  in  the  fall  of  that  year  tendered  to  General  Han- 
cock, then  commanding  the  Veteran  Reserve,  twenty  thousand 
western  veterans  to  be  placed  in  a separate  and  distinct  command. 
Hancock  gladly  accepted  the  offer,  but  could  not  prevail  on  Secre- 
tary Stanton  to  accept  the  command  in  that  manner.  Returning  to 
Illinois  Gov.  Oglesby  appointed  him  colonel  of  the  One  Hundred  and 
Fifty-fifth  Illinois  Infantry  Regiment,  and  in  February,  1865,  he  was 
ordered  to  Nashville,  Tenn.,  where  he  again  came  under  the  command 
of  the  gallant  Thomas,  who,  on  account  of  his  wounds,  refused  him 
the  privilege  of  going  to  the  front,  but,  instead,  detailed  him  on  court- 
martial  duty  at  Nashville,  where  he  remained  till  Jan.,  1866,  when 
he  was  honorably  discharged  as  a Brevet  Brigadier  General. 

He  came  back  to  Decatur,  only  to  remove  his  family  to  Tennes- 
see, where,  in  company  with  his  late  adjutant  general,  he  raised  a 
crop  of  cotton.  In  the  spring  of  1867  he  removed  to  Alabama  and 
raised  a large  cotton  crop,  but  lost  heavily  by  being  obliged  to  sell 
at  a low  price.  In  1868  he  canvassed  the  State  of  Alabama  for 
Grant.  He  was  tendered  the  republican  nomination  to  congress, 
which  he  declined,  but  was  pressed  to  accept  the  nomination  for  a 
member  of  the  board  of  education  and  board  of  regents  of  the  state 
for  a term  of  four  years,  this  body  being  made  by  the  constitution 
a part  of  the  legislature  of  the  state.  He  was  elected  to  this  position 


R ES  / DE/VCE  A /V D FrUIT  Farm  of  M.  ECKERT,  2 Miles  North  West  of  Decatur,  III. 


mw&: 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


153 


by  a large  majority.  He  resigned  in  1870,  to  accept  the  position 
tendered  him  by  President  Grant,  which  he  now  holds,  of  United 
States  Collection  and  Disbursing  Agent  for  the  Collection  District 
of  New  Mexico.  He  has  been  frequently  complimented  by  the 
department  for  the  able  and  prompt  discharge  of  his  duties.  He  is 
an  occasional  visitor  at  Decatur,  and  says  that  there  is  no  place 
beside  so  interesting  and  attractive  to  him.  He  attributes  its 
prosperity  largely  to  the  unanimity  of  action  inaugurated  by  the 
early  residents  of  Decatur,  those  of  whom  still  remaining  he  always 
meets  with  great  gladness. 

He  was  originally  an  old  line  whig  in  politics.  He  became  a 
Douglas  democrat  on  the  death  of  the  whig  party,  and  in  1858  and 
1860  supported  Douglas  as  a personal  friend.  He  declined 
the  nomination  for  the  legislature,  tendered  by  the  Fillmore  and 
Douglas  party  in  1856,  and  in  1860  refused  to  become  a can- 
didate for  the  same  office  when  urged  to  make  the  race  by 
the  Douglas  democrats.  His  record  since  the  war  as  an  ear- 
nest republican  is  well  known.  He  has  had  ten  children, 
seven  sons  and  three  daughters.  Five  sons  and  one  daughter 
now  living:  William  A.  Smith,  the  oldest  son,  is  in  business  at  Las 
Vegas,  New  Mexico  ; C.  B.  Smith  is  Deputy  United  States  Collector 
at  Las  Vegas  ; Thomas  Owen  Smith,  and  his  daughter,  Nellie  B., 
reside  at  Santa  Fe  : and  Gustavus  A.  Smith,  Jr.,  and  James  Edward 
Smith  live  at  Las  Vegas.  He  has  been  an  active  member  of  the 
order  of  Odd  Fellows  since  January,  1849,  and  in  1856  was  Deputy 
Grand  Master  of  the  State  of  Illinois. 


LINN  & SCRUGGS. 

Among  the  leading  business  establishments  of  Decatur  is  the 
Dry  Goods  house  ofLinn  & Scruggs.  This  firm  began  business  in 
September,  1869,  at  first  occupying  No.  24  Merchant  street,  and 
four  or  five  months  afterward  removing  to  the  Stamper  & Condell 
corner.  They  embarked  in  business  with  the  purpose  of  building 
up  an  extensive  trade  by  offering  to  customers  the  best  possible  ad- 
vantages, and  selling  large  quantities  of  goods  at  low  prices.  As  a 
result  they  at  once, advanced  to  the  position  of  the  leading  Dry  Goods 
house  of  Central  Illinois.  The  magnitude  of  their  business  may 
be  judged  from  the  fact  that  their  sales  reach  the  large  sum  of  a 
quarter  million  of  dollars  a year — the  largest  retail  business  ever 
transacted  in  the  United  States  in  a town  of  no  larger  population 
than  Decatur.  The  extent  of  their  business  demanding  new  and 
enlarged  facilities,  the  construction  of  a building  for  their  especial 
use  was  begun  by  Orlando  Pow’ers,  on  the  corner  of  the  Court- 
house block.  This  building  was  constructed  under  the  direct 
supervision  of  Messrs.  Linn  and  Scruggs,  and  great  pains  have  been 
taken  to  adapt  it  in  respect  to  the  carrying  on  of  their  large  busi- 
ness. The  store,  which  has  a front  of  seventy-four  feet  on  Water 
street  and  eighty-eight  feeton  East  Main  street,  is  filled  with  anew 
and  complete  stock  of  goods.  One  side  of  the  spacious  room  is 
devoted  respectively  to  Carpets  and  Oil  Cloths,  Cloaks  and  Shawls 
Gents’  Furnishing  Goods,  and  Corsets  and  Hosiery.  All  the  other 
articles  usually  found  in  a well  regulated  Dry  Goods  store,  such  as 
Gloves,  Ribbons  and  Notions,  Dress  Goods,  White  Goods,  Hand- 
kerchiefs, Embroideries  and  Laces,  Prints,  Linens,  Woolen  and  gen- 
eral housekeeping  goods,  are  arranged  on  the  different  counters  so 
as  to  be  readily  displayed  for  the  inspection  of  buyers.  A con- 
venient and  handsome  dressing-room  for  the  ladies,  adjoins  the 
salesroom  on  the  south.  The  firm  has  an  elegant  office  in  the 
south-west  corner.  In  short  every  arrangement  has  been  made  for 
the  comfort  and  convenience  of  customers,  and  the  carrying  on  of 
their  immense  business.  Into  this  new  store,  which  is  the  largest 
retail  store  in  the  state,  outside  of  the  city  of  Chicago,  the  firm 
20 


moved  in  September,  1880,  but  for  some  time  yet  will  also  occupy 
the  old  stand. 

The  gentlemen  who  compose  this  firm  have  been  in  the  dry 
goods  trade  all  their  lives,  and  have  made  excellent  records  as  suc- 
cessful business  men.  Both  are  natives  of  Virginia.  W.  H.  Linn 
wyas  born  at  Woodstock,  Virginia.  He  came  West  in  the  year 
1847.  He  was  at  first  employed  in  one  of  the  leading  dry  goods 
houses  of  St.  Louis,  and  in  1860  engaged  in  business  on  his  own  ac- 
count at  Belleville.  William  R.  Scruggs  was  born  near  Liberty, 
Virginia.  In  early  life  he  was  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business. 
He  came  to  St-  Louis  in  the  year  1851.  Here  he  made  the  acquaint- 
ance of  his  present  partner.  He  was  subsequently  in  business  in 
New  York.  On  forming  their  present  partnership  Messrs.  Linn  & 
Scruggs  wisely  selected  Decatur  as  the  best  place  for  the  location  of 
a great  dry  goods  store.  Their  success  is  the  best  evidence  as  to 
their  enterprise  and  liberality  in  conducting  business.  Their  aim 
has  been  to  sell  reliable  goods  at  reasonable  prices,  and  the  large 
trade  they  have  built  up  goes  to  show  that  their  efforts  have  been 
appreciated  by  the  people  of  this  part  of  the  state. 


EDWARD  A.  JONES 

Is  a native  of  Madison  county,  Ohio,  and  was  born  February  20th, 
1818.  His  ancestors  settled  at  an  early  period  on  the  eastern  shore 
of  Maryland,  where  they  lived  for  several  generations.  His  father, 
Thomas  Jones,  and  his  mother,  whose  name  before  marriage  was 
Mary  Dale  Truitt,  were  both  natives  of  Worcester  county,  Mary- 
land. His  maternal  grandfather  was  a sea-captain.  In  the  year 
1816  his  parents  moved  from  Maryland  to  Ohio,  and  at  first  located 
in  Ross  county,  and  in  1818  settled  in  Madison  county.  The  sub- 
ject of  this  biography  was  the  third  of  a family  of  seven  children. 
The  schools  which  he  attended  in  his  boyhood  were  held  in  log 
school-houses  of  rough  external  appearance;  but  it  was  his  fortune 
to  be  under  the  instruction  of  thorough  and  capable  teachers, 
among  whom  was  a man  named  Miskey  and  one  Peter  Smith,  who 
died  recently  in  northern  Illinois,  both  men  of  superior  qualifica- 
tions. In  1838  Mr.  Jones  came  to  Illinois  with  an  elder  brother 
for  the  purpose  of  buying  cattle.  He  subsequently  usually  spent  a 
part  of  each  year  in  this  state,  and  in  1854  made  it  his  permanent 
home. 

On  coming  to  Macon  county  he  purchased  land  in  Maroa  and 
Austin  townships  and  other  parts  of  the  county,  and  settled  at  his 
present  location  on  the  Bloomington  road,  north  of  Decatur.  At 
that  time  the  settlements  in  the  county  were  along  the  timber.  It 
was  then  thought  that  considerable  portions  of  the  prairie  would 
always  remain  uncultivated,  and  Mr.  Jones’  purchases  of  land  in 
the  northern  part  of  the  county  were  made  with  the  idea  of  securing 
a cattle  ranch.  He  has  altogether  improved  about  three  thousand 
acres  of  land  in  Macon  county,  and  has  been  engaged  in  farming 
and  dealing  in  land  and  stock.  Mr.  Jones  has  been  interested  in 
agricultural  matters,  and  with  the  Macon  County  Agricultural 
Association  he  has  been  connected  since  its  first  organization.  He 
was  its  second  president,  assisted  in  the  purchase  of  the  present 
grounds,  and  has  subsequently  been  associated  with  it  as  a director 
or  one  of  its  general  officers. 

Mr.  Jones  began  his  political  course  as  a member  of  the  Whig 
organization,  but  became  a Republican  on  the  first  formation  of 
that  party,  and  has  acted  with  it  ever  since.  He  was  married  July 
1st,  1852,  to  Margery  F.  Elkin,  of  Springfield,  Illinois.  Her  father, 
William  F.  Elkin,  was  born  in  Clark  county,  Kentucky,  came  to 
Illinois  in  1825,  and  settled  in  Sangamon  county,  on  Fancy  creek, 
eight  miles  north  of  Springfield,  where  Mrs.  Jones  was  born. 


154 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS 


The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born,  August  26th,  1844,  near 
the  little  village  of  Wilkesville,  Vinton  county,  Ohio.  At  the  age 
of  four  years  his  father  removed  to  Columbia  township,  Meigs 
county,  where  young  Trainer  was  brought  up.  Settling  as  his 
father  did  in  his  wild  forest  home,  his  sons  grew  up  in  the  “ clear- 
ing,” and  were  thoroughly  inured  to  the  hardships  of  the  very  severest 
farm  labor.  Mr.  Trainer  well  remembers  what  it  is  “to  pick 
brush,  to  grub,  to  chop,  to  maul  rails,  to  roll  logs  and  to  plow  ” 
day  after  day.  Thus  situated,  he  did  not  have  much  opportunity 
for  acquiring  knowledge  in  the  school-room.  After  he  was  old 
enough  to  do  any  kind  of  work  on  the  farm  he  was  allowed  to  at- 
tend school  a short  time,  in  mid-winter  or  “ of  rainy  days.”  By 
the  time  that  he  had  reached  his  majority  he  had  made  up  his 
mind  to  try  and  get  an  education  ; accordingly,  he  “ went  to  the 
furnace,”  and  hauled  wood  and  worked  in  the  “ coaling  ” in  order 
to  secure  means  to  buy  books  and  for  the  purpose  of  attending 
school.  As  soon  as  this  was  accomplished  he  entered  Ewington 


Academy,  and  remained  in  his  classes  one  year  ; his  funds  failing 
he  procured  a teacher’s  certificate  and  taught  school  one  year  in 
Vinton  county.  He  then  attended  Atwood  Institute,  Albany, 
Athens  county,  another  year  ; then  taught  and  attended  this  insti- 
tution of  learning  till  he  obtained,  what  might  be  termed,  a good 
academic  education.  In  1869  he  came  to  Illinois  and  stopped  with 
Mr.  Jesse  Lockheart,  of  Niantic,  as  a farm  hand.  Mr.  L.,  learning 
that  he  was  a teacher,  persuaded  him  to  take  a school  in  the  fall 
of  that  year,  instead  of  going  to  Missouri,  as  he  intended.  He 
procured  a school  in  the  Dingman  district,  and  has  taught  in  this 
county  continuously  to  the  present.  In  1877  he  was  elected  to  the 
office  of  County  Superintendent  of  schools  for  Macon  county,  by 
a large  majority,  and  has  successfully  filled  this  office,  three  of  the 
four  years  for  which  he  was  elected,  his  term  expiring  in  1881. 

Mr.  Trainer  is  what  he  has  made  himself — an  industrious,  practi- 
cal man,  a man  of  few  theories ; but  when  he  has  one  he  invariably 
puts  it  to  the  practical  test. 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


155 


CHARLES  LAUX, 

Tiie  present  proprietor  of  the  St.  Nicholas  Hotel  of  Decatur,  111., 
was  born  in  the  Grand  Duchy  of  Luxembourg,  February  22d, 
1843.  He  came  with  his  father  to  America  in  1854,  and  settled  in 
Decatur,  111. ; his  father  remained  here  until  his  death  in  1859.  In 
1861  Charles  went  to  California,  and  while  there  was  employed  in 
different  capacities  in  the  hotels  of  the  Pacific  coast,  and  also  re- 
ceived his  first  instruction  and  experience  in  operating  hotels.  He  • 
remained  there  for  four  and  a half  years,  when  he  returned  to 
Decatur,  and  in  connection  with  his  brothers,  under  the  name  of 
Laux  Brothers,  purchased  the  St.  Nicholas  Hotel.  The  partner- 
ship continued  until  January  1st,  1880,  when  he  became  the  sole 
proprietor.  His  business  life  in  Decatur  commenced  with  his  con- 
nection with  the  hotel  interests  of  the  city.  Under  his  vigorous 
and  judicious  management  the  St.  Nicholas  has  earned  an  enviable 
reputation  among  the  hotels  of  the  state  and  with  the  travelling 
public.  Mr.  Laux’  long  experience  in  the  business  has  learned 
him  to  judge  correctly  as  to  the  wants  of  his  guests  and  to  admin- 
ister to  their  comfort  in  a manner  that  has  won  the  approbation 
and  esteem  of  his  patrons.  That  the  St-  Nicholas  has  been  and  is 
one  of  the  most  prosperous  hotels  in  central  Illinois  is  attributable 
to  that  fact.  Mr.  Laux  is  of  a pleasing  and  accommodating  dispo- 
sition, which  comes  naturally  to  him,  and  the  travelling  public  soon 
learn  to  appreciate  efforts  made  to  render  them  comfortable  and 
give  their  sojourn  with  him  the  pleasant  features  of  a home-like 
life.  Few  men  in  Decatur  are  better,  more  widely  or  favorably 
known  than  Mr.  Laux.  The  St.  Nicholas  is  a favorite  resort  and 
centre  of  local  attraction,  and  on  all  public  occasions  is  thronged 
with  citizens  and  strangers. 


JAMES  MILLIKIN. 

James  Millikin,  who  since  1860  carried  on  the  banking  business 
in  Decatur,  is  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  and  was  born  in  Washington 
county  of  that  state  on  the  second  of  August,  1830.  On  his  father’s 
side,  his  ancestors  were  from  Scotland,  and  settled  in  Pennsylvania 
previous  to  the  Revolutionary  ivar.  His  father,  Abel  Millikin,  was 
born  in  Washington  county,  Pennsylvania.  His  mother,  whose 
maiden  name  was  Nannie  V.  Van  Dyke,  was  of  English  descent. 
Her  mother  was  an  English  -woman,  and  her  father  also  came 
from  England,  though  the  name  indicates  that  the  family  originally 
came  from  Holland.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  the  third  of 
five  children.  Obtaining  his  elementary  education  in  the  public 
schools  of  his  native  county,  at  the  age  of  seventeen  he  entered 
Washington  College,  where  he  was  a student  for  two  years.  In  the 
fall  of  1850,  then  twenty  years  of  age,  he  came  to  Illinois  and  first 
made  his  home  at  Danville.  He  began  dealing  in  live  stock  with 
what  capital  he  could  command,  and  carried  on  the  business  quite 
extensively  for  several  years.  In  the  year  1855  he  began  to  invest 
in  government  land,  and  entered  large  tracts  in  this  state  and  in  Iowa. 
He  entered  the  land,  on  which  the  town  of  Bennetis  now  built. 
At  one  time  he  was  the  owner  of  forty  thousand  acres  in  Iowa. 
Here  movements  were  judiciously  made  and  proved  profitable.  In 
1860  he  began  the  banking  business  at  Decatur  under  the  firm  name 
of  J.  Millikin  & Co.  and  has  carried  on  the  banking  business  unin- 
terruptedly from  that  time  to  the  present.  This  bank  has  the  repu- 
tation of  being  one  of  the  soundest  institutions  in  this  part  of  the 
state,  and  has  commanded  the  confidence  of  the  public  even  in  times 
of  the  greatest  financial  depression.  Mr.  Millikin  was  brought  up 


to  believe  in  the  doctrines  of  the  old  whig  party,  but  when  that 
organization  dissolved  and  the  republican  party  was  formed  he  be- 
came, and  has  since  remained,  a republican.  He  has  never  cared 
to  occupy  public  office,  though  he  has  represented  Decatur  township 
in  the  board  of  supervisors,  and  his  ward  in  the  city  council.  He 
is  a man  of  positive  convictions.  His  business  career  demonstrates 
that  he  posessesa  mind  of  unusual  clearness.  Few  men  have  been 
more  uniformly  successful  in  their  business  transactions.  He  has 
been  a resident  of  Decatur  since  1857. 


SAMUEL  POWERS, 

Now  one  of  the  oldest  residents  of  Decatur,  is  a native  of  Saratoga 
county,  New  York,  and  was  born  on  the  18th  of  May,  1816.  The 
family  from  which  he  is  descended  settled  in  New  York.  His 
grandfather  was  principally  raised  in  Connecticut.  William  Powers, 
his  father,  was  born  in  Connecticut,  and  was  brought  up  mostly  at 
Bridgeport,  in  that  state,  at  the  home  of  Col.  St.  John,  whom  his 
mother  married  after  the  death  of  her  first  husband.  Mr.  Powers’ 
mother’s  name  was  Abigail  Hendricks ; she  wTas  a native  of  Connec- 
ticut and  descended  from  Scotch  and  English  ancestors.  After  his 
marriage  his  father  engaged  for  a time  in  the  boot  and  shoe  busi- 
ness in  the  city  of  New  York,  -which  he  abandoned  to  undertake 
agricultural  pursuits.  He  had  a taste  for  stock  and  farming.  He 
made  his  home  in  Saratoga  county,  New  York,  when  it  was  a new 
and  unsettled  country.  The  journey  from  New  York  city,  up  the 
Hudson  river,  was  made  in  a sloop  and  occupied  two  or  three  weeks. 
That  was  before  the  day  of  steamboats.  William  Powers  died  at 
the  age  of  forty-two  when  the  subject  of  this  sketch  was  in  his  ninth 
year. 

His  early  life  was  spent  in  his  native  county,  working  on  the 
farm  during  the  summer  months  and  in  the  winter  attending  school, 
after  the  usual  way  in  which  the  boys  of  that  day  received  their 
education.  When  he  became  twenty-one  the  farm  of  which  he  had 
the  management  since  he  was  fourteen,  was  sold,  and  he  concluded 
to  go  to  Alabama,  in  which  state  his  older  brothers  had  become 
successfully  engaged  in  business.  At  Mobile  one  of  his  brothers 
was  carrying  on  a large  commission  and  exchange  business,  and  he 
spent  one  winter  in  that  city.  He  then  went  to  Tuscaloosa,  where 
his  brother,  Orlando  Powers,  was  conducting  a mercantile  business. 
Not  liking  an  in-door  life,  and  being  fond  of  stock  and  accustomed 
to  farming,  he  decided  not  to  accept  the  situations  which  were 
offered  him,  but  to  come  to  Illinois.  In  company  with  his  next 
elder  brother,  George  Powers,  he  made  the  journey  from  Alabama 
on  horseback  through  Tennessee  and  Kentucky,  crossing  the  Ohio 
at  Shawneetown  and  arriving  at  Decatur  in  July,  1839.  At  that 
time  Decatur  was  a small  town.  Some  railroads  had  been  sur- 
veyed, with  Decatur  as  a prominent  point  on  the  proposed  lines, 
and  in  his  judgment  it  gave  promise  of  becoming  a thriving  inland 
town.  The  best  private  residence  then  in  the  place  was  the  old 
building  south  of  the  court-house,  now  used  by  Mr.-  Powers  as  an 
office.  His  capital  at  that  time  consisted  of  only  a few  hundred 
dollars.  He  and  his  brother  bought  the  land,  which  Mr.  Powers  still 
owns,  adjoining  the  town  on  the  east  and  wTent  to  farming.  For  six 
months,  having  obtained  the  contract,  he  carried  the  mail  between 
Decatur  & Homer  and  other  points  in  Champaign  county.  In 
three  or  four  years  he  managed  to  accumulate  sufficient  capital  to 
engage  in  a small  way  in  the  stock  business.  Stock  then  sold  at 
low  prices.  A fat  hog  was  worth  then  about  two  dollars,  and  a 
good  four  year  old  steer  brought  eight  or  eight  and  a half.  He  had 


156 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


good  judgment  about  stock,  and  for  a considerable  number  of  years 
lie  carried  on  the  business  successfully.  His  means  were  at  first 
limited,  but  he  proved  himself  prompt  and  unfailing  in  meeting  his 
obligations,  thus  obtaining  an  excellent  credit,  on  which  he  trans- 
acted a large  business.  There  were  no  banks  in  the  county  for 
many  years,  the  state  banks  having  gone  under  in  the  financial 
panic,  and  an  abundance  of  cash  or  the  best  of  credit  was  necessary 
for  success  in  any  considerable  transaction.  Sellers  of  stock  would 
give  him  the  preference  because  they  were  sure  of  their  money, 
and  to  this  fact  he  attributes  his  success.  He  lived  on  the  farm  he 
first  purchased  till  1868,  and  then  moved  to  his  present  residence 
in  the  south-west  part  of  Decatur. 

In  February,  1854,  he  was  married  to  Caroline  M.  Giles,  a na- 
tive of  Massachusetts.  He  has  had  eight  children:  William  L. 
Powers,  the  oldest  son,  died  in  his  twenty-third  year.  Myra  is  also 
deceased.  George  Powers  is  engaged  in  business  at  Jacksonville ; 
Carrie,  Theoron,  Frank,  Edward  and  Chauncey  are  at  Decatur. 
Mr.  Powers  was  first  a member  of  the  Whig  party,  with  which  he 
voted  as  long  as  that  organization  remained  in  existence,  and  then 
became  a Republican.  He  has  always  been  busy  with  his  private 
affairs,  and  has  never  cared  to  occupy  any  public  position.  He 
was,  however,  elected  a member  of  the  board  of  supervisors  from 
Decatur  township.  He  deserves  considerable  credit  for  what  he 
has  done  to  improve  the  breed  of  horses.  To  this  business  he  has 
given  a great  deal  of  attention  for  a number  of  years,  and  as  a 
breeder  of  fine  horses  his  name  is  favorably  known  throughout  the 
United  States.  Among  those  he  has  bred  and  owned  are  some  that 
have  competed  successfully  with  the  best  horses  in  America.  Mr. 
Powers’  history  is  a good  illustration  of  what  may  be  accomplished 
by  good  business  management  and  upright  and  honorable  dealing. 
He  has  been  identified  with  the  history  of  Decatur  almost  as  long 
as  any  other  of  its  citizens,  and  his  name  justly  deserves  a place  in 
the  permanent  history  of  Macon  county. 


DR.  J.  STEBBINS  KING. 

Dr.  King’s  ancestors  were  early  settlers  of  New  England.  His 
father  was  named  Alexander  C.  King,  and  his  mother  was  Emeline 
Fitch  Stebbins.  The  King  family  settled  at  Suffield,  Connecticut, 
in  1816.  The  Stebbins  family  came  from  England,  and  settled  at 
Roxbury,  Massachusetts,  in  the  year  1630.  This  was  only  ten  years 
after  the  landing  of  the  Pilgrims  at  Plymouth  Rock.  His  mother 
was  connected  with  the  Fitch  family,  one  of  the  members  of  which 
was  John  Fitch,  who  built  the  first  steamboat  in  1788,  and 
navigated  it  on  the  Delaware  river.  Dr.  King’s  parents  were  mar 
ried  at  Hatfield,  Massachusetts,  September  29th,  1831,  and  the  same 
day  started  for  Terre  Haute,  Indiana,  where  they  arrived  on  the 
12th  of  October. 

Their  oldest  child,  James  Stebbins  King,  was  born  at  Terre  Haute, 
Ind.,  May  9th,  1836.  Alexander  H.  King  was  one  of  the  early  mer- 
chants in  Terre  Haute,  having  located  there  in  1823. 

In  1848  he  moved  to  Clinton,  Indiana,  and  in  1852  settled  at 
Leroy,  McLean  county,  in  this  state.  In  both  places  he  was 
engaged  in  the  mercantile  business.  Dr.  King  had  good  educa- 
tional advantages.  He  attended  the  common  schools,  and  after- 
wards a select  school  at  Leroy.  When  seventeen  he  became  teacher 
of  a school  at  Leroy,  which  he  taught  about  a year,  and  then  taught 
six  months  at  Toronto,  Indiana.  He  began  the  study  of  medicine 
in  1856,  with  Drs.  S.  A.  Noble  and  J.  W.  Coleman,  of  Leroy.  He 
matriculated  at  the  Rush  Medical  College  of  Chicago,  in  the  autumn 
of  1858,  and  the  next  fall  began  his  second  course  of  lectures  at  the 


Ohio  Medical  College  of  Cincinnati,  from  which  he  graduated  with 
distinction  in  March,  1860. 

Immediately  after  his  graduation  he  was  elected  resident  physi- 
cian to  St.  John’s  Hotel  for  Invalids  at  Cincinnati,  which  position 
he  held  for  a year  He  then  established  himself  in  practice  at  Le 
Mont,  near  Chicago,  where  he  remained  till  1863,  when  he  offered 
his  services  to  the  government,  and  was  appointed  acting  assistant 
surgeon  in  the  regular  army. 

From  October,  1863,  to  March,  1864,  he  was  surgeon  in  charge 
of  the  Thirty-Fifth  Iowa  regiment.  From  March  to  July  1864 
he  was  post-surgeon  at  Vicksburg  on  General  McPherson’s  staff. 
He  afterward  acted  in  the  same  capacity  at  Natchez,  and  had  charge 
of  the  hospitals  at  that  post,  till  his  resignation  in  the  fall  of  1865. 

After  his  resignation  from  the  army,  he  was  placed  in  charge  of 
the  state  hospital  at  Natchez,  and  established  himself  in  general 
practice.  The  unsettled  condition  of  affairs  in  the  South  induced 
him  to  return  to  Illinois,  and  in  May,  1874,  he  became  a resident  of 
Decatur,  where  he  has  since  been  engaged  in  the  active  practice  of 
his  profession. 

He  was  married  on  the  thirty-first  of  December,  1860,  to  Mary 
E.  Carter,  a native  of  St.  Catharines,  Canada.  He  has  two  children. 
In  his  politics  he  has  generally  voted  the  democratic  ticket,  though 
he  has  occupied  an  independent  position,  holding  himself  free  to 
support  the  best  men  of  either  political  party. 

In  1876  he  served  as  county  physician.  He  is  a member  of  St. 
John’s  Episcopal  Church.  He  is  connected  with  the  Masonic  Fra- 
ternity, and  is  a member  of  Beaumanoir  Commaudery,  Knights 
Templar,  of  Decatur.  He  belongs  to  the  Decatur  Medical  Society, 
the  District  Medical  Society  of  Central  Illinois,  and  the  American 
Medical  Association. 


JOHN  DINNEEN. 

John;Dinneen,  who  in  1878  was  elected  coroner  of  Macon  county, 
is  a native  of  Ireland,  and  was  born  in  the  county  of  Cork,  in 
November,  1836.  His  parents  were  Daniel  Dinneen  and  Catharine 
Maloney.  He  was  the  second  of  a family  of  three  children.  His 
mother  died  when  he  was  about  six  years  old.  In  the  year  1847 
his  father  emigrated  to  America  with  two  of  his  children,  Mr. 
Dinneen  and  a sister.  The  oldest  child,  a boy,  died  in  Ireland. 
They  came  in  a sailing  vessel  from  Cork  to  Montreal,  Canada.  For 
about  a year  they  lived  at  St-  Catharines,  Upper  Canada,  and  then 
moved  to  Worcester  county,  Massachusetts.  Mr.  Dinneen  had 
gone  to  school  a little  in  Ireland,  but  obtained  almost  his  entire 
education  in  Massachusetts,  where  he  attended  school  pretty  regu- 
larly. At  fourteen  he  went  to  work  in  a cotton  factory,  and  at  odd 
spells  worked  on  a farm.  In  March,  1856,  then  twenty  years  old, 
he  came  to  Springfield,  Illinois.  He  was  employed  several  years 
on  the  Great  Western  railroad,  now  the  Wabash.  Until  1861  he 
worked  on  the  track,  and  was  then  promoted  to  take  charge  of  the 
yard  at  Decatur.  August,  1875,  he  opened  a grocery  store  on 
Broadway,  Decatur,  which  he  has  since  carried  on.  January, 
1864,  he  married  Rose  McDonald,  a native  of  Ulster,  Ireland,  by 
whom  he  has  two  children,  Catharine  and  Daniel.  Until  February, 
1880,  his  residence  was  on  a small  farm  which  he  owned,  a short 
distance  from  the  city  limits.  He  was  raised  among  the  AVhigs  in 
Massachusetts,  but  subsequently  became  a democrat,  and  in  1860 
voted  for  Douglas.  In  1878  the  democrats  of  Macon  county 
nominated  him  for  coroner.  His  popularity  proved  so  great  that  he 
ran  ahead  of  his  ticket,  and  was  the  only  democrat  on  it  elected. 
He  again  received  the  nomination  in  1880.  He  has  many  friends 
throughout  the  county. 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


157 


F.  L.  Hays,  who  has  now  been  engaged  in  the  dry  goods  busi- 
ness longer  than  any  other  merchant  in  Decatur,  is  a native  of  the 
town  of  Delaware,  Delaware  county,  Ohio,  and  was  born  on  the 
23d  of  August,  1836,  the  son  of  Thomas  and  Abby  (Johns)  Hays. 
His  ancestors  were  early  residents  of  Ohio,  and  located  at  Marietta, 
the  first  permanent  settlement  in  the  state.  He  was  raised  in  the 
town  of  Delaware.  He  had  excellent  opportunities  for  securing  an 
education.  He  attended  the  common  schools  till  the  age  of  sixteen, 
and  then  entered  the  Ohio  Wesleyan  University,  in  his  native 
town,  in  which  he  was  a student  two  years,  pursuing  the  regular 
classical  course.  After  leaving  college  he  went  into  a dry  goods 
store,  in  the  town  of  Delaware,  thus  gaining  his 'first  experience  in 
the  mercantile  business,  with  which  he  has  been  connected  from 
that  time  to  the  present.  In  1855,  he  came  West,  arriving  at 
Decatur  in  July  of  that  year.  He  became  a clerk  in  the  store  of 
Stamper  and  Elliott,  with  whom  he  remained  till  October,  1857, 
when  he  began  business  on  his  own  account,  opening  a store  under 
the  firm  name  of  F.  L.  Hays  & Co.  He  was  at  that  time  only 
twenty-one  years  of  age,  without  capital,  but  showed  that  he  pos- 
sessed excellent  business  qualifications.  His  father  furnished  a 
capital  of  three  thousand  dollars,  with  which  business  was  begun, 
at  first  in  a modest  and  cautious  way,  but  afterward,  as  soon  as  the 
firm  saw  that  success  was  certain,  on  a larger  scale. 

In  August,  1862,  the  second  year  of  the  war  of  the  Rebellion,  he 
raised  a company  of  men,  which  became  Co.  F.  of  the  115th  Illi- 
nois volunteer  infantry.  He  received  a commission  as  captain. 
Taking  the  field  in  October,  1862,  his  regiment  first  saw  service 
against  the  Confederate  Gen.  Bragg,  in  Kentucky.  In  January, 


1863,  the  regiment  was  sent  into  Tennessee,  and  formed  part  of  the 
Reserve  Corp  of  the  Army  of  the  Cumberland.  It  participated  in 
the  battles  of  Chickamauga  and  Resaca,  Georgia,  and  took  part  in 
several  long  and  trying  marches.  In  June,  1864,  he  was  pro- 
moted to  major,  and  made  additional  paymaster,  and  served  as 
such  till  February,  1865,  a short  time  before  the  close  of  the  war, 
when  he  resigned.  While  acting  as  paymaster,  he  was  stationed 
at  Louisville,  Springfield,  Illinois,  and  Indianapolis.  After  re- 
turning to  Decatur,  he  devoted  his  whole  attention  to  the  dry 
goods  business,  which  had  been  carried  on  uninterruptedly  in  his 
absence.  In  1865,  the  firm  built  the  present  store  on  Water 
street,  and  thus  gained  enlarged  facilities.  The  firm  remained  as 
first  formed  till  1872,  when  Thomas  Hays  retired,  and  a partner- 
ship was  formed  with  G.  M.  Bruce,  under  the  firm  name  of  Hays 
& Bruce.  Business  was  carried  on  in  that  manner  till  1876,  when 
he  became  associated  with  E.  D.  Bartholomew,  under  the  firm 
i name  of  Hays  & Bartholomew.  Mr.  Bartholomew  gave  place  to 
Thomas  Hays  in  1879,  and  the  old  firm  name  of  F.  L.  Hays  & Co. 
was  again  restored.  Major  Hays  needs  no  commendation  to  the 
people  of  Macon  county  as  a dry  goods  merchant.  He  has  always 
endeavored  to  sell  reliable  goods  at  a minimum  cost,  and  to  make 
his  profits  rather  from  a large  amount  of  sales,  than  high  charges 
for  any  particular  articles.  A general  dry  goods  business  has  been 
carried  on,  and  he  has  found  it  to  pay  best  to  direct  his  attention 
to  the  sale  of  standard  and  reliable  articles.  His  store  is  well- 
known  to  the  residents  of  this  part  of  the  state,  and  customers  have 
invariably  received  generous  and  fair  treatment. 

He  was  married  in  September,  1861,  to  Miss  Hattie  White,  a 


158 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


native  of  Bainbridge,  Ohio,  and  a resident  of  Decatur  at  the  time 
of  her  marriage.  He  has  four  children.  In  his  political  affilia- 
tions he  has  always  been  connected  with  the  republican  party,  and 
has  voted  for  every  republican  candidate  for  president  since 
Abraham  Lincoln,  in  1860.  He  has  paid  close  attention  to  busi- 
ness, and  has  never  filled  any  public  office. 


J.  B.  and  W.  J.  WAYNE. 

The  Wayne  Bros.,  who  have  been  in  the  carriage-making 
business  at  Decatur  since  1872,  are  natives  of  Greensburgh,  West- 
moreland county,  Pennsylvania.  Their  ancestors  belonged  to  the 
same  family  as  Gen.  Anthony  Wayne  c*f  revolutionary  celebrity. 
Their  parents,  Jacob  S.  Wayne  and  Fannie  (Clark)  Wayne,  were 
born  in  Westmoreland  county.  J.  B.  Wayne  was  born  in  1833, 
was  brought  up  in  Westmoreland  county,  and  learned  the  trade  of 
a carriage-maker  at  Greensburgh.  W.  J.  Wayne  was  born  on  the 
twelfth  of  October,  1845.  When  he  was  thirteen  years  old  the 
family  removed  to  Shelbyville,  Kentucky,  resided  there  from  1858 
to  1861,  and  then  came  to  Quincy,  Illinois.  At  fifteen  he  began  to 
learn  the  trade  of  a carriage-painter  and  draughtsman  with  E.  M. 
Miller  & Co.,  of  Quincy,  working  during  the  summer  months,  and 
in  the  winter  attending  school.  He  mastered  the  trade  in  all  its 
departments,  and  gained  an  excellent  reputation  as  a first-class 
painter  on  carriage-work.  In  1868  the  brothers  opened  a carriage 
shop  at  Quincy,  and  in  1872  came  to  Decatur,  which  they  believed 
to  offer  better  business  opportunities  than  any  other  town.  They 
began  without  means,  and  at  first  employed  two  men.  They  turned 
out  a superior  article  of  work,  their  business  increased  rapidly,  and 
as  many  as  twenty-six  hands  have  been  -employed  at  once  in  their 
factory.  They  manufacture  anything  on  wheels,  from  a sulky  to  a 
street-car  (except  farm  wagons),  and  have  gained  especial  praise  for 
the  work  furnished  the  fire  departments  of  several  cities.  They 
have  taken  premiums  and  diplomas  at  the  Adams  County  Fair, 
Sangamon  County  Fair,  St.  Louis  Fair,  Iowa  State  Fair,  the  Illi- 
nois State  Fair,  and  at  the  fairs  of  other  agricultural  associations. 
W.  J.  Wayne  was  married  in  1873  to  Elizabeth  Bishop,  born  near 
London,  England.  He  represented  the  first  ward  in  the  city  coun- 
cil in  1877  and  1878.  He  has  taken  a deep  interest  in  the  fire 
department  of  Decatur,  and  is  now  first  assistant  chief.  In  1876 
he  was  Secretary  of  the  State  Firemen’s  Association.  Both  are 
republicans  in  politics. 


D.  S.  SHELLABARGER. 

This  gentleman,  who  has  been  prominently  connected  with  the 
milling  interests  of  Decatur  since  1858,  is  a native  of  Cumberland 
county,  Pennsylvania,  and  was  born  on  the  eleventh  of  July,  1837. 
His  ancestors  had  been  residents  of  that  part  of  Pennsylvania  for  a 
long  number  of  years.  His  father,  David  Shellabarger,  and  his 
mother,  whose  name  before  marriage  was  Catharine  Byerly,  were 
natives  of  the  same  county.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  the 
fifth  of  a family  of  ten  children.  His  birth-place  was  on  the 
banks  of  the  Conodogwinet  creek,  eight  miles  above  Carlisle,  the 
principal  town  of  the  Cumberland  valley,  a region  noted  for  its 
beauty  and  fertility.  He  was  brought  up  on  a farm.  He  attended 
the  public  schools,  but  his  education  is  chiefly  the  result  of  study 
and  experience  after  reaching  years  of  maturity.  He  was  the 
oldest  son  at  home,  and  after  he  became  large  enough  to  be  of  much 
service,  his  time  was  principally  employed  in  work  about  the  farm. 

In  his  nineteenth  year  he  made  up  his  mind  to  come  west,  and  in 


the  spring  of  1856  reached  Decatur.  He  soon  afterward  engaged 
in  the  lumber  business,  which  he  abandoned  in  1858,  to  purchase 
a one-third  interest  in  a mill  which  then  stood  on  the  present  site 
of  Priest’s  mill,  but  which  has  since  been  destroyed  by  fire.  At 
that  time  he  had  no  practical  experience  at  milling,  although  he 
came  from  a family  of  millers.  His  grandfather  owned  a mill 
adjoining  the  farm  on  which  he  was  raised  in  Pennsylvania,  and 
other  members  of  the  family  had  followed  that  occupation.  Busi- 
ness was  carried  on  under  the  name  of  Henkle,  Shellabarger  & Co., 
till  1863,  when  he  disposed  of  his  interest  in  the  firm,  and  pur- 
chased one-half  of  the  mill,  which  he  now  owns.  His  partners 
were  I.  Shellabarger  and  B.  Dillehunt,  and  the  firm  was  known  as 
I.  Shellabarger  & Co.  In  1869  the  present  firm  of  D.  S.  Shella- 
barger & Co.  was  established.  Under  their  enterprising  and  liberal 
management  their  business  has  reached  large  proportions.  The  mill 
has  been  enlarged  several  times,  and  in  1879  a new  mill  was  built 
in  addition  to  the  old  structure.  The  mill  is  one  of  the  principal 
business  features  of  Decatur,  and  is  the  largest  in  Central  Illinois. 
Mr.  Shellabarger  also  has  an  interest  in  a mill  at  Topeka,  and 
another  at  Wichita,  Kansas,  which  are  among  the  best  mills  in  that 
state.  With  all  the  practical  details  of  milling  he  has  made  him- 
self thoroughly  acquainted,  and  gives  close  personal  supervision  to 
every  branch  of  his  business. 

His  marriage  occurred  on  the  seventh  of  January,  1862,  to  Miss 
Anna  E.  Krone,  -who  was  born  in  Decatur.  He  has  seven  children, 
three  sons  and  four  daughters.  From  the  time  he  was  old  enough 
to  take  an  interest  in  political  matters,  his  sympathies  have  been 
with  the  Republican  party.  His  first  vote  for  President  was  cast 
for  Abraham  Lincoln  in  1860.  Though  engrossed  in  the  manage- 
ment of  a large  business,  he  has  given  considerable  time  to  public 
affairs,  and  has  filled  several  public  positions.  He  acted  as  aider- 
man  in  1869,  1870  and  1871,  and  was  again  elected  to  the  same 
office  in  1880.  In  1872  he  served  as  Mayor  of  Decatur.  For  two 
terms  he  also  represented  Decatur  township  in  the  Board  of  Super- 
visors. He  has  been  for  many  years  a member  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church.  For  the  last  ten  years  he  has  been  superinten- 
dent of  the  Sunday-school  connected  with  Stapp’s  Chapel. 


R.  L.  PERRY. 

R.  L.  Perry,  who  has  been  a resident  of  Decatur  since  1867, 
was  born  in  the  town  of  Lee,  Oneida  county,  New  York,  May  7th, 
1826.  His  grandfather,  Robert  Perry,  emigrated  from  England, 
and  settled  in  New  York  City,  when  it  was  a place  of  small  size 
and  importance,  where  he  carried  on  the  printing  and  book- 
binding business.  His  father,  whose  name  was  also  Robert  Perry, 
learned  the  trade  of  a printer  and  book-binder,  which  he  followed 
till  he  settled  on  a farm  in  Oneida  county,  New  York,  where  he 
died.  The  subject  cf  this  sketch  was  the  oldest  of  seven  children. 
His  mother  was  Chloe  Wilkinson,  whose  parents  were  natives  of 
New  Hampshire.  At  fifteen  he  learned  the  cabinet-maker’s  trade, 
and  before  he  was  twenty-one  was  foreman  of  a large  shop  at 
Rome,  New  York.  He  afterward  went  into  the  pattern  shop  of 
the  Syracuse  and  Utica  railroad,  now  a part  of  the  New  York 
Central,  and  in  a few  months  was  transferred  to  the  company’s  car 
shops  at  Oneida.  He  was  next  put  in  charge  of  a gang  of  men, 
and  placed  on  the  track.  In  1854  he  laid  the  track  of  the  .road 
from  Syracuse  to  Binghampton,  and  in  1855,  the  southern  division 
of  the  Delaware,  Lackawanna  and  Western  road  from  Syracuse  to 
the  Delaware  river.  From  1857  to  1867,  he  was  road-master  of 
the  New  York  Central,  and  had  charge  of  the  track  from  Roches- 


/?  ES/  D E /V  C E OF  <J . W.  RA  CE y D E CA  T U R , / L L J A/  O / S . 


— 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


159 


ter  to  Syracuse  on  the  Auburn  division.  In  1867,  he  accepted  a 
position  with  the  Toledo,  Wabash  and  Western  road,  and  became 
a resident  of  Decatur.  He  now  has  charge  of  the  tracks  of  the 
Wabash,  St.  Louis  and  Pacific  railway  from  Danville  to  St.  Louis, 
including  the  Edwardsville  branch,  in  all  one  hundred  and  ninety- 
one  miles.  He  has  made  an  efficient  railroad  man.  His  first 
marriage  was  in  March,  1848,  to  Catharine  R.  Tanner,  of  Amster- 
dam, New  York,  who  died  at  Syracuse,  in  1854.  His  second  wife 
was  Julia  F.  Bush,  of  Scranton,  Pennsylvania,  who  died  at  Decatur, 
in  1870.  June  24th,  1873,  he  married  Henrietta  Dunham,  of 
Decatur.  He  has  always  been  a democrat,  though  in  local  elec- 
tions he  votes  for  the  man  whom  he  considers  best  fitted  for  the 
office.  The  only  republican  candidate  for  president  whom  he  ever 
supported  was  Abraham  Lincoln,  in  1864.  He  is  connected  with 
the  Masonic  organization,  and  is  a member  of  Bcaumauoir  Command- 
ery,  No.  9,  at  Decatur. 


DAVID  MARTIN. 

Among  the  older  business  men  of  Decatur  is  David  Martin,  who 
became  a resident  of  the  town  in  1858,  but  whose  business  trans- 
actions with  the  county  date  back  to  1842.  He  is  a Kentuckian 
by  birth,  and  was  born  within  six  miles  of  Paris,  in  Bourbon  county, 
on  the  first  of  April,  1820.  Aaron  Martin,  his  grandfather,  was  a 
Virginian,  who  served  on  the  side  of  the  colonies  during  the  Revo- 
lutionary war.  The  Martin  family  was  of  English  descent,  and 
among  the  early  settlers  of  Virginia,  locating  on  the  James  river. 
About  the  year  1790  Aaron  Martin  moved  with  his  family  from 
Virginia  to  Kentucky,  and  settled  in  what  became  Bourbon  county. 
This  was  at  a time  when  the  Indians  were  yet  numerous,  and  in 
some  parts  of  the  state  gave  great  trouble  to  the  pioneer  white  settlers. 
Mr.  Martin’s  father,  James  Martin,  was  born  in  Virginia  on  the 
eighth  of  March,  1783,  and  consequently  was  about  seven  years  old 
when  the  family  took  up  its  residence  in  Kentucky.  He  was  raised 
in  Bourbon  county,  and  married  Catharine  Layton,  a native  of  the 
state  of  Delaware,  and  daughter  of  David  Layton,  one  of  the  early 
settlers  of  Bourbon  county.  His  marriage  occurred  about  the  year 
1808.  In  the  fall  of  1829  James  Martin  emigrated  to  Clark  county, 
Indiana,  where  he  remained  till  the  fall  of  1835  and  then  moved  to 
Sangamon  county,  in  this  state,  and  settled  near  Rochester,  where 
he  lived  till  his  death  on  the  twenty-seventh  of  August,  1857.  Mr. 
Martin’s  mother  died  in  Bourbon  county,  Kentucky,  in  the  spring 
of  1829. 

David  Martin  was  the  fifth  of  seven  children  by  his  father’s  first 
marriage.  He  was  nine  years  old  when  the  family  left  Kentucky. 
On  account  of  the  defective  eyesight  with  which  he  was  born,  he 
was  unable  to  enjoy  the  school  facilities  which  fell  to  the  lot  of  most 
boys.  He,  however,  went  to  school  some  time  in  Indiana.  He  was 
fifteen  when  he  came  to  Sangamon  county,  in  this  state.  In  the  year 
1840,  when  he  was  twenty  years  old,  he  began  work  for  a man  in 
the  lime  business  in  Sangamon  county,  and  has  ever  since  been 
engaged  in  dealing  in  lime.  In  1842  he  began  to  burn  lime  for 
himself,  and  had  a kiln  in  the  north-west  corner  of  Christian  county, 
twelve  miles  from  Springfield  and  twenty-eight  from  Decatur. 
This  was  in  the  day  before  railroads  were  in  operation,  and  farmers 
were  accustomed  to  haul  their  wheat  to  Springfield  and  Beardstown. 
Mr.  Martin  sold  lime  in  Macon  county  as  early  as  1842,  the  farmers 
stopping  at  his  kiln  for  a load  of  lime  on  their  return  home.  The 
most  of  the  lime  with  which  to  construct  a great  part  of  the  early 
buildings  in  Decatur  came  from  his  kiln.  After  running  this  kiln 
ten  years  he  concluded  to  go  into  business  on  a larger  scale,  and  in 
1853  moved  to  Alton  and  went  into  the  business  of  manufacturing 


lime  extensively.  In  1855  he  bought  out  the  leading  manufacturer 
at  Alton,  and  operated  the  first  Page  patent  kiln  ever  put  up  in  that 
town.  While  in  business  at  Alton  he  supplied  with  lime  Decatur, 
Springfield,  Peoria,  Bloomington,  Clinton  and  Champaign  in  this 
state  and  also  made  shipments  along  the  Mississippi  from  New 
Orleans  to  St.  Paul.  Edward  Ulrich,  of  Springfield,  was  his  partner, 
and  the  firm  was  known  as  D.  Martin  & Co.  Their  sales  amounted 
to  two  hundred  thousand  barrels  a year.  The  losses  with  which  the 
firm  met  in  the  financial  crisis  of  1857  crippled  their  business  at 
Alton,  and  in  1858  Mr.  Martin  established  himself  at  Decatur. 
August,  1859,  he  bought  back  an  interest  in  the  business  at  Alton, 
which  he  retained  till  March,  1865.  Since  1858  he  has  carried  on 
business  at  Decatur.  From  1858  to  1869  thirteen  other  parties 
entered  into  the  lime  business  in  opposition  at  Decatur,  but  since 
the  latter  year  he  has  had  no  competitor.  His  business  is  both 
wholesale  and  retail,  and  besides  Decatur  he  supplies  many  of  the 
adjacent  smaller  towns.  According  to  gentlemen  acquainted  with 
the  lime  business,  he  has  the  best  arranged  buildings  for  handling 
and  keeping  his  stock  to  be  found  in  any  western  state.  He  keeps 
full  supplies  of  lime,  hair,  plaster,  cement  and  Frear  stone. 

He  was  married  on  the  first  of  April,  1858,  to  Miss  Sophie 
Granger,  a native  of  Palmer,  Hampden  county,  Massachusetts.  She 
was  living  at  Clinton,  De  Witt  county,  at  the  time  of  her  marriage. 
He  has  had  four  children,  Louisa,  Edward,  Lucy,  who  died  at  the 
age  of  four  years,  and  Annie.  In  his  politics  he  was  raised  an  Old 
Line  Whig,  and  cast  his  first  vote  for  President  for  that  great  Ken- 
tucky statesman  and  champion  of  the  Whig  party — Henry  Clay. 
The  great  speech  of  Abraham  Lincoln,  at  Springfield,  in  1854,  in 
reply  to  Douglas,  made  him  a Republican,  and  he  is  still  a firm 
believer  in  the  principles  of  that  party  through  whose  agency 
slavery  was  abolished  and  the  Union  saved.  His  time  has  been 
devoted  to  his  personal  business,  and  he  has  never  been  a candidate 
for  any  office.  He  has  been  a member  of  the  Methodist  Church 
since  1838. 


I.  B.  GRING. 

I.  B.  Gring  is  one  of  the  oldest  residents  of  Macon  county,  and 
for  a number  of  years  was  employed  in  milling,  at  Decatur.  He 
comes  from  Welsh  stock.  His  great-grandfather,  Daniel  Gring, 
emigrated  from  Wales  to  America,  and  settled  in  Pennsylvania  at 
a period  previous  to  the  revolutionary  war.  His  grandfather,  John 
Gring,  was  born  in  Bucks  county,  Pennsylvania,  married  and 
moved  to  Franklin  county,  in  the  same  state.  In  that  county  Mr. 
Gring’s  father,  Daniel  Gring,  was  born.  He  was  raised  in  Frank- 
lin county,  and  on  reaching  manhood  married  Fannie  Bear,  who 
was  born  within  four  miles  of  Carlisle,  in  Cumberland  county, 
Pennsylvania,  and  was  the  daughter  of  Samuel  Bear,  who  had  come 
to  that  state  from  Canada  at  an  early  day.  After  his  marriage, 
Mr.  Gring’s  father  settled  down  in  Cumberland  county  on  a farm 
and  lived  there  the  remainder  of  his  life.  I.  B.  Gring  was  born  in 
Cumberland  county,  Pennsylvania,  on  the  thirty-first  of  March, 
1825,  and  was  the  oldest  of  a family  of  six  children.  His  birth- 
place was  four  miles  west  of  Carlisle,  in  the  Cumberland  valley. 
He  was  raised  in  the  same  neighborhood,  and  attended  the  ordinary 
public  schools.  His  boyhood  was  spent  in  the  days  before  rail- 
roads wrere  in  general  operation,  and  he  was  accustomed  to  make 
frequent  trips  by  wagon  to  Baltimore  and  Philadelphia,  to  dispose 
of  the  farm  produce  and  lay  in  a stock  of  goods  for  family  use. 
He  remembers  when  the  first  railroad  train  made  its  appearance  in 
the  Cumberland  valley,  and  what  a wonder  it  created  among  the  in- 
habitants of  the  suri’ounding  country,  who  flocked  to  see  the  novel 


160 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


spectacle.  At  the  age  of  twenty-one  he  left  the  farm  and  under- 
took to  learn  the  trade  of  a miller,  in  a mill  situated  not  far  from 
his  home.  He  worked  at  the  milling  business  after  that  till  he 
came  West. 

In  the  year  1850,  he  received  a proposition  to  come  to  Decatur 
and  take  charge  of  a steam  mill,  which  had  been  erected  by  Orlando 
Powers.  He  accepted.  On  his  arrival  in  Decatur  he  found  it  a 
small  place,  and  at  first  thought  it  offered  poor  prospects  as  an  ad- 
vantageous place  for  residence.  The  mill,  which  began  operations 
in  June,  1851,  was  the  first  steam  flouring  mill  ever  established  in 
Decatur.  It  stood  south  of  the  town,  and  years  ago  was  destroyed 
by  fire.  Although  the  ownership  of  the  mill  meanwhile  passed 
through  several  different  hands,  Mr.  Gring  had  charge  of  it  for  fif- 
teen years.  About  the  year  1861,  he  bought  land  west  of  Decatur 
on  the  Springfield  road,  and  in  1865  moved  to  this  farm  and  began 
farming.  He  now  owns  one  hundred  and  eighty  acres  three  miles 
west  of  the  town.  His  marriage  took  place  in  Decatur  in  April, 
1851,  to  Salinda  Bates,  daughter  of  Frederick  Bates.  Mrs.  Gring 
was  born  in  Cumberland  county,  Pennsylvania,  on  the  opposite 
side  of  the  Susquehanna,  from  Harrisburg.  Her  father  died  in 
Pennsylvania.  She  came  to  this  county  and  settled  in  Decatur  in 
the  year  1851.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gring  have  been  the  parents  of  five 
children.  David  M.  C.  Gring,  the  oldest  son,  died  on  the  fifteenth 
of  September,  1877,  at  the  age  of  twenty-two  years.  Chas.  C.  Gring 
is  engaged  in  farming  near  Decatur.  The  three  younger  sons, 
William  D.,  Franklin  and  Lewis,  still  reside  at  home.  Mr.  Gring 
was  brought  up  in  Pennsylvania  to  believe  in  the  doctrines  of  the 
old  Whig  party,  and  when  he  became  old  enough  to  vote  supported 
for  President  in  1818,  Gen.  Zachary  Taylor,  the  hero  of  the  Mex- 
ican war.  When  new  parties  were  formed  with  the  question  of 
slavery,  as  the  issue  between  them,  he  became  a republican,  as- 
sisted by  his  vote  to  place  Abraham  Lincoln  in  the  Presidential 
chair  in  1861,  and  has  been  a republican  ever  since.  When  he 
came  to  Decatur  it  was  a place  of  small  size  and  importance,  with- 
out railroad  communication,  and  with  little  evidence  of  the  sub- 
stantial prosperity  to  which  it  has  since  attained.  He  was  one  of 
the  first  aldermen  elected  after  it  became  a chartered  city,  repre- 
senting the  fourth  ward.  For  some  time  after  he  came  to  the 
county,  the  mill  which  he  managed  at  Decatur,  was  the  only  one 
that  could  be  relied  on,  and  was  patronized  for  a distance  of  fifty 
miles.  The  other  mills  were  run  by  water  and  horse-power,  and 
could  do  but  little  steady  grinding. 


KILBURN  HARWOOD. 

Kilburn  Harwood,  agent  at  Decatur  of  the  Wabash,  St.  Louis 
and  Pacific  Railway  Company,  was  born  at  Ashburnham,  Worces- 
ter county,  Massachusetts,  on  the  sixth  of  September,  1838.  The 
history  of  the  Harwood  family  in  America  dates  back  to  an  early 
period  in  the  annals  of  New  England,  when  three  brothers  of  that 
name  emigrated  from  England  to  Massachusetts.  From  these 
three  brothers  the  family  has  spread  to  different  parts  of  the  LTnited 
States,  and  now  embraces  many  members.  After  residing  many 
years  in  Massachusetts,  the  immediate  ancestors  of  the  subject  of 
this  biography  removed  to  New  Hampshire,  in  which  state  Kilburn 
Harwood,  his  father,  was  born.  In  Rockingham  county,  New 
Hampshire,  he  married  Sallie  Buss,  and  subsequently  became  a 
resident  of  Worcester  county,  Massachusetts.  At  Fitchburg,  the 
seat  of  one  of  the  two  court-houses  of  Worcester  county,  Mr.  Har- 
wood’s father  acted  as  sheriff  for  a number  of  years  ; he  was  a man 
of  considerable  influence,  and  was  a member  of  the  legislature  from 


Worcester  county  for  two  terms.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was 
about  the  age  of  six  when  the  family  took  up  its  residence  at  Fitch- 
burg, in  the  year  1844.  He  obtained  a good  education  in  the 
public  schools,  leaving  the  Fitchburg  high  school  when  he  was 
fourteen  years  old  to  begin  life  on  his  own  account.  At  seventeen 
he  entered  the  employment  of  the  American  Rattan  Company  at 
Fitchburg,  and  remained  with  them  till  the  breaking  out  of  the  war 
of  the  rebellion. 

In  July,  1861,  he  enlisted  in  Company  B of  the  Fifteenth  Mas- 
sachusetts Regiment.  This  regiment  formed  a part  of  the  Army  of 
the  Potomac.  He  took  part  in  the  battle  of  Ball’s  Bluff,  and  was  in 
General  McClellan’s  campaign  on  the  Peninsula  in  1862.  He  was 
present  at  the  battles  of  Yorktown,  Fair  Oaks,  Savage  Station,  and 
Malvern  Hill.  At  AYhite  Oak  Swamp  he  received  a serious  wound 
in  his  left  arm.  In  1863,  after  his  recovery,  he  was  placed  in 
charge  of  the  rebel  prisoners  at  the  West  Buildings,  in  Baltimore, 
in  which  position  he  was  retained  till  the  close  of  the  war.  though 
he  was  mustered  out  in  August,  1864.  He  left  the  United  States 
service  on  the  26th  of  May,  1866.  He  then  came  west,  and  settled 
at  Decatur.  He  was  first  employed  in  the  law  office  of  Nelson  & 
Roby,  and  afterward  became  book-keeper  for  Mahlon  Haworth, 
who  then  carried  on  the  grain  business.  In  November,  1868,  he 
entered  the  office  of  the  Wabash  Railway  Company  at  Decatur.  In 
1870  he  was  placed  in  charge  of  the  ticket  office,  and  since  1876 
has  acted  as  agent  of  the  company  at  Decatur,  having  general 
charge  of  the  company’s  business  in  both  the  ticket  and  freight 
departments. 

His  marriage  took  place  on  the  second  of  September,  1879,  to 
Miss  S.  C.  Reeme,  a native  of  Dauphin  county,  Pennsylvania,  but 
a resident  of  Decatur  at  the  time  of  her  marriage.  In  his  politics 
he  is  a member  of  the  republican  party.  In  1876  he  was  elected  a 
member  of  the  city  council  from  the  Fifth  ward,  of  which  he  was  then 
a resident;  and  in  1878  was  chosen  to  represent  the  First  ward  in 
the  same  body.  Mr.  Harwood  is  a man  of  good  business  capacity, 
and  occupies  a responsible  position.  The  business  of  the  railway 
company  at  Decatur,  which  passes  through  his  hands,  amounts 
annually  to  about  half  a million  dollars. 


A.  C.  EDGAR. 

This  gentleman,  Avho  has  been  supervisor  of  Niantic  township 
since  the  spring  of  1876,  is  a native  of  Cass  county,  Illinois,  and 
was  born  on  the  twelfth  of  May,  1845.  On  his  father’s  side  his  an- 
cestors were  Irish.  His  grandfather  emigrated  from  Ireland  to 
America,  and  his  father,  George  Edgar,  was  born  in  Kentucky. 
He  finally  moved  from  Kentucky  to  Illinois,  and  settled  in  Schuy- 
ler county,  where  his  father  married  Elizabeth  Hall,  who  was  also 
a native  of  the  state  of  Kentucky.  In  1849,  at  the  discovery  of 
gold  in  California,  his  father  went  to  the  new  gold  regions,  and  was 
absent  sixteen  years,  when  he  returned  to  Illinois,  where  he  died. 
A.  C.  Edgar  was  the  next  to  the  youngest  of  a family  of  four  chil- 
dren. His  boyhood  was  spent  in  Cas6  and  Schuyler  counties,  his 
mother  moving  with  her  family  to  Schuyler  county  and  living 
there  several  years,  and  then  returning  to  Cass  county.  He  at- 
tended school  only  to  a limited  extent.  For  most  of  his  education 
he  was  obliged  to  rely  on  his  own  efforts,  picking  up  his  know- 
ledge as  best  he  could.  The  family  were  in  limited  circumstan- 
ces, and  from  early  childhood  he  was  obliged  to  work  to  help 
gain  a support  for  the  family.  On  the  third  of  September,  1868, 
he  married  Julia  Cook  of  Cass  county.  In  the  spring  of  1869  he 
moved  to  Macon  county,  and  with  money  he  had  earned  in  Cass 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


161 


comity,  purchased  eighty  acres  of  land  in  section  twenty-eight,  of 
township  seventeen,  range  one  west.  He  moved  on  this  tract  and 
began  improving  it,  and  has  since  been  engaged  in  farming  in 
Niantic  township.  He  is  now  the  owner  of  one  hundred  and  sixty 
acres  of  land,  part  of  which  lies  in  the  adjoining  section  twenty-sev- 
en. The  death  of  his  first  wife  occurred  in  January,  1875.  His 
second  marriage  took  place  in  February,  1878,  to  Eliza  Ford,  who 
was  born  in  the  state  of  Arkansas.  Her  father,  Elias  Ford,  was  a 
Kentuckian  by  birth.  He  has  had  five  children  of  whom  three, 
Horace,  Nevada  and  Effie  May,  are  now  living.  The  youngest 
child  is  by  his  present  marriage.  One  child,  Travis,  died  at  the  age  of 
seven  years,  and  another,  Alonzo,  by  his  first  wife,  died  in  infancy. 
In  his  politics  he  has  always  been  a democrat,  and  in  general  elec- 
tions has  always  been  consistent  in  the  support  of  the  democratic 
ticket.  He  cast  his  first  vote  for  President  for  Horatio  Seymour  in 
1868.  He  is  a man  who  is  much  respected  for  his  honesty  and  in- 
tegrity, and  the  people  of  Niantic  township  have  elected  him  sever- 
al times  to  different  positions.  He  was  first  elected  a member  of  the 
board  of  supervisors  in  1876,  and  has  since  been  re-elected  to  that 
office  every  successive  year.  He  has  filled  the  position  to  the  satis- 
faction of  the  citizens  of  his  part  of  the  county,  and  has  retained  the 
confidence  of  the  community.  Mr.  Edgar  is  a self-made  man.  He 
began  at  the  lowest  round  of  the  ladder,  and  what  he  has  accom- 
plished is  the  result  of  his  own  industry  and  energy. 


HENRY  B.  DURFEE,  (Deceased), 

A former  citizen  of  Decatur,  was  born  in  Washington  county, 
Ohio,  on  the  twenty-sixth  of  March,  1820.  During  the  same  year 
his  father  died,  and  his  mother  only  lived  four  years  afterward. 
He  was  descended  from  English  stock.  His  ancestor,  Thomas 
Durfee,  emigrated  to  the  colony  of  Massachusetts  Bay  in  1660, 
and  settled  at  Fall  River,  where  many  of  his  descendants  still 
reside.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  grew  to  manhood  in  Ohio. 
In  his  early  days  he  taught  school,  and  during  his  spare  moments 
read  law.  He  was  admitted  to  the  bar,  but  never  practiced  the 
profession,  preferring  to  work  at  the  mechanical  trade  which  he 
had  learned,  that  of  a cabinet-maker,  and  at  which  he  excelled. 

In  the  year  1849  he  came  to  this  state,  settled  at  Decatur,  and 
soon  became  closely  identified  with  the  interests  of  the  embryo 
city.  From  that  time  to  his  death  his  history  was  but  a history  of 
Decatur  and  Macon  county.  He  was  active  in  every  enterprise, 
and  intimately  connected  with  every  interest  that  promised  to  ben- 
efit the  town  and  county.  As  early  as  1857  he  was  a member  of 
the  city  council,  in  which  he  served  also  in  1875,  1876  and  1878. 
On  the  adoption  of  township  organization  he  was  elected  the  first 
member  of  the  board  of  supervisors  from  Decatur  township,  serving 
as  president  of  the  board,  a position  to  which  afterwards  he  was 
frequently  chosen.  When  the  state  board  of  equalization  was  in- 
stituted, during  the  administration  of  Governor  Oglesby,  he  was 
appointed  the  member  for  the  district  in  which  Macon  county  was 
included,  and  was  subsequently  elected  to  serve  one  term.  He 
took  an  active  interest  in  everything  pertaining  to  free-schools,  and 
at  the  time  of  his  death  had  been  a member  of  the  board  of  edu- 
cation, almost  continuously  for  fifteen  years.  He  was  an  active 
Odd  Fellow,  and  was  a member  of  Ionic  Masonic  lodge,  Macon 
chapter  of  Royal  Arch  Masons  and  Beaumanoir  Commandery, 
Knights  Templar. 

He  was  one  of  the  comparatively  few  who  are  endowed  with 
those  qualities  of  mind  and  heart  which  make  an  active  public 
benefactor.  It  was  apparent,  as  he  advanced  in  years  that  the 
21 


natural  desire  for  personal  gain  was  subordinated  to  the  considera- 
tion of  questions  concerning  the  public  good.  The  improvement 
and  advancement  of  home  interests  was  a constant  subject  of 
thought  and  attention.  In  fact  a competence  gained  by  business 
sagacity  and  earnest  labor  in  earlier  years,  was  finally  sacrificed  in 
the  attempt  to  re-establish  an  industry,  the  success  of  which  he 
deemed  vital  to  the  prosperity  of  Decatur.  He  was  a positive, 
earnest,  whole-souled,  hard-working  man  of  transparent  integrity 
of  purpose,  firm  in  his  friendships,  and  ever  ready  to  lend  a help- 
ing hand  to  the  struggling  and  unfortunate.  Hence  it  seemed  on 
the  day  of  his  burial  as  though  the  entire  community  were  moved 
with  grief  at  a loss  which  was  personal  to  each,  and  attested  in  a 
universal  tribute  of  sorrow  their  estimate  of  the  worth,  and  their 
veneration  for  the  memory  of  a true  man  and  friend  of  the  people. 
His  death  occurred  after  a brief  illness  on  the  seventeenth  or 
March,  1880.  His  loss  was  universally  lamented  by  poor  and  rich 
alike,  and  it  may  be  said  with  safety  that  no  name  is  better,  or 
more  honorably  known  in  Decatur  and  Macon  county  than  was  his. 


GEORGE  P.  BLUME. 

George  P.  Blume.  one  of  the  younger  business  men  of  Decatur, 
was  born  in  Alsace,  Germany,  January  fourth,  1852.  Soon  after 
his  birth  his  parents  removed  to  America.  The  family  lived  in 
Chicago  two  years,  and  then  removed  to  Dayton,  Ohio,  where  his 
father  and  mother  still  reside.  Mr.  Blume  was  raised  in  Decatur, 
learned  the  trade  of  a car  painter  and  machinist,  which  he  followed 
till  1869,  when  he  entered  the  employment  of  the  Singer  Manufac- 
turing Company  at  Evansville,  Indiana,  where  he  lived  till  1872, 
and  then  became  a resident  of  Decatur.  In  1876  he  took  entire 
charge  of  the  business  of  the  Singer  Manufacturing  Company  at 
Decatur.  Under  his  management  the  Singer  machine  has  been 
thoroughly  introduced  to  the  public,  and  has  secured  great  populari- 
ty. He  has  under  his  charge  the  business  in  Macon,  Piatt  and 
De  Witt  counties,  with  branch  offices  at  Farmer  City,  Clinton  and 
Monticello.  The  annual  sales  amount  to  ten  thousand  machines. 
On  an  average  seventeen  men  are  employed.  Twelve  wagons  and 
twenty-nine  horses  are  used,  most  of  which  are  the  individual  pro- 
perty of  Mr.  Blume.  A competent  machinist  is  kept  at  Decatur  to 
repair  all  machines,  and  a full  line  of  supplies  and  attachments  are 
always  on  hand. 


EDWARD  HARPSTRITE 

Was  born  near  Ettenheim  in  Baden,  February  eighteenth,  1828. 
In  1833,  his  father,  John  B.  Harpstrite,  came  with  the  family  to 
America,  and  after  residing  a short  time  in  Pennsylvania,  two  years 
at  Dayton,  Ohio,  and  then  at  Delphi,  and  near  Terre-Haute,  In- 
diana, in  1844  settled  near  Lebanon  in  Clinton  county,  Illinois. 
Mr.  Harpstrite  was  sixteen  when  he  came  to  this  state.  In  1825  he 
married  Dorothea  C.  Rubsamen  of  St.  Clair  county,  and  began 
farming  for  himself  in  Clinton  county.  In  1855  he  moved  to  a 
farm  in  Wheatland  township,  six  miles  south  of  Decatur.  In  1860 
he  engaged  in  the  brewing  business  at  Decatur,  purchasing  a small 
brewery.  In  1865  he  formed  his  present  partnership  with  Henry 
Schlaudeman.  Various  improvements  have  been  made, 4and  the  De- 
catur steam  Brewery  is  now  one  of  the  completest  establishments  of 
the  kind  in  the  state.  His  wife  died  in  October,  1876.  He  has 
eight  children  living.  He  is  a democrat,  and  in  1880  received  the 
democratic  nonination  as  member  of  the  Board  of  Equalization 
from  the  fourteenth  Congressional  district.  He  has  twice  repre- 
sented his  ward  in  the  city  council. 


162 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


EDWIN  R.  ELDRIDGE. 

This  gentleman  who  has  been  engaged  in  the  practice  of  law 
in  Macon  county  since  1870,  is  a native  of  Indiana,  and  was  born  in 
Ripley  county  of  that  state  on  the  thirty-first  of  July,  1844.  His 
father’s  ancestors  were  early  residents  of  New  York.  His  great- 
grandfather was  a soldier  in  the  colonial  army  during  the  Revolu- 
tionary war.  His  grandfather,  John  Eldridge,  was  one  of  the  early 
settlers  of  Sullivan  county,  New  York,  and  an  intimate  acquaint- 
ance of  Robert  Fulton  and  Robert  R.  Livingston,  who  were  among 
the  distinguished  men  of  the  Empire  state  in  that  day.  He  had 
eight  children,  seven  sons  and  one  daughter,  of  whom  the  somewhat 
remarkable  fact  may  be  stated  that,  with  the  exception  of  one  who 
died  at  the  age  of  sixty-six,  all  are  now  living.  One  of  these  sons 
was  Dr.  Edwin  Eldridge,  who  for  a number  of  years  practiced 
medicine  at  Biughampton  and  afterward  at  Elmira,  New  York; 
constructed  part  of  the  Erie  railway  ; acquired  considerable  wealth  ; 
and  was  the  founder  of  Eldridge  park  at  Elmira.  The  youngest  of 
the  children  now  living  is  fifty  years  of  age. 

Robert  W.  Eldridge,  the  father  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was 
born  in  Sullivan  county,  New  York,  and  married  Sarah  M.  Hunt, 
whose  birth  occurred  in  Ulster  county,  at  the  Overlook,  at  the  base 
of  the  Catskill  mountains.  Edwin  R.  Eldridge  was  the  youngest 
of  five  children  by  this  marriage,  and  the  only  son.  In  1841,  three 
years  previous  to  his  birth,  his  father  had  moved  from  the  state  of 
New  York  to  Ripley  county,  Indiana.  Mr.  Eldridge  lived  here 
till  twelve  years  old.  The  part  of  Indiana  in  which  the  family 
lived  was  comparatively  well-settled,  but  the  school  system  was  very 
defective.  The  schools  were  subscription  schools  held  in  log  school- 
houses  for  a short  period  only  in  the  year,  and  offered  scant  educa- 
tional advantages  in  comparison  with  those  of  the  present  day.  His 
mother  had  died  when  he  was  three  years  and  a half  old.  In  1856 
the  family  removed  to  Washington,  in  Tazewell  county,  twelve 
miles  east  of  Peoria.  Here  he  had  better  facilities  for  getting  an 
education.  In  his  thirteenth  year  he  undertook  to  learn  the  print- 
ing business  in  the  office  of  the  Washington  Herald , but  abandoned 
it  on  account  of  his  health.  In  1858  he  went  to  reside  with  a 
brother-in-law,  a merchant  in  the  town  of  Fairburg  in  Livingston 


county.  Attending  school  during  the  winter  of  1858-9,  the  next 
spring  he  entered  a drug  store  in  Fairburg  in  which  he  was  em- 
ployed four  years.  One  of  the  conditions  of  his  going  into  the  drug 
store  was,  that  he  should  attend  school  four  months  in  the  winter, 
during  the  first  two  years.  For  one  year,  while  his  employer  was 
in  the  army,  he  had  exclusive  charge  of  the  store. 

Iu  September,  1863,  he  became  a student  at  Eureka  college  in 
Woodford  county,  and  the  next  spring,  when  under  twenty,  enlisted 
in  the  139th  Regiment  Illinois  Infantry.  He  was  appointed  hospi- 
tal steward.  He  was  stationed  about  three  months  at  Cairo,  and 
the  remainder  of  his  term  of  service  was  in  Kentucky  and  Missouri, 
participating  in  the  campaign  against  the  Confederate  Gen.  Price 
in  the  latter  state.  He  came  back  to  Illinois  in  the  fall  of  1864,  and 
the  subsequent  'spring  returned  to  Eureka  college,  where  he  pur- 
sued the  full  four  years  course  of  study,  graduating  in  1869.  He 
had  begun  the  study  of  law  while  in  college.  In  1869  he  entered 
the  law-office  of  Elijah  Plank  at  Fairburg,  and  was  admitted  to  the 
bar  on  the  twenty-second  of  January,  1870-  On  the  ninth  of  Au- 
gust, 1869,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Minnie  Rucker,  daughter  of 
James  C.  Rucker,  one  of  the  leading  citizens  of  Long  Creek  town- 
ship in  this  county.  In  May,  1870,  he  opened  a law  office  at  Ma- 
roa,  where  he  practiced  till  1872,  when  he  removed  to  Decatur. 
From  1872  to  1875  he  was  in  partnership  with  H.  L.  Odor;  since 
1875  he  has  been  associated  with  J.  C.  Hostetler.  Anthony  Thorn- 
ton, formerly  one  of  the  supreme  judges  of  the  state,  is  now  also  a 
member  of  the  firm,  which  has  a fair  share  of  the  legal  business  in 
this  part  of  the  state. 

In  his  political  sympathies  Mr.  Eldridge  was  formerly  a member 
of  the  republican  party,  but  breaking  away  from  it  in  the  Liberal 
movement  of  1872,  he  has  since  supported  the  democratic  organiza- 
tion. He  has  been  actively  interested  in  politics,  and  is  usually 
found  doing  active  service  on  the  stump  in  a political  campaign. 
The  only  office  for  which  he  was  ever  a candidate,  was  that  of 
county  judge,  for  which  the  democrats  nominated  him  by  acclamation 
a short  time  before  the  election  in  1877.  He  has  three  children,  one 
son  and  two  daughters.  He  is  a man  of  strong  social  sympathies, 
of  many  popular  traits  of  character,  and  is  well  liked  by  the  people. 


Among  the  successful  foreign  born  citizens  of  the  city  of  Decatur 
stands  the  name  of  Thomas  Andrews.  He  is  a native  of  South 
Wales,  and  was  born  August  28th,  1840.  He  is  the  youngest  son 
of  a family  of  three  children  (two  sons  and  one  daughter),  who 
by  the  chances  of  fortune  are  as  widely  separated  as  is  almost  pos- 
sible. The  brother  is  a resident  of  Africa,  and  the  sister  of  Austra- 
lia. Mr.  Andrews’  parents  died  while  he  was  yet  young ; he  was 
kindly  cared  for  by  his  maternal  uncle  and  aunt.  He  grew  to 
manhood  on  a farm ; his  education  was  limited,  and  received  in  the 
public  schools  of  his  native  country.  With  his  uncle’s  family  he 
remained  until  his  twenty-second  year,  when  he  resolved  to  emigrate 
to  America  and  seek  his  fortunes  in  the  new  world,  and  left  Liver- 
pool on  the  3d  of  May,  1862,  landing  in  New  York  on  the  18th 
of  the  same  month.  After  visiting  friends  in  Rochester,  N.  Y.,  and 
remaining  with  them  a week,  he  then  set  out  for  Wisconsin  with  a 
friend  who  had  made  the  journey  with  him  from  Wales.  In  Wis- 
consin he  went  to  work  on  a farm,  and  remained  a year  and  a half, 
when,  feeling  the  need  of  a more  thorough  business  education,  he 


entered  Bryant,  Stratton  & Spencer’s  Commercial  College  at  Mil- 
waukee, and  remained  there  three  months.  On  account  of  his  funds 
getting  short  he  was  compelled  to  seek  employment  for  the  purpose 
of  replenishing  his  exhausted  finances.  He  received  a letter  of 
recommendation  to  the  proprietor  of  the  Central  House  in  Decatur, 
111.,  and  came  on  here ; after  waiting  five  or  six  weeks  he  received 
the  position  as  clerk.  Remaining  in  that  capacity  for  six  months, 
he  then  went  to  the  old  Revere  House  as  manager  and  clerk  of  the 
billiard  hall  and  saloon  ; he  remained  in  the  “ Revere,”  in  different 
capacities,  for  four  and  a half  years,  wThen  he  leased  the  saloon  and 
billiard  hall,  and  operated  both  as  proprietor  until  the  house  was 
burned  down.  A few  days  later  he  leased  and  fitted  up  the  room 
in  the  St.  Nicholas  Hotel,  moved  his  stock  there,  and  has  continued 
the  business  with  success  up  to  the  present  time.  Mr.  Andreevs  came 
to  this  country  a poor  man,  without  money  or  influential  friends. 
He  started  down  at  the  foot,  and  by  slow,  patient  toil  has  made  a 
comfortable  competency. 


PRIEST'S  H OTEL  D FCATU  ft , 1 LL 


WHITMORE 


TOWNSHIP. 


IS  township  is  located  in  the  north-eastern  part  of  the 
county,  and  comprises  the  greater  part  of  Town  17 
North,  Range  3 East,  with  seven  sections  from  the 
north-west  corner  of  T.  17  N.,  R.  4 E.,  containing 
about  twenty-three  thousand  and  forty  acres  of  land.  It 
is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Friends’  Creek  township,  on  the  east  by 
Piatt  county  and  Oakley  township,  on  the  south  by  Oakley  and 
Decatur,  and  on  the  west  by  Hickory  Point  township.  It  received 
its  name  in  honor  of  a Mr.  Whitmore,  one  of  those  adventurous 
spirits,  who  regardless  of  old  home  comforts  and  its  surroundings, 
pushed  forward  to  expose  the  trackless  West,  and  located  in  this 
township,  built  a log  cabin  and  began  farming.  The  Sangamon 
river,  which  flows  along  the  southern  border,  and  its  tributaries 
Friends’  Creek,  Stevens’  Creek  and  a few  other  minor  streams  drain 
the  lands  and  furnish  an  abundant  supply  of  water  for  stock  pur- 
poses. The  Champaign,  Havana  and  Western  Railroad,  running 
through  the  township  from  south-west  to  north-east,  enters  the 
township  at  section  31  and  passes  out  at  section  2.  This  township 
was  settled  at  an  early  date.  In  the  year  1828  John  Draper 
moved  from  Hickory  Point  township,  whither  he  had  removed 
from  the  Old  Dominion  with  David  Florey  in  1825,  and  located  on 
section  35  of  Hickory  Point.  On  his  removal  to  Whitmore  town- 
ship, in  1828,  Mr.  Draper  built  a cabin  on  section  18,  Tp.  17,  R.  4 
E.,  and  began  to  improve  his  possessions,  now  occupied  by  Dr. 
Johns’  tile  works.  Among  other  early  settlers  were  Robert  Stewart 
and  John  AVhite,  who  came  with  their  families  not  long  after  the 
arrival  of  Mr.  Draper,  and  located  near  the  center  of  the  township. 
By  the  year  1840  there  had  grown  up  quite  a neighborhood  in  the 
vicinity  of  sections  15,  16,  21  and  22,  Tp.  17  N.,  R.  3 East.  The 
first  marriage  to  occur  in  Whitmore  was  that  of  John  Draper  to 
Miss  Amy  Florey,  (a  sister  of  David  Florey,  who  came  from  Vir- 
ginia in  1825,  and  located  in  Hickory  Point  township,  and  a few 
years  later  came  to  Whitmore  township.)  Mr.  Draper  and  Miss 
Florey  were  married  by  the  Rev.  Samuel  Miller.  As  will  be  seen 
the  Draper  family  occupy  and  deserve  the  foremost  position  in  the 
pioneer  history  of  Whitmore  township.  The  birth  of  Anderson 
Draper,  son  of  John  Draper  and  Amy  Draper,  was  the  first  to 
occur  within  the  limits  of  what  is  at  present  Whitmore  township. 
Cynthia  Draper  was  the  first  person  whose  death  occurred.  By  the 
year  1841  the  needs  of  the  settlers  became  such  that  the  erection  of 
a school-house  was  a necessity,  and  accordingly  a log  school-house 
was  erected  on  section  22,  Tp.  17  N.,  R.  3 E.,  by  the  combined 
contributions  of  money  and  labor  of  the  residents  of  the  neighbor- 
hood. This  building  was  also  used  for  alhchurch  purposes,  aud  the 
never-to-be-forgotted  old-fashioned  singing  school.  The  first  preach- 
er to  deliver  a sermon  in  this  township  soon  after  its  settlement 
was  a Methodist  circuit  rider.  The  Rev.  A.  Bradshaw  was  the  first 
minister  to  locate.  Soon  afterward  the  Rev.  Mr.  Lewis,  one  of  the 


early  pioneers  in  the  cause  of  the  Redeemer,  came  to,  and  located 
within  the  limits  of  Whitmore.  The  first  resident  physician  was 
Dr.  Walters,  who  administered  to  the  wants  of  the  sick,  and  bound  up 
the  wounds  of  the  afflicted.  Soon  after  we  find  Dr.  De  Watney,  a 
gentleman  of  French  extraction,  contending  for  a portion  of  the 
patronage  of  the  settlers  of  this  and  adjoining  townships. 

Mr.  Henry  Rhodes,  a very  pleasant  and  intelligent  old  gentleman, 
who  is  still  living  a short  distance  west  of  Oreana,  has  the  honor 
of  being  the  first  justice  of  the  peace.  The  first  blacksmith  shop 
was  opened  and  occupied  by  George  Eicholtz,  who  was  ably  quali- 
fied to  attend  to  the  wants  of  the  settlers  in  that  line  of  business. 
We  also  find  S.  T.  Miller  on  section  21,  Town  17,  Range  3 East, 
with  a blacksmith  shop  able  to  do  all  kinds  of  work  in  that  line. 

The  Tile  Works  of  Dr.  John,  of  Decatur,  are  located  on  section 
18,  T.  17,  R.  4 E.  They  have  au  annual  capacity  of  175,000  feet  of 
tileing,  and  are  run  to  their  full  extent.  These  works  were  built 
by  Messrs.  Martin  and  Johns,  and  subsequently  purchased  by  Dr. 
Johns,  who  is  now  the  sole  proprietor.  The  first  land  entries  were 
made  by  John  White,  May  8th,  1830,  eighty  acres  in  section  13,  T. 
17  N.,  R.  3 E. ; John  Draper,  April  15th,  1831,  eighty  acres  in 
section  18,  T.  17  N.,  R.  4 E.  The  following  are  the  supervisors 
who  have  represented  the  township:  James  Lichtenberger,  elected 
in  1860  ; Henry  Rhodes,  in  1861  ; James  Lichtenberger,  re-elected 
in  1862;  John  Gill,  elected  in  1863 ; Charles  Wooster,  in  1864; 
Joshua  Green  in  1865;  Joshua  Green,  re-elected  in  1866;  James 
Lichtenberger,  in  1867 ; J.  G.  Harnesberger,  elected  in  1868,  and 
re-elected  in  1869 ; James  Lichtenberger,  re-elected  in  1870 ; Joshua 
Green,  re-elected  in  1871  and  1872  ; J.  C.  Ruddock,  elected  in  1873, 
’74,  ’75,  ’76,  and  ’77;  C.  H.  Garver,  in  1878;  Richard  Kirby,  in 
1879,  and  is  the  present  incumbent. 

Daniel  Florey,  a very  old  and  highly  respected  citizen,  a native 
of  Virginia,  came  to  this  county  in  1825,  and  is  now  living  on 
section  21.  His  first  wife  came  in  1828,  and  died  in  1834.  O.  L. 
Stewart  is  a native  of  this  county,  born  in  1833,  and  now  resides  on 
section  14.  Geo.  W.  Betzer,  living  on  section  13,  is  a native  of 
Ohio,  and  emigrated  here  in  1841.  John  Magee  also  came  in  1841, 
and  now  lives  on  section  29.  He  is  a native  of  Delaware.  J.  Ray, 
David  Ray,  J.  T.  Stearnes,  and  Samuel  T.  Miles  are  prominent 
among  the  oldest  and  most  influential  citizens  now  living  in  the 
township. 


OREANA. 

Oreana  is  a village  located  on  section  9,  Tp.  17,  R.  3 East.  It  is 
situated  on  the  beautiful  prairie,  and  is  the  only  village  or  town  in 
this  township.  It  lies  on  each  side  of  the  Champaign,  Havana  and 
Western  Railroad,  which  traverses  this  township.  The  first  house 
erected  in  Oreana  was  a dwelling,  built  by  Henry  Morrisson,  in  the 
year  18 — . In  the  same  year  S.  G.  Coale  opened  the  first  store  of 

163 


164 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


general  merchandize,  which  business  he  followed  for  a number  of 
years.  Another  important  event  in  the  history  of  Oreana  was  the 
establishment  of  a post-office,  with  S.  G.  Crocker  as  post-master. 
In  1874  the  Baptist  Congregation  had  so  increased  in  numbers  as  to 
be  able  to  build  a church,  thereby  being  entitled  to  the  honor  of 
erecting  the  first  church  edifice  in  the  village.  The  Rev.  Mr. 
Ingmeyer  was  the  first  minister  to  locate  in  Oreana.  Dr.  Chene- 
worth  was  the  first  physician  to  practice  medicine  in  this  village. 
Oreana  is  a live  business  point,  and  commands  the  trade  of  quite  a 
large  territory.  It  is  about  seven  miles  north-east  from  Decatur. 
The  following  is  a list  of  the  present  business  houses  in  this  place: 
General  Stores — Frank  M.  Pratt;  Ruddock  & Kirby.  Grain 


Dealers — Frank  M.  Pratt;  Day,  Sons  & Co.  ; Ruddock  & Kirby. 
Blacksmith — George  Satch.  Carpenter — Adam  Harroff. 

Whitmore  township  comprises  some  of  the  best  farming  lands  of 
Macon  county,  and  is  well  adapted  to  agricultural  pursuits  in  all 
its  branches — including  its  kindred  industry,  stock  raising.  Large 
quantities  of  corn,  flax,  wheat,  oats,  hay,  potatoes,  and  vegetables  of 
all  kinds,  are  raised  here  annually.  Its  territory  is  admirably 
drained  by  the  Sangamon  river,  which  forms  the  greater  part  of  its 
southern  boundary,  and  Friends’  Creek  and  its  tributaries,  which 
flow  through  the  eastern  portion  of  Tp.  17,  4.  The  farm  improve- 
ments are  among  the  most  substantial  in  the  county,  and  its  citizens 
are  a moral,  industrious  and  energetic  class  of  people. 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH. 


OLIVER  L.  STUART. 

The  Stuart  family  are  of  Scotch  ancestry.  The  ancestors  of  the 
present  family  settled  in  Virginia  at  an  early  day.  William 
Stuart,  the  grandfather  of  Oliver  L.,  removed  from  eastern  to 
western  Virginia,  and  settled  in  Wythe  county.  He  afterwards  re- 
moved to  Tennessee,  where  he  remained  until  his  death.  His  son, 
Daniel  Stuart,  was  born  in  Virginia,  and  removed  with  his  father 
to  Tennessee  in  1823.  In  1829  he  emigrated  to  Illinois,  and  set- 
tled in  Whitmore  township,  Macon  county,  where  he  remained 
until  his  death  in  1856.  He  was  a farmer.  He  married  Sarah 
Florey ; she  was  born  in  Virginia,  and  settled  in  Whitmore  town- 
ship in  January,  1871.  By  this  marriage  there  were  five  children, 
three  sons  and  two  daughters.  Two  sons  and  one  daughter  sur- 
vived the  parents,  viz.  : Mary,  wife  of  Edward  M.  Kile;  John  T., 
and  the  subject  of  this  sketch.  O.  L.  Stuart  was  born  in  Decatur, 
September  fifteenth,  1833.  His  father  moved  his  family  from  De- 
catur to  Sec.  13,  T.  17,  R.  3 E.,  the  next  year  after  O.  L.’s  birth  ; 
there  he  grew  to  manhood.  He  passed  his  youth  like  most  of  the 
farmers’  sons  of  the  pioneer  era  of  the  state.  His  education  was 
received  in  the  log  school-houses,  under  disadvantages  and  incon- 
veniences that  would  shock  the  youth  of  the  present  day  ; but,  not- 


withstanding all  obstacles,  he  received  a fair  education.  He 
remained  at  home  until  his  marriage,  the  date  of  which  was  June 
first,  1854.  He  married  Miss  Elizabeth  Kile,  daughter  of  Joseph 
W.  and  Mary  Kile.  They  are  among  the  old  settlers  of  this  section 
of  the  state.  By  this  marriage  there  have  been  seven  children,  six 
of  whom  are  living,  all  girls.  Their  names  are  : Mattie  E.,  Bertha 
Luella,  Jessie  F.,  Mary  Belle,  Atta  G , and  Carrie  H.  Stuart.  The 
same  year  that  witnessed  his  marriage  also  witnessed  his  removal  to 
Sec.  14  of  Whitmore  township,  where  he  commenced  farming  for 
himself  and  has  continued  to  reside  to  the  present.  Both  he 
and  his  wife  and  members  of  his  family  are  members  of  the  M.  E. 
Church.  Politically,  he  has  been  a republican.  He  began  voting 
when  the  republican  party  was  formed.  He  cast  his  first  presiden- 
tial vote  for  John  C.  Fremont  in  1856,  and  from  that  time  to  the 
present  he  has  been  an  earnest  and  active  supporter  of  its  princi- 
ples. His  father  was  a soldier  of  the  Black  Hawk  war,  and  was  in 
the  disastrous  battle  known  as  “Stillman’s  Defeat.”  He  was  one 
of  the  pioneers  of  Macon  county.  His  son,  the  subject  of  this  sketch, 
may  also  be  regarded  as  one  of  the  old  settlers,  if  forty-seven  years’ 
residence  in  the  county  will  entitle  him  to  that  honor.  In  all  these 
years,  among  neighbors  and  friends,  he  has  borne  the  reputation  of 
a peaceable,  quiet  and  honest  man. 


MAROA  TOWNSHIP. 


N the  northern  part  of  the  county,  occupying  the  Con- 
gressional township,  18  N.,  R.  2 E.  is  situated  Maroa 
township.  There  are  also  included  within  its  borders* 
six  sections  in  the  north-western  part  of  T.  18  N.,  R.  3 
E.,  viz : — Sections  six,  seven,  eight,  seventeen  and  eighteen.  It 
comprises  an  area  of  forty-two  square  miles,  or  twenty-six  thou- 
sand six  hundred  and  eighty  acres.  The  soil  is  a rich  prairie 
loam.  The  surface  is  generally  level,  with  but  little  or  no  timber, 
except  a few  artificial  groves.  It  is  well  drained  by  Lake  Fork  of 
Salt  creek  in  the  north-west,  Jones’  Fork  in  the  west  and  Stevens’ 
creek  in  the  southern  and  central  parts.  The  Illinois  Central  Rail- 
road passes  from  north  to  south  through  the  township,  entering  it 
in  section  two,  and  leaving  it  on  section  thirty-five. 

The  honor  of  first  settling  this  township  belongs  to  James  Petty- 
john, who  came  from  Kentucky  and  settled  on  section  five  in  the 
year  1839.  Garrett  J.  Schenck,  an  Ohioan,  located  on  section  nine. 
William  Cooper  from  Indiana,  and  Joseph  Hilt  from  Ohio,  set- 
tled on  section  nine.  George  Gray,  John  Gray,  Robert  Gray,  and 
Milton  Funk,  emigrated  from  Kentucky,  and  settled  on  section 
five. 

The  first  marriage  in  this  township,  was  that  of  Joseph  Garrett 
and  Mary  A.  Pettyjohn,  at  James  Pettyjohn’s  house,  by  the  Rev. 
George  Clifton,  in  the  year  1856.  The  first  birth  was  that  of  Char- 
lotte Pettyjohn,  which  occurred  on  the  10th  of  February,  1852. 
John  H.  Pettyjohn,  who  died  August  15th,  1852,  was  the  first  per. 
son  who  died  in  that  township. 

The  first  school  was  taught  by  Thomas  Shaw,  about  the  year 
1852.  The  first  school-house  was  a frame  one  built  by  a Mr. 
Clough.  Rev.  Thomas  Davenport  preached  the  first  sermon  at  the 
residence  of  James  Pettyjohn,  at  an  early  day.  Some  of  the  early 
preachers  were  Rev.  Robert  Hensen,  Rev.  George  Clifton,  and  Rev. 
Peter  Garrett.  Milton  Funk  was  elected  the  first  justice  of  the 
peace  about  1855.  Esquire  John  Crocker  and  Esquire  Ross  were 
also  early  justices.  The  first  blacksmith  shop  was  established  by 
David  Schenck  in  1855,  in  the  present  town  of  Maroa.  The  first 
resident  physician,  was  Dr.  Smith,  who  settled  in  1850.  Doctors 
Thayer  and  Brown  were  also  among  the  early  physicians. 

The  following  are  the  first  three  land  entries  made  in  township, 
No.  18  North,  Range  2 East  of  the  3d  principal  meridian.  Al- 
fred Downen  entered  section  seven,  30-58  acres.  This  entry 
was  made  September  6th,  1836.  Thomas  M.  Geddis  entered 
September  16th,  1836,  112.63  acres  in  section  6,  also  30.45  acres 
in  same  section,  township,  and  range. 

The  following  are  the  supervisors  since  township  organization : — 
William  Crawford,  elected  in  1860,  and  by  re-election  served  until 
1865,  when  Anderson  Franklin  was  elected.  John  Crocker  was 
elected  in  1866,  R.  Gray  in  1867,  John  Lyons  in  1868,  and  held 
the  office  by  re-election  to  1872.  Jason  Rogers  elected  1872,  John 


Orr  elected  1873,  and  re-elected  in  1874  and  1875.  John  Long- 
street  was  elected  in  1876,  and  re-elected  each  succeeding  year,  and 
is  the  present  incumbent. 

THE  TOWN  OF  MAROA.* 

This  is  the  largest  town  in  point  of  inhabitants,  except  the  county 
seat  within  the  limits  of  Macon  county.  It  is  located  about  thirteen 
miles  north  of  the  city  of  Decatur,  at  the  junction  of  the  Illinois 
Central  and  Illinois  Midland  railroads.  The  town  plat  is  laid  out 
at  the  point  where  the  section  lines  of  2,  3,  10,  and  11  intersect, 
and  occupies  a portion  of  each  of  the  sections  named.  It  is  situ- 
ated in  the  very  heart  of  the  finest  cultivated,  and  richest  agricul- 
tural region  in  central  Illinois,  and  large  shipments  of  grain  and 
stock  are  annually  made. 

The  original  plat  of  the  town  was  jointly  laid  out  by  the  I.  C.  R. 
R.  Co.,  and  the  Associate  Land  Company  ; the  former  then  owned 
the  land  now  occupied  by  the  northern  portion  of  the  town,  and 
the  latter,  the  southern  portion  ; the  line  dividing  the  two  sections 
passing  between  the  Illinois  Central  depot  and  water-tank,  and  on 
a line  with  the  two  roads  that  enter  the  town  east  and  west.  The 
Associate  Land  Company  consisted  of  some  of  the  officers  of  the 
I.  C.  R.  R.  Co.,  and  other  individuals,  organized  for  private 
financial  speculation  in  lands.  They  purchased  the  alternate  sec- 
tions of  government  lands,  not  already  controlled  by  the  railroad 
company,  wherever  they  desired  to  locate  a town,  and  then  divided 
the  sections  into  town  lots  and  sold  them  at  a great  advance  over 
the  original  cost.  The  Illinois  Central  Railroad  was  surveyed  in 
1851,  but  the  road  was  not  completed  at  this  point  until  the  spring 
of  1854,  in  which  year  the  depot  was  built  by  the  company,  and 
John  Crocker  appointed  agent,  which  position  he  filled  for  twelve 
consecutive  years,  or  until  1866. 

The  first  building,  after  the  depot  was  erected,  was  by  G.  J. 
Schenck,  in  the  fall  of  1855,  and  is  still  standing.  It  was  a dwell- 
ing-house, but  for  some  time,  a part  of  it  was  used  as  a store,  where 
a small  variety  of  general  goods  were  retailed.  The  second  dwell- 
ing-house was  erected  in  the  fall  of  1856,  by  Mr.  Schenck,  for 
Samuel  Barndt,  who  built  the  first  blacksmith  shop  in  the  follow- 
ing spring.  In  the  fall  of  1857,  M.  Friedman  built  a dwelling  and 
a store-house.  This  was  the  first  regular  store  in  Maroa,  and  Mr, 
Friedman  has  continued  in  business  ever  since,  and  is  the  oldest 
merchant  in  the  place.  The  Prairie  Hotel,  built  in  1858,  was  the 
first  public  house  erected,  though  prior,  and  even  since  then,  Mr. 
Schenck’s  residence  was  always  a welcome  place  for  the  weary 
traveler.  During  the  year  1858,  a small  school-house  was  built  on 
the  site  of  the  present  school-building,  and  Robert  Collins  taught 
the  first  school.  The  present  fine  brick  school  edifice  was  erected 

* For  much  of  the  data  pertaining  to  this  town,  we  are  indebted  to  G.  J. 
Schenck,  and  Maroa  News  Almanac,  published  in  1874. 


165 


166 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


in  1866,  at  a cost  of  about  $7,000-  It  contains  four  rooms,  well 
furnished,  and  has  accommodation  for  two  hundred  pupils. 

The  town  now  contains  four  churches,  viz  : Presbyterian,  Metho- 
dist Episcopal,  Christian,  and  Methodist  Protestant.  The  Presby- 
terian Church  was  organized  January  30,  1859,  at  the  I.  C.  R.  R. 
depot,  and  their  house  for  religious  worship  was  built  in  1867.  Rev. 
A.  T.  Norton,  Secretary  of  the  Church  Extension  Society,  was  the 
founder.  The  depot  was  used  as  a place  of  worship,  until  the  school" 
house  was  erected,  when  that  was  occupied  until  the  building  of 
their  church.  The  Methodist  Episcopal  and  the  Methodist  Pro- 
testant are  in  good  condition,  and  each  have  good  churches.  The 
Christian  church  was  organized  by  A N.  Page,  May  4th,  1868,  and 
their  church  was  erected  during  the  same  year. 

The  Maroa  Lodge,  No.  454  A.  F.  and  A.  M.,  was  chartered  Oct. 
4,  1865.  The  first  officers  were  : J.  H.  Crocker,  W.  M. ; Rufus  C. 
Crocker,  S.  W. ; Oliver  J.  Harlan,  J.  W. ; Samuel  Lowe,  Treas. ; 
T.  S.  Collins,  Sec. ; A.  C.  Keever,  S.  D. ; Jacob  Cooper,  J.  D. ; J. 
F.  Blount  and  A.  D.  Wysong,  Stewards;  Mayer  Friedman,  Tyler. 
These,  together  with  J.  H.  Axton,  C.  F.  Emery,  Joseph  Lingle, 
W.  L.  Webb,  G.  W.  Conover,  H.  S.  Tisdale  and  G.  A.  Milmine, 
constitute  the  charter  members.  The  present  officers  are  ; W.  M. 
Phares,  W.  M. ; J.  Longstreet,  S.  W. ; J.  A.  Hartman,  J.  W. ; M. 
Friedman,  Treas. ; W.  H.  Austin,  Sec. ; F.  M.  Smith,  S.  D.  ; E. 
Friedman,  J.  D. ; S.  C.  Crowell  and  E.  J.  Carter,  Stewards ; H.  S. 
Bennett,  Tyler. 

The  Maroa  I.  0.  O.  F.  Lodge  No.  34  was  organized  and  first  in- 
stallation of  officers  held  on  the  night  of  May  3,  1865.  The  follow- 
ing were  the  first  officers:  Thomas  Hunter,  N.  G. ; M.  Friedman, 
V.  G- ; O.  G.  Harlan,  Sec. ; James  Huff,  P.  Sec. ; Jonah  Lingle, 
Treas. 

Mai'oa  Grange  No.  102  of  the  order  of  P.  of  H.  was  organized 
Jan.  20,  1873,  with  twenty-seven  charter  members.  The  following 
are  the  first  officers:  J.  B.  Garvin,  M. ; Henry  Jones,  O. : T.  B. 
Gardner,  L. ; J.  Longstreet,  S. ; A.  Wykoff,  A.  S. ; J.  B.  Park- 
hurst,  C. ; M.  P.  Funk,  T. ; J.  Jones,  S. ; W.  O.  Williams,  G.  K.; 
Mrs.  Emma  Williams,  C.  ; Miss  Mary  A.  Garver,  F. ; and  Mrs 
Kit  Cooper,  P. 

There  is  also  a Lodge  of  Good  Templars,  and  a Library  Asso- 
ciation, both  in  a flourishing  condition,  but  we  were  unable  to  get 
the  material  to  give  any  of  their  history. 

This  town  was  incorporated  by  special  act  of  Legislature,  March 
7,  1867.  The  first  board  of  Trustees  were:  Job  A.  Rice,  John  B. 
Carey,  Henry  Stauffer,  Joseph  Wilson  and  Henry  Jones.  Mr.  Rice 
was  the  first  president  of  the  board  and  J.  B.  Carey  was  the  first 
clerk. 

The  earliest  newspaper  published  in  Maroa  was  the  Times,  started 
by  T.  J.  Sharp  in  1867.  Another  weekly  paper,  the  Tablet,  ap- 


peared in  1867,  and  still  later  the  Maroa  Tribune,  which  was  suc- 
ceeded by  the  Weekly  News,  an  eight  page,  forty  column  paper, 
which  is  at  present  published  by  T.  O Banion  & Co. 

The  steam  elevator  was  built  in  1867  by  J.  W.  Richards  & Co. 
of  Chicago,  at  a cost  of  about  $15,000,  and  is  at  present  owned 
aud  operated  by  Crocker  & Co.  It  is  constructed  for  handling  all 
kinds  of  grain,  and  has  a capacity  of  14,400  bushels.  Emery  & Co. 
also  have  a similar  elevator  in  operation. 

The  following  is  a list  of  the  leading  business  houses  in  Maroa  : — 

Banks — Crocker  & Co. ; Emery  & Co.  Dry  Goods — M.  Fried- 
man & Son;  D.  E.  Wagner;  M.  Grady.  Hats,  Caps  and  Gro- 
ceries— H.  D.  Smith.  Groceries — David  Bennett.  Drugs  and 

Boots — John  Smelz;  Austin  Gault;  Axton  & Phillips.  Hotels — 
Central  House ; Sherman  House.  Livery — J.  T.  Holt : Sherman 
Livery.  Furniture — H.  E.  Kent.  Hardware — Pursinger,  Adams 
& Co.  ; B.  T.  Jamison  ; Hines  & Thompson.  Hardware  and  Tin- 
ware— W.  H.  Hartman.  Millinery — Mrs.  C.  M.  Thayer;  H.  E, 
Kent.  Bakery — G.  W.  Mumaugh ; J.  W.  Cawrey.  Restaurants — 
W.  O.  Buck;  Wm.  Golge.  Photographer — J.  W.  Smith.  Harness 
Shop — Beatty  & Pursinger.  Watches  and  Jewelry — P.  C.  Tryner ; 
Austin  Gault.  Merchant  Tailor — Theo.  Schaffer.  Meat  Market — 
J.  G-  Dix ; Hoover  & Camp.  Shoe  Shops — J.  Kemphall  ; C.  P. 
Frus.  Blacksmiths'  Shops — S.  S.  Burnett;  E.  P.  Kent;  F.  K 
Bohrer  ; Thomas  Hackney.  Wagon  Shops — Robert  Stroud  ; J.  C. 
Stevenson  ; M.  M.  Thomas ; G.  T.  Schenck ; Walter  & Reed. 
Lumber  and  Coal — T.  M.  Leavitt;  B.  T.  Jamison.  Planing  Mill — 
Nesbit  Bros.  The  Tile  Works  of  W.  H.  Long  are  one  half  mile, 
east  of  Maroa,  situated  on  section  12,  and  were  built  by  Long  & 
Stoutenborough  in  1878.  They  have  a capacity  of  250,000  feet  per 
annum  The  Tile  Works  of  W.  H.  Stoutenborough  are  also  the 
same  distance  east  of  Maroa,  and  were  built  in  1879  by  Stouten- 
borough & Co.  The  capacity  of  their  factory  is  250,000  feet  per 
annum. 

Maroa,  being  surrounded  by  one  of  the  best  farming  sections  in 
the  state,  has  become  one  of  the  largest  shipping  points  on  the  Illi- 
nois Central  R.  R in  Macon  county,  except  Decatur.  The  mer- 
chants have  been  men  of  energy  and  enterprise,  who  have  spared 
no  pains  in  advancing  the  business  interests  of  the  town.  The 
citizens  are  of  an  intelligent  and  industrious  class,  who  have  used 
their  united  efforts  in  keeping  pace  with  the  van  of  progress.  Ma- 
roa is  well  supplied  with  all  the  modern  improvements  usually 
found  in  places  of  its  size.  All  the  principal  streets  have  side- 
walks, which  are  shaded  with  trees  of  various  kinds,  which  also 
add  much  to  the  beauty  of  the  town.  The  town  has  been  of  steady 
growth,  and  with  the  increasing  business  interests  of  the  place, 
there  is  no  reason  why  Maroa  should  not  in  some  future  day  be- 
come a city  of  some  magnitude. 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES. 


It  has  been  a disputed  question  as  to  what  circumstances  are 
best  calculated  to  develop  a strong  and  versatile  character.  All 
agree,  however,  that  the  endowments  of  nature  are  of  supreme 
importance,  and  must  go  hand-in-hand  with  the  other  circum- 
stances of  life. 

If  it  is  true  that  circumstances  have  much  to  do  in  calling  forth 
the  qualities  of  the  mind,  then  how  important  is  it  to  study  human 
biography ! It  has  been  said  that  almost  any  life  is  an  interesting 
study  when  written  out  in  full.  Certainly  this  would  be  the  case 
with  the  life  we  are  now  about  to  glance  at.  The  subject  of  this 
sketch,  Abraham  H.  Bates,  is  the  son  of  Joseph  H.  and  Nancy  B. 
Bates.  His  father  was  a clergyman,  and  though  a man  of  small 
means,  he  had  the  blessing  of  a large  family.  A.  H.  was  the  ninth 
child  out  of  a family  of  twelve.  His  parents  moved  from  near 
Jacksonville,  Illinois,  in  1846,  when  the  subject  of  this  sketch  was 
two  years  old,  and  where  he  was  born,  to  Adams  county,  in  the 
same  state.  Here  the  boy  Abraham  mingled  agricultural  pursuits 


with  his  books,  until  he  was  seventeen  years  old,  when  he  entered 
an  academy  to  prepare  for  college.  After  this,  he  entered  Knox 
College,  Galesburg,  111.,  where  he  graduated  in  1866,  being  with 
one  exception  the  youngest  member  of  the  class.  As  a college  stu- 
dent, and  especially  as  an  academy  student,  Mr.  Bates  was  a lover 
of  sport,  as  well  as  a lover  of  study,  and  was  often  chosen  first  in 
literary  contests,  and  in  athletic  exercises  as  well. 

After  graduating,  he  studied  law  for  a while,  but  finding  this 
study  too  confining,  he  went  south  on  an  extended  tour  for  his 
health.  His  classical  and  legal  studies  having  pretty  well 
exhausted  his  finances,  he  found  himself  in  the  city  of  Houston, 
Texas,  in  the  winter  of  1870,  with  only  five  cents  in  his  pocket. 
Having  spent  this  nickel  to  buy  a paper,  he  looked  it  over,  and 
chanced  to  find  an  advertisement  for  the  principal  of  an  academy. 
He  at  once  without  hesitation  applied  for  the  position,  and  was 
accepted. 

While  principal  of  this  academy,  rifles  and  bowie-knives  gave 

167 


168 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


him  several  pretty  close  calls,  still  he  quietly  held  his  ground  until 
his  first  term  closed,  when  he  returned  north  to  prosecute  his  theo- 
logical studies.  This  he  did  by  entering  the  General  Theological  Sem- 
inary of  the  Episcopal  Church  in  New  York  City,  in  the  fall  of  1871. 

About  the  time  he  graduated  in  this  institution,  the  controversy 
between  the  high  and  low  church  parties  ran  high.  Such  contro- 
versy not  being  according  to  his  tastes,  and  also  not  having  a 
decided  preference  for  a rigid  ritual,  he  entered  the  Presbyterian 
Church. 

Having  received  a call  to  the  Presbyterian  church  of  Empire 
City,  Oregon,  in  1873,  he  at  once  set  out  for  the  Pacific  Coast. 
Having  arrivtd  at  San  Francisco,  he  found  a small  steamer  ready 
to  sail  up  the  northern  coast  in  a few  hours.  This  vessel  never 
having  carried  a clergyman  before,  the  sailors  looked  upon  the 
young  person  with  a good  deal  of  suspicion.  Their  worst  suspi- 
cions were  confirmed  when  about  three  hundred  miles  out  of  port, 
when  the  steam  cylinder  head  broke,  and  the  vessel  was  compelled 
to  start  back  to  port  under  sail. 

After  cfrifting  at  sea  for  several  days  with  unfavorable  winds,  it 
occurred  to  the  captain  that,  as  things  looked  disastrously  unfavor- 
able, he  had  better  invite  the  clergyman  to  pray.  This  he  did,  and 
no  sooner  were  prayers  over,  than  a strong  north-west  gale  arose 
and  carried  the  vessel  in  safety  back  to  port.  It  is  enough  to  say 
that  from  that  hour  the  tone  and  bearing  of  the  sailors  toward  Mr. 
Bates  changed  entirely.  The  vessel  being  duly  repaired,  he  again 
set  out  for  Empire  City,  where  he  arrived  in  December,  1873. 

Empire  City  being  then  the  most  western  incorporated  town  in 
the  United  States,  and  being  upon  the  wild  Pacific  coast,  Mr.  Bates 
was  delighted  with  the  strangeness  of  the  situation,  and  entered 
upon  his  work  with  zest. 

Many  chapters  could  be  written  of  his  two  years  experience  here 
as  a preacher — climbing  mountains,  fording  rivers,  facing  dangers 
of  town,  forest,  and  ocean.  Contending  with  many  dangers  and 
difficulties,  he  yet  gave  a part  of  each  day  to  study.  His  first 
attendance  on  the  presbytery  of  his  church  was  at  Eugene  City, 
over  a hundred  miles  distant.  This  is  the  way  he  reached  Eugene 
City — 4 miles  in  a small  skiff,  2 miles  on  foot,  16  miles  in  a wagon, 

9 miles  in  a skiff’  18  miles  in  a small  steamer,  6 miles  on  foot,  14 
miles  on  horseback,  60  miles  by  rail. 

Being  friendly  toward  education,  he  began  the  erection  of  an 
academy  on  Coos  Bay,  but  before  the  building  was  completed,  the 
illness  of  his  mother  and  sister  in  Illinois  induced  him  to  resign  his 
entire  work,  and  return  to  his  native  state. 

Shortly  after  his  return,  he  received  a call  to  the  Maroa  Presby- 
terian Church,  where  he  labored  for  four  years  and  a-half. 

In  1878  Mr.  Bates  spent  his  summer  vacation  in  Europe,  and 
most  of  his  time  in  the  art  galleries  of  London,  Paris,  and  other 
cities.  Upon  his  return,  he  delivered  a number  of  lectures  on  his 
trip  abroad,  which  were  eagerly  listened  to.  Mr.  Bates  confesses 
that  no  two  spots  in  Europe  have  greater  fascination  than  Mr. 
Spurgeon’s  tabernacle  in  London,  and  the  galleries  of  the  Louvre 
in  Paris. 

In  June,  1880,  Mr.  Bates  was  united  in  matrimony  with  Miss 
Lydia  E.  Parker,  youngest  daughter  of  the  late  James  S.  Parker} 
of  Maroa.  In  July  following  he  tendered  his  resignation  as  pastor 
of  the  Presbyterian  church,  being  impelled  thereto  by  a desire  to 
take  a vacation  of  several  months,  and  also  to  carry  forward  several 
literary  enterprises.  His  ministry  was  characteiized  by  peace  and 
good-will,  and  a good  degree  of  prosperity,  the  church  becoming  at 
once  self-sustaining,  which  it  had  not  been  before. 

Mr.  Bates’  manners  are  easy  and  unaffected,  and  he  is  socially 
distinguished  for  his  love  of  life  and  good  humor.  His  chief  enjoy-  I 


ment,  however,  is  the  quiet  study  of  literature,  especially  the  clas- 
sics. His  success  so  far  has  been  so  decided  that  we  are  warranted 
in  believing  there  is  a brilliant  future  before  him  as  a speaker  and 
writer. 


ANDREW  J.  THRIFT. 

Among  the  prominent  and  substantial  farmers  of  Maroa  town- 
ship, stands  the  name  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch.  He  was  born 
in  Christian  county,  Kentucky,  October  19th,  1815.  Samuel 
Magruder  Thrift,  his  father,  was  a native  of  Fairfax  county,  Vir- 
ginia. The  Thrift  family  were  originally  from  England,  and  came 
to  America  prior  to  the  Revolutionary  war.  The  grandfather, 
Charles  Thrift,  was  a soldier  in  that  memorable  struggle  for  inde- 
pendence. Samuel  M.  Thrift  moved  to  Kentucky  in  1811,  and 
settled  in  Christian  county,  where  he  remained  till  1831,  when  he 
removed  to  Illinois,  and  settled  in  St.  Clair  county.  He  died  in 
Washington  county,  Illinois,  September  3d,  1872.  He  married 
Sarah  (Fleming)  Cowan.  She  was  a native  of  South  Carolina. 
By  this  marriage  there  were  eight  children;  six  daughters  and  two 
sons.  Two  of  the  children  have  survived  the  parents, — the  subject 
of  this  sketch,  and  Elvina  D.  Andrew  J.  spent  his  youthful  days 
upon  the  farm,  and  in  the  winter  seasons  attended  the  subscription 
schools  of  his  neighborhood.  He  acquired  the  rudiments  of  an 
education.  To  this,  he  has,  in  later  years,  added  a fund  of  infor- 
mation by  extensive  reading,  and  close  observation  of  men  and  in- 
cidents as  they  transpire ; and  is  to-day  well  posted  on  past  and 
current  events.  Being  of  a modest  disposition  he  makes  no  pre- 
tences to  superior  knowledge,  but  in  a quiet,  sensible  way  impresses 
his  hearers  with  the  idea  that  he  is  a man  of  more  than  ordinary 
intelligence.  While  a resident  of  St  Clair  county  he  followed  the 
occupation  of  a farmer.  He  remained  there  until  March  1st,  1864, 
when  he  came  to  Macon  connty,  and  purchased  land  in  sec.  36,  T. 
18,  R.  2 E.  He  first  purchased  a quarter-section,  to  which  he  has 
since  added  until  now  he  has  a large  farm,  and  all  under  the  best 
cultivation,  and  as  well  improved  as  any  in  the  township.  On  the 
8th  of  January,  1835,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Minerva  Jane 
Hawkins.  She  was  a native  of  St.  Clair  county,  and  the  daughter 
of  Marshal  B.  and  Elizabeth  (Woods)  Hawkins.  Her  parents 
were  natives  of  Kentucky.  Mrs.  Thrift  died,  January  10th,  1851. 
There  were  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Thrift  seven  children — three  sons 
and  four  daughters.  Five  of  them  are  yet  living.  Their  names 
are,  Isabel  L.,  wife  of  Charles  L.  Marker ; Minerva  Jane,  wife  of 
Gustavus  M.  Bower,  William  A.,  Samuel  M.,  and  James  P.  Thrift. 
Sarah  E.,  wife  of  George  B.  Short,  and  Emily  E.  are  dead.  On 
the  4th  of  September,  1851,  Mr.  Traft  married  Anna  C.  Peter. 
She  was  born  in  Carlisle,  Cumberland  county,  Pa.,  but  was  a resi- 
dent of  St.  Clair  county  at  the  time  of  her  marriage.  By  the 
union  there  have  been  nine  children — four  boys  and  five  girls.  Five 
of  the  children  are  still  living.  Those  deceased  died  in  in- 
fancy. The  names  of  those  living  are,  Douglas  A.,  Alonzo  M., 
Charles  A.,  Mary  L.,  and  Grace  Truman.  The  last  four  are  yet 
beneath  the  parental  roof.  All  of  the  children,  with  one  exception, 
are  living  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  old  homestead.  Mrs.  Thrift 
is  a member  of  the  Baptist  Church.  Politically  Mr.  Thrift  is  a 
Jeffersonian  democrat,  and  a profound  believer  in  the  political 
principles  as  expounded  by  that  eminent  statesman.  He  cast  his 
first  presidential  vote  for  Andrew  Jackson,  and  since  that  time  has 
kept  the  faith,  and  remained  true  to  the  party  of  his  first  choice. 
He  is  not,  however,  a politician  in  the  strict  sense  of  the  word,  only 
so  far  as  to  express  his  sentiments  and  preferences  through  the  right 
of  suffrage.  In  his  private  life  he  is  above  reproach,  and  where- 
i ever  known  is  regarded  as  an  upright  and  honorable  gentleman. 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


169 


The  Emery  family  are  of  Scotch  and  English  ancestry.  David 
and  Mahala  Emery,  the  parents  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  were 
natives  of  New  Hampshire,  but  subsequently  removed  and  settled 
in  Tioga  county,  New  York.  Charles  F.  is  the  eldest  son  in  a 
family  of  five  children — three  sons  and  two  daughters.  He  was 
born  May  twenty-sixth,  1833.  He  received  a good  education  in  the 
common  schools  of  his  native  state.  At  the  age  of  fourteen  years 
he  entered  the  printing  office  of  the  Ithaca  Chronicle  as  “ carrier  ” 
boy,  where  he  remained  two  years.  In  the  winter  of  1849-50  he 
was  appointed  “ messenger  boy  ” in  the  New  York  Senate  at  Al- 
bany. In  the  summer  of  1850  he  made  up  his  mind  to  go  to  Cali- 
fornia. His  idea  was  to  ship  on  board  some  vessel  which  would  in 
time  take  him  to  the  “ Golden  State.”  With  this  object  in  view  he 
shipped  from  New  Bedford  on  the  “ Stephania,”  a whaling  vessel 
bound  on  a voyage  to  the  Arctic  Seas.  After  being  out  on  her  for 
one  year,  he  left  the  ship  at  the  Sandwich  Islands,  and  in  a steamer 
sailed  for  San  Francisco.  After  his  arrival  in  California  he  en- 
gaged in  mining  business,  in  which  he  continued  for  one  year.  He 
then  shipped  as  second  mate  on  the  brig  “Magdalena,”  which  went 
down  the  coast  of  California  on  an  expedition  in  search  of  guano. 
While  stopping  at  an  island  in  the  Pacific  Ocean,  he  assisted  the 
captain  of  the  brig  in  an  attempt  to  kill  a sea  lion.  During  the 
struggle  the  monster  seized  Mr.  Emery  by  the  leg,  crushing  the  knee 
joint,  and  so  mangling  and  wounding  him  that  he  was  taken  to  the 
Sandwich  Islands,  where  he  lay  nearly  two  years  before  he  entirely 
recovered  from  the  terrible  wound.  After  his  recovery  he  went 
back  to  the  island  in  the  Pacific  Ocean,  where  they  had  discovered 
guano,  and  remained  there  eight  months  in  charge  of  a gang  of 
men,  superintending  the  loading  and  shipping  of  guano  to  Rich- 
22 


mond,  Virginia  He  then  returned  to  the  Sandwich  Islands,  and 
from  there  went  to  San  Francisco.  From  the  latter  place  he  sailed 
as  second  mate  of  a brig  to  Australia,  and  from  thence  to  Callao, 
South  America.  From  the  latter  port  he  sailed  around  Cape  Horn 
in  a Spanish  vessel  to  Barbadoes,  iu  the  West  India  Islands,  then 
to  New  Orleans,  and  from  there  to  Liverpool,  England,  and  then  to 
New  York  city.  After  a long  absence  he  returned  home  to  visit 
his  parents.  They  induced  him  to  go  west  on  a visit  to  his  uncle, 
then  living  in  Clinton,  Illinois,  who  was  engaged  as  a railroad  con- 
tractor. His  visit  was  lengthened  out,  and  he  was  finally  induced 
to  stay.  He  then  purchased  land  in  Austin  township,  Macon 
county.  One  year  later  he  went  to  Texas,  and  engaged  in  sheep- 
raising. The  business  not  proving  as  profitable  as  was  expected 
and  the  war  of  the  rebellion  coming  on,  and  sentiment  changing, 
and  the  people  becoming  Hostile  towards  those  entertaining  Union 
sentiments, — all  conspired  to  hasten  his  departure  from  that  state. 

He  returned  to  Illinois  and  engaged  in  farming,  in  which  he  con- 
tinued until  August  8th,  1802,  when  he  enlisted  as  private  in  Co. 
“ D,”  One  Hundred  and  Sixteenth  Regiment  Illinois  Volunteers. 
When  the  regiment  received  its  orders  to  join  the  army,  he  was 
made  acting-quartermaster,  although  he  did  not  receive  his  com- 
mission as  regimental  quartermaster  until  some  time  later.  In  De- 
cember, 1863,  he  was  promoted  Assistant  Division  Quartermaster 
U.  S.  Vols.,  with  the  rank  of  Captain.  He  returned  home  on  the 
twenty-third  of  January,  1864,  was  married  to  Miss  L.  A.  Ward, 
a native  of  New  Hampshire,  but  a resident  of  Macon,  Illinois,  at 
the  time  of  her  marriage.  In  February  following  he  reported  for 
duty,  and  was  assigned  Assistant  Chief  Quartermaster  of  the  Fif- 
teenth Army  Corps  of  the  Army  of  the  Tennessee,  General  John  A. 


170 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS 


Logan  commanding.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  he  was  appointed 
Chief  Quartermaster  of  the  Corps,  and  remained  upon  the  staff'  of 
Gen.  Logan  until  after  the  surrender  of  Atlanta.  He  was  then 
granted  a short  leave  of  absence,  and  returned  home,  and  while 
there  was  taken  sick  with  pneumonia  and  confined  to  his  home 
until  February,  1865,  when  he  recovered,  sufficiently  strong  to 
join  the  army,  which  was  then  at  Goldsboro,  North  Carolina.  He 
there  assumed  the  duties  of  Quartermaster  of  the  Fourth  Division, 
Seventeenth  Army  Corps,  Gen.  Giles  A.  Smith  commanding,  with 
the  rank  of  Major.  He  remained  in  that  position  and  in  that  com- 
mand until  the  close  of  the  war,  and  participated  in  the  grand  re- 
view at  Washington.  The  command  of  Gen.  Smith,  after  the  war, 
was  ordered  to  Brownsville,  Texas  ; Major  Emery  remained  upon 
his  staff  as  Chief  Quartermaster  until  September,  1865.  The  duties 
being  light,  and  consequently  irksome  to  an  active  mind  and  dispo- 
sition like  Major  Emery’s,  he  asked  to  be  relieved.  His  resignation 
was  accepted,  and  he  was  honorably  discharged  the  same  month. 
His  commissions  date  as  Regimental  Quartermaster,  with  rank  as 
First  Lieutenant,  March  2,  1863  ; Assist.  Division  Quartermaster, 
with  rank  of  Captain,  December  5th,  1863  ; Division  Quartermas- 
ter, with  rank  of  Major,  September  20th,  1865.  After  he  was 
mustered  out  he  returned  home  to  Austin  township,  cultivated  his 
farm  and  engaged  in  real  estate  business  as  agent  for  non-residents. 
He  remained  on  the  farm  until  1872,  when  he  removed  to  Maroa, 
and  commenced  banking,  buying  and  shipping  grain,  and  continued 
his  real  estate  business. 

Major  Emery  is  the  proprietor  and  owner  of  the  largest  elevator 
in  Maroa,  and  handles  large  quantities  of  grain  annually.  In 
politics  Major  Emery  is  most  soundly  indoctrinated  in  the  prin- 
ciples of  the  republican  party-  He  early  espoused  the  cause  of 
freedom  and  human  rights,  and  from  his  first  vote  through  all  sub- 
sequent elections,  he  has  uniformly  cast  his  ballot  for  the  continu- 
ance of  republican  ideas  and  principles.  He  has  always  taken  an 
active  part  in  shaping  the  politics  and  assisting  in  the  success  that 
has  for  many  years  crowned  that  political  organization.  He  has 
represented  his  township  for  several  terms  in  the  Board  of  Super- 
visors, and  while  a member  of  that  body  sustained  the  reputation  of 
a successful  and  prudent  member.  As  a mark  of  respect,  and  in 
recognition  of  his  worth  as  a man  and  a citizen,  he  received  the 
nomination  for  the  office  of  Member  of  the  State  Board  of  Equali- 
zation for  the  Fourteenth  Congressional  District  upon  the  republi- 
can ticket,  and,  if  elected,  we  have  no  doubt,  he  will  discharge  the 
duties  of  the  office  in  a manner  creditable  to  himself  and  the  party 
who  will  honor  him  with  their  suffrages.  His  long  connection  with 
real  estate  transactions  and  thorough  knowledge  of  business  apper- 
taining to  the  duties  of  his  office,  render  him  eminently  qualified  for 
the  position.  Major  Emery  is  an  active,  wide-awake  business  man 
and  liberal-minded  citizen.  All  enterprises  having  for  their  object 
the  increase  of  the  national  wealth  or  interests  of  his  town  or  county 
receive  his  hearty  co-operation  and  substantial  support.  His 
marriage  has  been  happily  blessed  with  one  child,  a son,  named 
Frank.  Major  Emery  is  a respected  member  of  the  Order  of  Free 
Masonry. 


EDWARD  FOULKE. 

The  ancestry  of  the  Foulke  family  on  the  paternal  side  are 
Welsh,  and  on  the  maternal,  English.  The  ancestors  came  to 
America  in  1698.  They  were  Quakers,  and  came  with  William 
Penn  when  he  made  his  second  visit  to  this  country.  They  settled 
near  Philadelphia,  and  from  these  have  grown  the  present  family. 
John  M.  Foulke,  the  father  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  born 


in  Montgomery  county,  Pa.  From  there  he  removed  to  Baltimore, 
while  in  his  twenty-seventh  year.  While  a resident  of  Baltimore 
he  married  Ann  Sinclair,  who  was  a native  of  Baltimore.  Soon 
after  his  marriage  he  came  west,  traveling  over  the  mountains  by 
stage-coach.  He  stopped  in  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  where  he  remained 
until  1840,  when  he  returned  to  Baltimore  and  continued  there 
until  1857,  when  he  came  to  Illinois  and  located  on  section  26, 
T.  18,  R.  2 E.  Macon  county,  and  here  he  remained  until  his 
death,  which  occurred  March  13th,  1874.  His  wife,  and  mother 
of  Edward  Foulke,  died  in  Baltimore  in  1844.  Two  children  were 
born  to  John  M.,  and  Ann  Foulke;  Lydia  A.,  and  the  subject  of 
this  sketch.  The  latter  was  born  in  Hamilton  county,  Ohio,  July 
31st,  1834.  He  received  a good  education  in  the  common-schools, 
and  when  at  the  age  of  sixteen  years  he  went  to  Norristown,  Pa., 
where  he  entered  the  Freemount  seminary,  and  remained  there 
several  years  under  the  tutorship  of  Rev.  Samuel  Aaron,  a Baptist 
minister.  In  that  school  he  perfected  his  education,  particularly  in 
agricultural  chemistry,  which  study  he  has,  later  in  life,  found  very 
useful.  In  1856  he  came  west,  and  purchased  two  hundred  and 
forty  acres  of  land  in  Maroa  township,  of  the  Illinois  Central  Rail- 
road company.  He  commenced  its  improvement,  and  there  he  has 
remained  to  the  present.  On  the  15th  of  October,  1864.  he  was 
united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Adelaide  Colladay,  a native  of  Phila- 
delphia. Five  children  are  the  fruits  of  this  union;  three  sons  and 
two  daughters.  Their  names  are  Anna,  John  M.,  Edward,  William 
Llewellyn  and  Caroline  Edith  Foulke.  Politically  he  is  a member 
of  the  republican  party.  Mr.  Foulke  enjoys  the  confidence  and 
esteem  of  his  friends  and  neighbors. 


JOHN  S.  PARKER. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  in  Preble  county,  Ohio, 
March  1st,  1842.  His  father,  Robert  Parker,  was  born  in  Mon- 
mouth county,  New  Jersey,  in  1810 ; came  west  with  his  parents  to 
Ohio  in  1834,  and  remained  there  until  1856,  when  he  came  to  Illi- 
nois and  settled  in  Maroa  township,  Macon  county,  and  engaged 
in  the  real  estate  and  loan  business.  He  remained  in  Macon  county 
until  1878,  when  he  removed  to  De  Witt  county,  111.,  where  he  at 
present  resides.  He  married  Lydia  C.  Hankersou,  who  was  born 
in  Warren  county,  Ohio. 

John  S.  Parker  is  the  eldest  child  in  the  family,  and  came  west 
with  his  parents  in  1856 ; he  received  a fair  education  in  the  com- 
mon schools  of  the  county,  and  when  not  at  school  his  time  was 
occupied  in  working  on  the  farm,  which,  in  short,  has  been  his  chief 
and  only  occupation  since  arriving  at  man’s  estate.  On  the  27th 
of  January,  1870,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Mary  Ann 
Pape.  She  was  born  in  England,  but  came  with  her  parents  to 
America  while  she  was  yet  in  her  infancy.  She  was  a resident  of 
Macon  county  at  the  time  of  her  marriage.  Two  children  have 
been  born  to  bless  and  hallow  this  union — a son  and  daughter, 
named  Robert  Benjamin  and  Lydia  Ann  Parker,  aged  respectively 
nine  and  six  years.  Both  Mr.  Parker  and  his  estimable  wife  are 
members  of  the  Protestant  Methodist  Church.  Politically  he  is  a 
staunch  democrat,  and  cast  his  first  presidential  vote  for  George  B. 
McClellan  for  President  in  1864,  since  which  time  he  has  remained 
true  to  the  party  of  his  first  choice.  There  were  four  brothers  in 
the  family  of  Robert  and  Lydia  C Parker,  two  of  whom  are  living, 
viz.,  John  S.  and  James  B.  Garrett,  a younger  brother,  died  Jan. 
24th,  1865,  while  in  the  service  during  the  late  war.  William  T., 
another  brother,  died  on  the  same  day  at  home. 


171 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


John  Crocker,  (deceased),  the  gentleman  whose  portrait  heads 
this  brief  memoir,  was  a native  of  the  New  England  states,  born 
in  New  Hampshire  August  2d,  1804. 

In  early  manhood,  fired  with  the  glowing  accounts  of  the 
richness  of  our  young  prairie  state,  Mr.  Crocker  determined  to 
emigrate  to  Illinois,  which  he  did  in  the  year  1839.  He  settled  first 
in  Jacksonville,  Morgan  county,  where  he  engaged  in  farming,  and 
was  subsequently  an  attache  of  the  State  Asylum  for  the  Insane 
located  at  that  place.  Being  tendered  a more  lucrative  position  by 
the  Illinois  Central  Railroad  Company,  he  accepted  their  proposi- 
tion, and  in  October,  1854,  removed  to  what  is  now  the  town  of 
Maroa,  and  became  the  station  agent  at  that  point.  He  continued 
to  occupy  this  position  until  1866,  or  for  twelve  years,  during  which 
time  he  engaged  in  buying  and  shipping  grain  and  dealing  in  lum- 
ber. After  this  he  associated  himself  wfith  the  banking  business,  in 
which  he  continued  until  his  death,  April  6th,  1879. 

Mr.  Crocker  was  married  to  Mary  Neal  Pillsbury,  also  a native 
of  New  Hampshire.  By  this  union  they  were  blessed  with  a family 
of  five  children — three  sons  and  two  daughters.  Mrs.  Crocker’s 


death  occurred  in  1873.  Mr.  Crocker  was  an  active  member  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church. 

Being  one  of  the  first  to  locate  in  Maroa,  Mr.  Crocker  became 
early  interested  and  identified  with  the  improvements  and  progress 
of  the  place,  and  lived  to  become  one  of  its  leading  business  men 
and  see  it  grow  to  a thriving  and  important  town.  As  a man  and 
a citizen  he  was  universally  respected.  Of  good  parentage,  he  kept 
the  parental  shield  bright,  and  the  people  of  Macon  county  have 
known  him  and  his  family  as  among  their  best  citizens.  In  youth 
his  opportunities  for  culture  were  good,  and  he  was  a man  of  very 
general  information.  Pious,  honest,  and  upright,  he  always  en- 
deavored to  obey  the  poet’s  admonition  to  “ be  just,  and  fear  not.’’ 
He  has  not  acted  upon  the  principle  that — 

“ One  crowded  hour  of  glorious  life 
Is  worth  an  age  without  a name,” 

but  has  sought  rather  to  let  the  whole  tenor  of  his  life  pass  so  that 
its  memory  may  hereafter  linger,  the  fit  semblance  of  a beautiful 
dream. 


172 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


GEORGE  B.  SHORT. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  comes  from  a family  of  pioneers  of 
the  state  of  Illinois.  His  grandfather,  Moses  Short,  was  born  in 
Kentucky,  and  was  of  the  stock  of  those  hardy  men  who  made 
famous  the  “ dark  and  bloody  ground.”  His  adventurous  spirit 
would  not  permit  him  to  stay  in  his  native  state,  but  he  came  -to 
Illinois  before  the  commencement  of  the  present  century,  and  here 
he  found  work  which  suited  minds  cast  in  an  heroic  and  courageous 
mould. 

He  joined  the  Rangers,  and  was  made  a captain  in  the  service. 
He  is  spoken  of  by  Governor  Reynolds,  in  his  “ History  of  Illinois,” 
as  being  a man  who  rendered  valuable  services  to  the  state,  and  one 
who  knew  no  fear,  or  scorned  to  turn  his  back  upon  an  enemy. 
He  remained  a captain  for  seven  years.  His  brother,  Jacob  Short, 
was  a major  in  the  same  service.  Moses  Short  died  in  St.  Clair 
county.  His  son,  W.  B.,  was  born  in  the  same  county,  in  March 
1803.  He  was  a soldier  in  the  Black  Hawk  war  of  1827,  and  also 
of  1832.  He  died  on  the  28th  of  October,  1869,  while  on  a visit 
to  Holden,  Missouri.  He  married  Nancy  Hill.  She  was  born  in 
Pennsylvania.  Her  parents,  Peter  and  Sarah  Hill,  emigrated  to 
Illinois,  and  settled  in  St.  Clair  county  in  1814.  She  died  in  1859. 
There  were  eleven  children  born  to  W.  B.  and  Nancy  Short — four 
sons  and  seven  daughters.  Three  of  the  children  have  survived  the 
parents. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  is  the  second  in  the  family.  He  was 
born  four  miles  south-east  of  Belleville,  in  St.  Clair  county,  Illinois, 
August  12th,  1826.  He  remained  at  home  until  his  twentieth  year, 
when  he  enlisted  in  Company  “ G ” (Capt.  Wm.  Bissell’s),  and  went 
as  a soldier  into  the  Mexican  War.  The  company  was  made  up 
from  Belleville  and  vicinity.  It  was  part  of  the  command  under 
General  Wool  in  the  army  of  the  Rio  Grande  under  the  command 
of  Gen.  Zachary  Taylor.  Mr.  Short  participated  in  the  battles 
fought  by  the  latter  officer,  and  remained  in  the  service  until  dis- 
charged at  Camp  Crockett,  San  Antonia,  Texas.  He  suffered  from 
the  malaria,  and  was  sick  the  greater  portion  of  the  time  he  was 
out. 

He  returned  home,  and  on  the  19th  of  December,  1848,  he  was 
united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Mary  E.  Stookey.  She  died  on  March 
22d,  1852.  One  child,  named  Barbara  E.,  is  the  only  fruit  of  that 
union. 

In  the  spring  of  1853,  Mr.  Short,  in  company  with  four  others, 
made  the  trip  to  California  by  the  overland  route.  They  traveled 
in  ox-teams,  and  were  five  months  in  reaching  their  destination. 
While  in  California,  he  engaged  in  farming,  and  in  the  winter  sea- 
sons in  mining.  He  remained  in  California  from  the  fifth  of  No- 
vember, 1853,  to  the  fifth  of  November,  1855,  when  he  returned 
home  by  way  of  the  Isthmus  of  Panama  and  New  York.  After 
his  arrival  at  home,  he  went  to  farming,  in  which  he  has  continued 
till  the  present  time. 

On  the  thirtieth  of  September,  1856,  he  was  married  to  Miss 
Sarah  E.  Thrift.  She  was  born  in  St.  Clair  county,  and  died  in 
Maroa  township,  Macon  county,  Illinois,  September  30th,  1877. 
By  this  marriage  there  were  six  children  born,  three  of  whom  are 
living.  Their  names  are — Isolina,  Henrietta,  and  Golda  Short. 
All  are  yet  beneath  the  parental  roof.  Mr.  Short  remained  in  St. 
Clair  county  until  April  26th,  1863,  when  he  removed  to  Maroa 
township,  Macon  county.  He  purchased  two  hundred  and  forty 
acres  of  land  in  Sec.  36,  T.  18,  R.  2 E.,  and  there  he  has  remained 
quietly  cultivating  his  farm  to  the  present.  He  is  a member  of  the 
Baptist  church,  as  was  also  his  esteemed  wife. 

Politically,  Mr.  Short  is  a democrat  of  the  old  Jacksonian  school. 
He  cast  his  first  vote  for  Lewis  Cass  for  president  in  1848,  and 


since  that  time  has  been  true  to  his  first  and  earliest  political  teach- 
ings. Mr.  Short  is  a good  representative  of  the  offspring  of  the 
pioneers  of  Illinois. 

Free-hearted,  open  and  frank,  social  and  hospitable,  both  at  home 
and  abroad — honest  himself,  and  expecting  honesty  in  others,  he  is 
a fair  type  of  the  men  who  came  to  Illinois  and  gave  it  the  start 
which  has  helped  to  make  it  (soon  to  be)  the  foremost  in  the  Union. 


FREDERICK  W.  MILLER. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  is  a living  example  of  what  can  be 
accomplished  in  this  free  country,  by  the  exercise  of  industry  and 
economy,  united  with  practical  common  sense  and  good  management. 
Mr.  Miller  was  born  in  Jackson  county,  Indiana,  June  11th,  1832. 
His  parents  dying  while  he  was  yet  in  infancy,  he  never  knew 
parental  affection.  He  was  placed  among  strangers,  and  at  twelve 
years  of  age  became  self-supporting.  At  the  age  of  seventeen  years 
he  moved  with  a Mr.  Franklin  to  Missouri,  and  stopped  in  St. 
Charles  county.  There  he  remained  sixteen  years  at  work  upon  a 
farm.  In  1863  he  came  to  Illinois  and  bought  one  hundred  and 
twenty  acres  of  land  in  section  17,  Maroa  township.  He  afterwards 
added  eighty  acres  more  in  section  14,  same  township.  In  the 
winter  of  1877  he  purchased  twenty  acres  in  section  11,  one  half 
mile  from  the  village  of  Maroa.  Upon  this  purchase  there  is  a 
fine  dwelling-house.  Here  he  at  present  resides.  On  the  3d  of 
November,  1855,  he  married  Sarah  Ann  Mockby.  She  died  March 
15th,  1864.  By  this  marriage  there  were  two  sons,  named  William 
Henry  and  Charles  Anderson  Miller.  On  the  3d  of  October,  1865, 
he  married  Lydia  Margaret  Stewart.  She  is  a native  of  Harrison 
county,  Ky.  By  this  union  there  have  been  four  children,  two  of 
whom  are  living.  Their  names  are  : Lucy  Matilda,  and  Benjamin 
Franklin  Miller.  Both  he  and  his  wife  are  members  of  the  M.  E. 
Church.  He  is  also  an  honored  member  of  the  ancient  and  honora- 
ble order  of  Free  Masonry,  and  belongs  to  Maroa  Lodge  No.  454. 
Politically,  he  is  a democrat,  and  cast  his  first  vote  for  James 
Buchanan  in  1856. 


JOSEPH  W.  FAWKES. 

The  subject  of  the  following  sketch  deserves  to  be  ranked  among 
the  leading  inventors  of  the  age.  The  family,  on  the  paternal  side, 
are  of  English  ancestry  and  of  Welsh  extraction  on  the  maternal. 
His  father,  Joseph  Fawkes,  was  a farmer,  and  a native  of  Lancas- 
ter county,  Pennsylvania.  He  belonged  to  the  middle  classes,  and 
was  possessed  of  a reasonable  amount  of  property.  Joseph  W.  is 
the  third  son  in  a family  of  seven  children.  He  was  born  in  Lan- 
caster county,  Pa.,  September  25th,  1825.  His  boyhood  days  were 
not  different  from  most  boys  who  grow  up  on  the  farm.  He  re- 
ceived such  an  education  as  the  common  schools  of  his  county  af- 
forded. The  great  dream  of  his  younger  years  and  maturer  life 
was  to  become  an  inventor,  and  originate  machinery  that  would 
benefit  the  large  class  of  cultivators  of  the  soil,  and  lessen  their  toil, 
and  make  more  pleasant  and  remunerative  that  great  industry. 
Added  to  this  desire  was  a genius  that  developed  early  in  the  boy. 
At  the  age  of  sixteen  years  he  invented  and  made  a model  for 
cutting  “ shoe  lasts,”  of  irregular  shape,  which,  with  some  later  im- 
provements, has  come  into  general  use.  His  next  invention  was  a 
“ seed  drill,”  which  was  patented  and  has  been  in  general  use 
throughout  the  country  for  many  years.  On  the  29th  of  August, 
1854,  he  received  a patent  for  his  “ lime  spreader.”  This  inven- 
tion was  exhibited  at  public  fairs  and  in  various  places  in  the 


GEORGE  B.  SHORT. 


M*.s  SARAH  E.  SHORT,  DEC? 


f 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


173 


States  of  Pennsylvania,  Virginia  and  North  Carolina,  and  when- 
ever shown  valuable  premiums  were  awarded  it.  His  great  inven- 
tion, however,  was  the  “steam  plow,”  which  excited  favorable  com- 
ment in  both  Europe  and  America.  It  was  patented  January  28th, 
1858.  It  was  afterward  improved,  and  two  other  patents  on  it 
taken  out.  For  this  invention  he  now  holds  a number  of  valuable 
medals  and  testimonials.  The  one  he  prizes  the  most  highly  is  the 
<l  Scott  Legacy  Premium,’'  presented  by  the  Franklin  Institute  of 
Philadelphia.  Upon  its  face  it  bears  the  following  inscription  : 
“ Presented  to  J.  W.  Fawkes,  of  Lancaster,  Pensylvania,  for  Steam 
Plow.”  On  the  other  side,  “ Presented  to  the  most  deserving.” 
He  also  has  a medal  of  great  intrinsic  value,  presented  him  by  the 
Agricultural  Society  of  Pennsylvania,  and  an  autograph  letter 
from  James  Buchanan,  President  of  the  United  States,  dated  at 
Washington  January  25th,  1860,  iu  which  he  informs  him  that 
“ he  has  been  requested  by  the  United  States  Agricultural  Society 
to  present  Mr.  Fawkes  ‘ the  Grand  Gold  Medal  of  Honor,’  awarded 
him  at  Chicago  in  September  last.”  Mr.  Fawkes  brought  his 
steam  plow  west,  and  exhibited  and  operated  it  at  different  State 
Fairs  in  the  Western  States,  and  at  all  it  received  favorable  men- 
tion, diplomas,  and  valuable  premiums.  The  invention  was  a fail- 
ure so  far  as  getting  the  plow  generally  introduced,  and  also  a 
failure  in  a financial  way.  The  trouble  was,  that  the  invention 
was  in  advance  of  the  times.  The  sluggish  and  conservative  in- 
tellect of  the  masses  cannot,  nor  do  not  keep  pace  with  the  active, 
energetic  mind  of  the  inventor.  Few  of  the  latter  class  live  to  see 
the  full  fruition  of  their  hopes.  Yet  Mr.  Fawkes  does  not  despair 
of  seeing  in  his  life  the  steam  plow  introduced  and  successfully 
operated  in  Illinois. 

He  came  west  to  Illinois  in  1863,  and  settled  in  Decatur,  where 
he  followed  house-raising,  and  operated  a machine  shop.  In  1869 
he  purchased  land  in  Maroa  township,  Macon  county,  which  he 
improved,  and  from  that  time  to  the  present  has  been  busily  en- 
gaged in  cultivating  the  soil.  He,  however,  by  no  means,  dropped 
his  inventions.  Since  living  in  Illinois  he  has  seen  the  great  neces- 
sity of  ditching  the  vast  area  of  low  flat  lands  in  the  state,  and  with 
this  idea  in  view  he  invented  the  “steam  steel  shovel  scraper”  for 
ditching,  which  in  this  country  may  be  regarded  as  a very  valuable 
invention.  On  the  18th  of  October,  1853,  while  yet  a citizen  of 
Pennsylvania,  he  married  Miss  A.  E.  Baughman,  a native  of  Lan- 
caster county.  By  this  marriage  there  are  seven  children,  all  liv- 
ing— six  boys  and  one  girl.  Their  names  are  Howard  B.,  William 
C-,  Jacob  H.,  Joseph  W.,  Charles  G-,  Leslie  H.,  and  F.  F.  Fawkes. 
Both  he  and  his  wife  are  members  of  theM.  E.  Church.  Political- 
ly he  was  originally  an  old  line  whig.  His  first  presidential  vote 
was  cast  for  General  Zachary  Taylor  in  1848.  He  afterwards  joined 
the  republican  party,  and  still  continues  a member.  Upon  the 
subject  of  temperance  he  is  a total  abstinence  man,  and  has  been 
a worker  in  the  temperance  cause  for  a great  many  years.  At 
home  and  abroad  he  is  a sociable  and  agreeable  gentleman. 


MILTON  P.  FUNK. 

The  subject  of  this  biographical  sketch  was  born  in  Morgan 
county,  Illinois,  June  9th,  1833.  The  ancestry  of  the  Funks  is 
German.  Samuel  Funk  came  to  America  in  1776,  and  settled  in 
Virginia,  and  from  him  have  sprung  the  present  family.  He  mar- 
ried Elizabeth  Cordell.  Members  of  the  family  left  Virginia  and 
settled  in  Tennessee,  where  Martin  C.  Funk,  the  father  of  Milton 
P.,  was  born.  Martin  C.  married  Janie  Lieb.  She  died  in  June, 
1878.  Mr.  Funk  left  Tennessee  in  1828,  and  came  to  Illinois,  and 


settled  in  Morgan  county,  where  he  improved  a farm  and  lived  until 
1845,  when  he  died.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  is  the  eldest  of  the 
children.  Like  all  farmers’  b >ys  of  Illinois  of  forty  years  ago,  he 
was  deprived  of  educational  advantages  and  facilities  for  attending 
good  schools  and  receiving  such  learning  as  now  falls  to  the  lot  of 
the  youth  of  the  present  day.  His  father  dying  while  Milton  wras 
yet  in  his  youth,  he  was  compelled  to  help  support  himself  and 
others  of  the  family,  and  at  an  early  age  became  a producer  as  well 
as  a consumer.  He  grew  to  manhood  and  remained  in  Morgan 
county  until  the  28th  of  March,  1855,  when  he  came  to  Maroa  town- 
ship, Macon  county,  and  purchased  eighty  acres  of  raw  land,  built 
a cabin  and  went  to  work  improving  it.  There  he  has  lived  till  the 
present  time.  On  the  22d  of  September,  1853,  he  married  Isabella 
Todd.  She  died  September  14th,  1874.  By  this  marriage  there 
have  been  three  children  living,  named  Henry  M.,  John  N.,  and 
Mary  A.  Funk.  On  the  22d  of  December,  1875,  he  married  Miss 
Melissa  Smith  of  Effingham  county,  Illinois.  By  this  later  mar- 
riage there  is  one  child,  named  Ibra  Maud  Funk.  He  is  a mem- 
ber of  the  Christian  Church,  and  his  wife  of  the  Presbyterian. 
Politically  he  is  a sound  and  thorough  democrat,  and  gave  James 
Buchanan  his  first  vote  in  1856.  Mr.  Funk  is  esteemed  by  all  who 
know  him.  He  is  a good  man,  and  an  enterprising  and  first-class 
citizen. 


W.  J.  COMPTON. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  in  Morgan  county,  Indiana, 
August  26th,  1843.  The  Compton  family  are  of  English  and 
Scotch  descent.  Their  ancestors  came  to  America  and  settled  in 
Virginia,  about  the  close  of  the  sixteenth  century.  Ephraim  Comp- 
ton, the  father  of  W.  J.,  was  born  in  Culpepper  county,  Virginia. 
He  removed  with  his  father  to  Ohio,  while  yet  young,  and  remained 
there  until  1842,  when  he  went  to  Indiana.  In  1844  he  returned 
to  Ohio,  where  he  remained  until  1856,  when  he  came  to  Illinois 
and  settled  in  Champaign  county,  where  he  still  resides.  He  mar- 
ried Elizabeth  Johnson.  She  was  born  in  Ohio.  By  this  marriage 
there  were  ten  children,  six  of  whom  are  now  living,  and  all  have 
arrived  at  the  age  of  maturity.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  is  the 
second  in  the  family.  His  education  was  obtained  in  the  common 
schools  of  the  county,  and  in  the  South-western  State  Normal 
School,  situated  at  Lebanon,  Ohio.  He  spent  one  year  in  the  latter 
place,  and  fitted  himself  for  the  profession  of  teaching.  After  his 
arrival  in  Champaign  county,  he  worked  upon  his  father’s  farm, 
and  in  the  agricultural  store  in  Mahomet,  and  remained  in  the 
above  named  county  until  the  fall  of  1861,  when  he  went  to  Leb- 
anon, Ohio,  and  entered  the  school  as  above  stated.  From  there 
he  returned  to  Illinois,  and  taught  school  in  Logan  county  during 
the  winters  of  1862,  1863  and  1864.  It  was  while  he  was  engaged 
in  teaching,  that  he  made  the  acquaintance  of  his  wife,  Miss  Mary 
Conover.  The  marriage  took  place  October  20th,  1864.  Her 
parents,  Tylee  and  Hester  Conover,  came  from  Ohio  to  Illinois  in 
1857,  and  settled  in  Logan  county ; Mrs.  Compton  was  born  in 
Shelby  county,  Ohio,  but  was  a resident  of  Logan  county,  Illinois, 
at  the  time  of  her  marriage.  After  Mr.  Compton’s  marriage  he 
engaged  in  farming  for  two  years,  then  removed  to  Maroa,  and  en- 
tered the  service  of  J.  M.  Richards  & Co.,  who  wrere  largely  inter- 
ested in  the  grain  business.  He  remained  with  the  firm  one  year, 
then  removed  to  Bloomington,  and  was  employed  in  the  Phoenix 
Nursery  for  two  years,  then  returned  with  his  family  to  Maroa, 
and  took  a position  as  book-keeper  in  the  flouring  mill  of  T.  Cono- 
ver. He  continued  in  that  capacity  for  three  years,  then  purchased 
the  business  and  leased  the  mill,  and  operated  it  for  three  years 


174 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


longer.  He  then  sold  out  and  entered  into  a co-partnership 
with  C.  F.  Emery,  in  the  purchasing  and  shipping  of  grain.  This 
business  arrangement  still  continues.  The  firm  have  superior  facili- 
ties, and  handle  large  quantities  of  grain  each  year.  Politically 
Mr.  Compton  is  a member  of  the  republican  party.  His  first 
presidential  vote  was  cast  for  Abraham  Lincoln,  in  1864;  since 
that  time  he  has  seen  no  reason  to  change  his  political  views,  and 
consequently  is  recognized  and  known  as  a stalwart  and  staunch 
believer  in  republican  principles.  He  is  a member  of  Maroa 
Lodge,  No.  454,  A.  F.  & A.  M.,  and  of  Goodbrake  Chapter,  No. 
59,  R.  A.  M.,  of  Clinton,  Illinois.  In  both  orders  he  is  known  as 
an  active  and  bright  mason.  His  marriage  has  been  blessed  with 
three  children,  all  girls,  named  Minnie,  Aggie,  and  Lillie,  aged 
respectively,  twelve,  eight  and  three  years.  In  his  habits  he  is 
temperate,  and  is  an  advocate  of  the  temperance  cause.  Socially 
and  personally,  Mr.  Compton  is  an  agreeable  and  pleasant  gentle- 
man. As  a business  man  he  is  quick,  prompt,  energetic,  and  reli- 
able, and  honorable  in  all  of  his  transactions  with  his  fellow-men. 
Both  he  and  his  excellent  wife  are  members  of  the  Christian  Church. 


JOHN  LONGSTREET. 

The  ancestry  of  the  Longstreet  family  is  of  Scotch-Irish  and 
German  extraction.  The  grandfather  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch 
was  born  in  New  Jersey.  He  removed  to  Ohio  about  the  year 
1810,  and  settled  in  Warren  county.  His  son,  Aaron  Longstreet, 
father  of  John,  is  still  a resident  of  that  state.  He  married  Mary 
Galiher.  Her  father,  John  Galiher,  is  still  living,  although  at  the 
advanced  age  of  ninety-two  years.  Mrs.  Longstreet  died  in  1841. 
Mr.  Longstreet  afterward  married  Nancy  Ward.  She  died  in  1876. 


By  the  first  marriage  there  were  three  children — all  boys.  The 
subject  of  this  sketch  is  the  eldest  of  these  children.  He  was  born 
in  Butler  county,  Ohio,  September  2d,  1832.  Like  most  farmers’ 
sons,  his  boyhood  was  passed  upon  the  farm,  assisting  in  the  work 
during  the  summer  months,  and  attending  the  country  schools 
during  the  winter.  He  grew  to  manhood,  and  remained  beneath 
the  parental  roof  until  his  twentieth  year,  when  he  commenced  life 
for  himself.  He  leased  a farm,  and  continued  its  cultivation  for  three 
years,  when  he  embarked  in  the  mercantile  business  in  the  town  of 
Middletown,  Butler  county.  One  year  later  he  and  his  brother 
leased  the  home-farm  for  two  years.  He  remained  in  Ohio  until 
1862,  when  he  came  west,  and  settled  in  Maroa  township,  where  he 
has  resided  and  continued  farming  until  the  present  time. 

On  the  first  of  November,  1857,  while  yet  a resident  of  Ohio, 
he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Yashti  Wycoff.  She  is  of  Ger- 
man extraction.  The  Wycoff  family  were  originally  from  New 
Jersey.  They  came  west  to  Ohio,  at  a period  when  the  city  of  Cin- 
cinnati had  but  two  houses.  They  were  among  the  very  early 
settlers  of  the  state.  The  marriage  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Longstreet  has 
been  blessed  with  seven  children,  all  of  whom  are  living,  and  yet 
at  home.  Mr.  Longstreet  is  an  honored  member  of  the  order  of 
Freemasonry,  and  belongs  to  Maroa  Lodge,  No.  454,  and  Good- 
brake  Chapter  of  Clinton,  Illinois.  Politically  he  is  a believer  in 
the  principles  as  enunciated  in  the  platform  of  the  republican 
party.  He  has  represented  his  township  in  the  Board  of  Super- 
visors for  five  consecutive  terms.  He  is  an  influential  member  of 
the  Board.  He  is  a member  of  the  Finance  Committee,  and  was 
one  of  the  five  of  that  committee  who  negatived  the  refunding  of 
$187,000  of  the  Macon  County  Bonds.  His  frequent  re-elections 
attest  his  fitness  for  the  responsible  plaoe,  and  is  also  expressive  of 
i the  confidence  reposed  in  him  by  his  constituency. 


NIANTIC  TOWNSHIP. 


IANTIC  is  formed  from  parts  of  the  congressional  town- 
ships 16  and  17  N.,  R.  1 W.,  and  contains  twenty- 
eight  full  and  two  fractional  sections.  It  is  bounded 
on  the  north  by  Logan  county ; on  the  east  by  Illini 
and  Harristown  townships ; on  the  south  by  the  Sangamon  river, 
and  on  the  west  by  Sangamon  county.  This  territory,  formerly 
classed  under  the  head  of  swamp  lands,  was  practically  donated  to 
Macon  county,  because  it  was  regarded  as  absolutely  worthless, 
while  to-day  it  ranks  among  the  best  agricultural  townships.  The 
soil,  composed  of  decayed  vegetable  matter,  is  a deep,  rich,  black 
loam,  very  fertile  and  productive.  Willow  Branch,  with  its  several 
affluents,  drain  the  lands  and  furnish  water  for  stock  purposes. 
The  main  line  of  the  Wabash,  St.  Louis  and  Pacific  railway 
passes  through  the  township  from  east  to  west  about  a mile  south 
of  the  centre. 

EARLY  SETTLEMENTS. 

This  township  was  among  the  earliest  settled  in  the  county.  In 
the  year  1825,  Joseph  Strickling,  a native  of  either  Ohio  or  Ken- 


tucky, settled  in  section  23,  T.  16  N.,  R.  1 W.,  and  to  him  belongs 
the  honor  of  first  settling  what  is  now  Niantic  township.  Mr. 
Strickling  erected  a log  house  and  improved  some  land  on  section 
23,  where  he  resided  for  a number  of  years.  His  family  was  of 
ordinary  size ; some  of  them  died  and  the  others  have  moved  away. 
At  present  none  of  the  pioneer  family  are  living  in  the  county. 
Very  soon  after  Mr.  Strickling,  Niantic  received  another  settler  in 
the  person  of  William  Turner,  who  came  with  his  family  from  one 
of  the  adjoining  counties  and  located  on  section  15,  where  he  erect- 
ed a log  cabin  and  began  improvements.  From  this  time  to  the 
year  1840,  there  were  but  few  permanent  settlers.  About  the 
year  1840,  a settlement  was  made  by  Joseph  Blankenship  on,  or 
very  near  section  25,  (Twp.  16-1.) 

The  first  birth  was  that  of  a child  of  Wyatt  Strickling,  which 
occurred  at  a very  early  date  after  the  first  settlement  of  the  Strick- 
ling neighborhood.  Another  child  of  Wyatt  Strickling  died  a 
number  of  years  after  their  settlement,  and  was  the  first  death  in 
the  township. 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


175 


A pay-school,  taught  by  James  Harper,  in  the  house  of  a farmer 
living  in  the  southern  part  of  the  township,  was  the  first  in  Niantic. 
The  first  school-house  was  built  of  logs  in  1847,  and  was  located  on 
section  23. 

Rev.  A.  D.  Northcutt,  a very  prominent  gentleman  in  the  early 
church  and  pioneer  history  of  Christian,  Macon,  and  adjoining 
counties,  and  at  present  a resident  of  Prairieton  township,  Chris- 
tian county,  delivered  the  first  sermon  in  this  township.  The  first 
local,  resident  preacher  was  the  Rev.  Dr.  J.  H.  Hughes,  who  was  a 
man  of  very  fine  attainments  and  an  elegant  and  polished  Christian 
gentleman.  Revs.  John  W.  Tyler  and  John  England  were  also 
among  the  early  preachers.  A Dr.  Stewart,  who  located  in  the 
town  of  Niantic  in  1856,  was  the  first  physician. 

In  the  year  1856,  Joab  Wilkinson  was  elected  the  first  justice 
of  the  peace,  which  position  he  continued  to  fill  for  several  years. 

In  the  year  1855,  Samuel  Power  erected  a blacksmith  shop  on 
section  11,  and  began  smithing  for  the  neighborhood. 

The  first  mill  of  any  kind  erected  was  a horse-power  saw-mill,  by 
Messrs.  Dingman  and  Sanders,  on  section  23,  in  the  timber  along 
the  Sangamon,  in  the  autumn  of  1855. 

Some  of  the  earliest  importations  of  the  finer  breeds  of  stock  were 
as  follows  : in  the  year  1850,  James  Dingman  brought  from  Ken- 
tucky some  thoroughbred  horses.  Hugh  Mooney  brought  to  this 
township  in  1876,  an  imported  Norman  horse,  and  later,  in  1878 
he  purchased  a herd  of  short-horn  cattle. 

The  first  entry  of  land  dates  back  to  November  30th,  1829,  when 
Wyatt  Strickland  entered  80  acres  in  section  23  ; also  on  January 
27th,  he  entered  80  acres  more  in  same  section.  William  Turner 
entered  May  17th,  1830,  80  acres  in  section  No.  15  ; all  the  above 
lands  are  in  township  No.  16  N.  R.  1 west.  The  following  lands 
are  located  in  T.  17  N.  R.  1 west.  Wm.  Constant  entered  April 
18th,  1850,  80  acres  in  section  33.  Charles  W.  Morgan  entered 
June  14th,  1850,  the  S.  i of  the  N.  W.  J and  NJ  of  the  S.  W.  i of 
section  No.  33,  160  acres. 

Below  we  append  the  supervisors : J.  H.  Hughes,  elected  in  1860, 
re-elected  in  1861 ; J.  A.  Pritchett,  elected  in  1862 ; J.  W.  Corbett, 
elected  in  1863,  and  re-elected  in  1864,  1865,  and  1866 ; A.  W. 
Pritchett,  elected  in  1867  ; Sheldon  Parks,  elected  in  1868  ; Shaw 
Pease,  elected  in  1869;  Thomas  Acorn,  elected  in  1870;  S.  Parks, 
elected  in  1871,  and  re-elected  in  1872;  James  Dingman,  elected  in 
1873,  re-elected  in  1874;  J.  R.  Ash,  elected  in  1875  ; A.  C.  Edgar, 
elected  in  1876,  and  re-elected  each  year  to  the  present. 

Among  some  of  the  oldest  and  most  prominent  citizens  now  re- 
siding in  this  township  may  be  mentioned : Geo.  W.  Gepford,  a 
native  of  Pennsylvania,  who  came  here  in  1842,  and  now  lives  on 
section  11  ; Thomas  A.  Pritchett,  a Kentuckian,  who  is  now  a mer- 
chant in  Niantic,  came  in  1856;  A.  C.  Edgar,  James  Hogeu,  J.  S. 
Kizer,  H.  N.  Clark  of  New  York,  and  Hullinger,  from  Ohio. 

THE  TOWN  OF  NIANTIC 

Is  situated  in  section  11,  of  T.  16  N.  R.  1 W-,  on  the  main  line  of 
the  Wabash,  St.  Louis  and  Pacific  railway,  about  eleven  miles 
west  of  Decatur.  It  is  surrounded  by  an  excellent  agricultural 
country,  and  large  shipments  of  grain  and  stock  are  annually  made. 


When  laid  out,  in  the  year  1852,  just  after  the  completion  of  the 
railroad  by  Calvin  Lockhart  and  Thomas  Lewis,  tin;  post-office 
was  called  Lockhart.  The  town  was  for  many  years  called  Long 
Point,  so  named  from  the  Long  Point  slough,  which  lies  south  of 
the  town.  It  was  afterward  known  as  Prairie  City,  and  finally  the 
present  name  Niantic  was  adopted.  Jesse  Lockhart  erected  the 
first  house,  in  what  is  now  the  northern  part  of  the  town.  Mr. 
Gansen,  opened  the  first  store  of  general  merchandize  soon  after  the 
town  was  laid  out.  In  1855,  Calvin  Lockhart  was  appointed  the 
first  post-master  of  Lockhart,  which  position  he  continued  to  hold 
for  a number  of  years.  Dr.  E.  S.  Faris,  an  old  and  highly 
respected  citizen  still  engaged  in  the  practice  of  medicine  in  the 
town  of  Niantic,  kept  the  first  hotel  opened  in  the  town.  Miss 
Ryan  taught  school  in  the  year  1855,  in  a building  situated  on  the 
south  side  of  the  railroad,  and  originally  used  as  a warehouse  by 
the  company. 

In  the  fall  of  1858,  a very  destructive  storm  swept  over  the  west- 
ern part  of  the  county,  and  Niantic  was  immediately  in  its  path. 
The  storm  was  seen  coming  from  the  south-west  ; and  knowing  the 
unsafe  nature  of  the  warehouse,  then  being  used  for  school  pur- 
poses, some  of  the  citizens  hastened  to  the  building  and  warned  the 
teacher  and  scholars  of  the  approaching  danger  and  assisted  them 
out  of  the  building.  No  sooner  had  this  been  done  than  the  storm 
struck  the  house  and  completely  demolished  it. 

In  1861  a school-house  was  built  in  Niantic,  and  Mr.  Blanchard 
occupied  it  as  the  first  teacher.  It  now  has  a good  graded 
school. 

Some  of  the  earliest  preachers,  were  the  Reverends  John  Wilson, 
J.  H.  Hughes  and  J.  W.  Tyler,  who  preached  in  the  warehouse, 
above-mentioned,  soon  after  the  laying  out  of  the  town.  Rev.  Ben- 
jamin Radford  was  the  first  local  preacher.  The  Christian  church 
erected  by  that  denomination  in  1867,  was  the  first  house  of  wor- 
ship built  in  Niantic. 

The  steam  flouring  mill  at  present  standing  in  the  eastern  part 
of  the  town,  was  the  first  and  only  mill  of  any  kind  built  in  the 
town.  This  was  erected  by  J.  H.  Zarley,  in  1868.  A cooper-shop 
was  opened  by  James  Cunningham,  in  1870.  Samuel  Powers  kept 
the  first  blacksmith  shop. 

The  town  of  Niantic,  is  at  present  in  a very  flourishing  condi- 
tion, as  will  be  seen  by  the  following  list  of  business  houses. 

Dry  Goods  and  General  Merchandise — Nottlemann  & Jacobsen  ; 
P.  S.  Van  Cleve.  Groceries  and  Clothing — Coussins  & Pritchett  ; 
Boots,  Shoes  and  General  Store — John  Henebry,  J.  G.  Keizer  ; Gro- 
ceries and  Furnishing  Goods — Mansfield  & Co.  ; Drugs — C.  B.  Rich- 
ardson, D.  H.  Rice  ; Physicians — E.  S.  Faris,  H.  N.  Clark,  J.  H. 
Rice  ; Hardware,  Stoves  and  Tinware — T.  A.  Pritchett ; Furniture 
and  Undertaking — T.  A.  Prichett ; Flouring  Mill — Gepford  Jacobsen 
& Co.;  Elevator — Niantic  Stock  Co.  ; Grain  Dealer — J.  P.  Faris; 
Meat  Market — Benjamin  Danley  & Son;  Lumber  Dealer,  etc. — 
Harvey  Judd  ; Wagon  Maker — Jasen  Price  ; Blacksmith — J.  W. 
Jones,  Wm.  S.  Ishmeal ; Blacksmith  and  Machinist — W.  R.  Ding- 
man ; Carpenters — Selig  Bros,  John  McMillen. 

The  I.  O.  O.  F.  and  I.  O.  G.  T.,  each  have  lodges  in  Niantic,  and 
they  are  in  a prosperous  condition. 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES. 


HORACE  N.  CLARK,  M.  D. 

Dr.  Clark  was  born  in  St.  Lawrence  county,  New  York,  on  the 
18th  of  January,  1825.  Silas  Clark,  his  great-grandfather,  resided 
in  Windham  county,  Connecticut ; and  his  grandfather,  Abner 
Clark,  was  born  at  Lebanon,  Connecticut,  in  January,  1765.  The 
birth  of  his  father,  whose  name  was  Capt.  Abner  Clark,  occurred 
at  the  same  place  on  the  25th  of  January,  1796.  In  1797  the 
family  moved  to  Berkshire  county,  Mass.,  and  in  1817  to  St  Law- 
rence county,  N.  Y.  They  settled  in  the  town  of  Madrid,  ten  miles 
from  the  St.  Lawrence  river,  when  that  part  of  the  state  was  almost 
a complete  wilderness.  Dr.  Clark’s  mother,  whose  maiden  name 
was  Cynthia  Skidmore,  was  born  at  Arlington,  Vermont,  on  the  2d 
of  November,  1800.  Her  parents  had  moved  to  Vermont  from  Con- 
necticut. Dr.  Clark’s  father  died  in  St.  Lawrence  county  on  the 
31st  of  March,  1876,  when  past  the  age  of  eighty.  At  the  time  of 
his  death  he  was  one  of  the  oldest  settlers  of  St.  Lawrence  county. 

Horace  Norton  Clark  was  the  second  of  a family  of  twelve  chil- 
dren, of  whom  six  were  boys  and  six  girls.  He  was  raised  in  St. 
Lawrence  county,  obtained  a good  education,  and  in  1844,  at  the 
age  of  nineteen,  took  charge  of  a school  as  teacher.  After  teaching 
two  winters  he  attended  the  St.  Lawrence  Academy  at  Potsdam, 
New  York.  Altogether  he  taught  school  ten  winters  in  New  York 
aud  two  years  in  Sangamon  county  after  coming  to  this  state.  As 
a teacher  he  was  successful,  and  in  June,  1856,  the  state  authorities 
conferred  on  him  a diploma  enabling  him  to  teach  in  any  school  in 
the  state  of  New  York.  From  1851  to  1856  he  lived  in  the  town 
of  De  Peyster,  in  St.  Lawrence  county,  where  he  was  elected  justice 
of  the  peace  and  superintendent  of  the  public  schools.  ' The  latter 
office  he  filled  for  two  years  immediately  preceding  his  removal  to 
this  state.  While  a resident  of  De  Peyster  he  taught  school  in  the 
winter.  In  the  summer  his  attention  was  divided  between  farming 
and  the  management  of  a steam  saw-mill,  which  he  owned  in  part- 
nership with  a man  named  Nelson  Thornton.  Two  of  his  brothers 
still  reside  at  Potsdam,  New  York,  Silas  S.  Clark  and  Chauncey 
B.  Clark. 

Dr.  Clark  came  to  Illinois  in  1856,  and  at  first  made  his  home  at 
Springfield  with  his  uncle,  Oramel  Clark,  one  of  the  pioneer  settlers 
of  Sangamon  county.  He  began  the  study  of  medicine  at  Dawson, 
Sangamon  county,  in  1857,  and  in  the  fall  of  1858  entered  Rush 
Medical  College  at  Chicago,  from  which  he  subsequently  graduated 
in  1865.  He  began  practice  at  Niantic  in  1859.  On  the  8th  of 
April,  1851,  he  was  married  to  Susan  Curtis,  of  De  Peyster,  a 
sister  of  Gen.  N.  M.  Curtis,  of  Ogdensburg,  N.  Y.  She  died  of 
consumption  on  the  5th  of  September,  1854.  On  the  11th  of  June, 
1866,  he  married  Sarah  Pierce,  of  Canton,  St.  Lawrence  county, 
N.  Y.,  whose  death  happened  on  the  6th  of  April,  1876.  His  pre- 
sent wife,  formerly  Charlotte  F.  Watson,  he  married  on  the  31st  of 
May,  1877.  She  is  a native  of  Camargo,  Douglas  county,  this  state. 

176 


Dr.  Clark  has  been  engaged  in  the  practice  of  medicine  at  Niantic 
since  1859,  and  is  now  the  oldest  physician  in  the  western  part  of 
Macon  county,  and  has  enjoyed  an  excellent  reputation  as  a physi- 
cian. In  politics  he  has  always  been  a democrat.  Before  the  war 
he  belonged  to  the  Douglas  branch  of  the  democratic  party.  He 
has  been  connected  with  the  Masonic  fraternity  since  1857,  and  is 
now  a member  of  Iliopolis  Lodge.  By  his  first  marriage  he  had 
one  child,  Susan  Amelia,  who  died  in  1859  at  the  age  of  seven. 
Two  children  by  his  second  marriage  died  in  infancy,  and  one, 
Bertha  P. , is  living.  By  his  last  marriage  he  has  had  two  children, 
Horace  F.  and  Mary  J.  W.  Dr.  Clark  has  been  elected  to  several 
public  positions  in  Niantic  township,  but  for  the  most  part  has  pre- 
ferred to  devote  his  attention  entirely  to  his  medical  practice,  in 
which  he  has  achieved  a deserved  success. 


THOMAS  A.  PRITCHETT. 

Among  the  gentlemen  who  have  been  most  prominently  identified 
with  the  interests  of  the  western  part  of  the  county,  is  Thomas  A. 
Pritchett,  of  Niantic.  He  is  a native  of  Kentucky,  and  was  born 
in  Bourbon  county,  in  the  heart  of  the  celebrated  blue  grass  region, 
seven  miles  from  Paris  and  nine  from  Lexington,  on  May  23d, 
1830.  The  Pritchett  family  were  early  settlers  of  the  state  of 
Kentucky.  Esquire  Pritchett’s  father,  Wm.  Pritchett,  was  born  in 
one  of  the  southern  counties,  and  married  Lydia  Wilson,  a native 
of  Fayette  county,  of  the  same  state. 

The  Wilsons  were  among  the  pioneer  settlers  of"  the  state.  They 
were  originally  from  Maryland,  and  at  an  early  day  located  near 
Bryant’s  Station — the  scene  of  many  a bloody  conflict  between  the 
white  pioneers  and  the  hostile  savages. 

Thomas  A.  Pritchett  was  the  seventh  of  a family  of  nine  child- 
ren. Of  these,  one  died  in  infancy  ; the  others  grew  to  be  men  and 
women.  He  now  has  one  brother  and  two  sisters  living.  His 
father  was  a farmer  in  good  circumstances,  and  owned  about 
three'  hundred  acres  of  choice  land.  When  he  was  about  twelve 
or  fourteen  his  father  died.  The  part  of  Kentucky  in  which  he 
lived  was  well  settled,  and  for  that  day  had  good  schools.  He 
lived  at  home  until  he  was  about  twenty-one,  during  which  time  he 
acquired  the  substantial  elements  of  an  education.  On  the 
twenty  first  of  June,  1851,  he  married  Mary  E.  Ingles,  daughter 
of  Wm.  Ingles,  who  was  born  and  raised  in  Bourbon  county.  He 
learned  the  trade  of  a saddle  and  harness  maker,  and  from  1853  to 
1856  carried  on  a harness  and  saddle  shop  at  Paris,  the  county-seat 
of  Bourbon  county.  He  concluded  to  remove  to  Illinois,  and  in 
May  1856  arrived  at  Springfield,  where  he  remained  about  a year. 
In  the  spring  of  1857  he  purchased  Sec.  28  T.  17,  R.  1 W.,  from 
the  Illinois  Central  railroad  company,  and  at  once  began  the  work 
of  bringing  it  under  cultivation. 


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HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


177 


At  that  time  there  were  few  settlements  on  the  prairie  in  Niantic 
township.  Improvements  had  been  made  along  the  timber,  but  the 
prairie  lay  open  and  uncultivated.  The  Wabash  railway  had 
recently  been  put  in  operation  through  the  western  part  of  the 
county,  and  the  town  of  Niantic  had  just  begun  its  growth. 

In  1864  he  entered  into  the  mercantile  business,  which  he  lias 
carried  on  ever  since.  He  first  started  in  the  business  of  selling 
dry  goods,  with  which  he  has  since  been  more  or  less  connected.  He 
has  been  in  business  as  long  a time,  consecutively,  as  any  other 
business  man  now  in  Niantic. 

He  has  had  nine  children,  of  whom  five  are  now  living.  The 
oldest  daughter,  Clara  B.,  is  the  wife  of  James  H.  Chamberlain. 
The  others  now  living  are — James  H.,  Mamie,  Nettie  C.,  and  Ada 
S.  The  remaining  four  died  in  infancy. 

Esquire  Pritchett  is  a man  whom  the  citizens  of  his  part  of  the 
county  have  entrusted  with  several  public  positions.  He  was 
elected  justice  of  the  peace  in  1860,  and  has  filled  that  office  from 
that  time  to  the  present  with  the  exception  of  a few  months,  during 
which  time  he  laid  down  the  office  voluntarily.  He  has  made  an 
acceptable  magistrate.  He  possesses  a thorough  knowledge  of  the 
legal  points  usually  arising  in  the  jurisdiction  of  a justice  of  the 
peace,  and  has  enough  ability  and  fairness  to  apply  the  law  in  jus- 
tice to  all  parties. 

For  the  last  eight  years  he  has  also  acted  as  notary  public.  After 
the  adoption  of  township  organization,  he  was  elected  the  second 
member  of  the  board  of  supervisors  from  Niantic  township,  filling 
the  position  during  1862.  He  has  filled  several  other  offices  in  the 
township. 

In  his  political  opinions,  like  most  Kentuckians,  he  was  originally 
a member  of  the  Whig  party.  After  the  Whig  party  went  to 
pieces,  he  became  a democrat,  voted  for  Douglas  in  1860,  the  first 
vote  for  President  he  cast  in  this  state,  and  has  been  a democrat 
ever  since.  He  is  not,  however,  so  strongly  devoted  to  party  that 
he  can  see  no  excellence  in  men  of  opposing  views,  and  in  local 
elections  has  generally  cast  his  vote  for  the  candidate  whom  he  con. 
sidered  best  qualified  for  the  position.  He  is  a man  whose  private 
character,  and  reputation  for  honesty  and  integrity  have  been 
above  reproach.  He  has  been  connected  with  the  Christian  church 
for  a number  of  years,  and  has  served  the  church  of  that 
denomination  at  Niantic  in  the  capacity  of  elder.  He  is  now  among 
the  old  residents  of  Niantic  township,  and  with  its  business  affairs 
has  probably  been  as  closely  connected  as  any  man  in  that  part  of 
the  county.  He  is  now  carrying  on  a hardware  and  agricultural 
store  at  Niantic,  a view  of  which  appears  among  our  illustrations 
of  Niantic  on  another  page. 

JOHN  P.  FARIS.. 

John  P.  Faris,  one  of  the  representative  business  men  of  Niantic, 
is  a native  of  Highland  county,  Ohio,  and  was  born  on  the  seventh  of 
April,  1840.  The  family  from  which  he  is  descended  was  of  Welsh 
23 


origin.  His  great-grandfather,  whose  name  was  James  Faris,  emi- 
grated from  Wales  and  settled  in  Pennsylvania.  He  served  as  a 
soldier  in  the  war  of  the  Revolution,  and  was  killed  by  the  Indians 
during  the  progress  of  that  struggle.  His  grandfather  was  named 
John  Faris.  His  father  Dr.  E.  S.  Faris,  was  born  in  Brooke 
county,  Virginia,  in  the  year  1807.  The  family  moved  from  Vir- 
ginia to  Highland  county,  Ohio,  in  the  year  1815.  This  was  just 
after  the  close  of  the  war  with  Great  Britain,  and  they  were  among 
the  pioneer  settlers  of  Highland  county.  Mr.  Faris’  mother’s  name 
before  marriage  was  Lucinda  Pulliam.  She  was  a native  of  the 
state  of  Kentucky. 

In  the  year  1854,  the  family  moved  from  Ohio  to  this  state. 
They  resided  in  Pike  county  till  1 857,  when  they  came  to  Niantic 
Mr.  Faris  was  14  years  old  when  he  became  a resident  of  Illinois. 
He  attended  the  public  schools  in  Ohio,  and  after  he  came  to  Pike 
county  acquiring  the  elements  of  a substantial  business  education. 
He  began  life  on  his  own  account  by  becoming  a clerk  in  a store 
in  Pike  county,  and  has  been  more  or  less  identified  with  the  mer- 
cantile business  since.  For  two  years  and  a half  after  coming  to 
Niantic  he  was  clerking  in  a store  at  that  place.  In  the  year  1861, 
then  twenty-one  years  old,  he  embarked  in  business  on  his  own  ac- 
count, and  began  buying  grain  at  Lanesville  in  Sangamon  county. 
He  commenced  operations  with  only  a small  capital,  but  in  a short 
time  was  able  to  enlarge  his  business.  In  1864,  in  partnership  with 
Thos.  A.  Pritchett,  he  opened  a dry  goods  store  at  Niantic.  He  sold 
goods  with  Esquire  Pritchett  as  a partner  for  three  years,  and  for 
two  years  afterward  was  a partner  of  A.  W.  Pritchett.  When  he 
entered  into  the  mercantile  business  he  also  began  the  buying  of 
grain  which  he  has  since  followed. 

His  marriage  occurred  on  the  fourth  of  May,  1865,  to  Miss  Fan- 
nie Ruby  of  Lafayette,  Indiana.  By  this  marriage  he  has  had  three 
children.  The  oldest  child,  Edith,  died  at  the  age  of  five  years. 
The  second,  Charles,  was  nearly  two  years  old  at  the  time  of  his 
death.  The  youngest,  John  B.,  is  living,  and  is  five  years  old. 
In  his  political  opinions,  Mr.  Faris  may  be  called  a democrat  with 
a big  “ D.”  He  is  a sincere  believer  in  the  principles  of  the  demo- 
cratic party,  and  considers  that  they  are  best  fitted  to  carry  out  the 
ideas  ou  which  our  forefathers  founded  this  republic.  He  cast  his 
first  vote  for  President  for  a democratic  candidate,  and  voted  the 
democratic  ticket  ever  since.  He  has  served  as  town  clerk  of 
Niantic,  and  has  filled  other  positions.  He  has  been  engaged  in  ac- 
tive business  enterprises  in  Niantic  longer  than  almost  any  other 
resident  of  the  town.  He  is  now  engaged  in  the  business  of  dealing 
in  grain.  He  has  also  been  employed  in  making  collections  in  that 
part  of  the  county.  He  is  a gentleman  of  unquestioned  personal 
standing,  and  of  excellent  business  capacity.  His  business  training 
is  the  result  of  practical  experience.  He  began  life  without  any 
capital,  except  his  own  energy  and  natural  business  qualifications. 
He  is  an  Odd  Fellow,  and  also  a member  of  the  Masonic  lodge  at 
Illiopolis. 


LONG  CREEK  TOWNSHIP. 


ONG  CREEK,  so  named  in  honor  of  the  creek  which 
drains  the  greater  portion  of  its  territory,  is  situated 
south-west  from  Decatur,  and  is  bounded  on  the  north 
by  Decatur  and  Oakley  townships,  east  by  Piatt  county, 
south  by  Moultrie  county  and  Mt.  Zion  township,  west  by  Decatur 
and  South  Wheatland  townships.  Its  area  is  thirty-eight  and  one 
half  square  miles,  or  twenty-four  thousand  six  hundred  and  forty 
acres.  Long  Creek  is  composed  of  portions  of  Congressional  town- 
ship 1(3,  Ranges  3 and  4. 

Drainage. — The  Sangamon  river  drains  the  north-western  corner. 
The  principal  stream  in  the  more  central  portion  is  Long  creek 
and  its  tributaries.  This  creek  enters  the  township  on  the  north- 
east corner  of  section  7,  and  meanders  in  a south-westerly  course 
through  the  township  until  it  reaches  section  36,  when  its  course  is 
almost  due  west  for  about  four  miles,  until  it  reaches  about  the 
centre  of  section  31,  where  its  course  changes  to  a northern  and 
westerly  direction,  leaving  the  township  on  the  south-west  corner  of 
section  30.  Big  creek  drains  quite  an  area  in  the  western  part  of 
the  township. 

Timber. — In  the  early  times  this  portion  of  the  county  was  well 
supplied  with  timber,  affording  building  material  and  fuel  in 
abundance  for  the  pioneer,  and  even  at  this  writing  about  one-fifth 
of  the  area  is  timber  land,  the  balance  a rich  and  fertile  prairie. 
Beautiful  groves  of  the  several  kinds  of  oak,  elm,  sycamore,  sugar- 
tree,  soft-maple,  hickory,  walnut,  ash  and  other  forest  trees,  skirt 
the  banks  of  the  Sangamon  and  the  several  streams  which  run 
through  the  township,  adding  beauty  to  the  landscape,  besides 
giving  an  ample  supply  of  fuel,  fencing  and  building  material  for 
the  farmer. 

Early  Settlements.  — To  William  Bakes  and  David  Davis,  who 
•with  their  families  came  here  in  the  fall  of  1828,  and  located  and 
built  cabins  on  section  20  (township  16,  range  4),  belongs  the  honor 
of  being  the  first  permanent  settlers.  They  were  natives  of  Lincoln 
county,  North  Carolina,  and  subsequently  moved  to  Rutherford 
county,  Tennessee,  and  from  there,  by  means  of  pack-horses, 
brought  their  families  and  household  goods  to  this  county,  and 
founded  the  settlement  above  mentioned.  At  that  time  (1828) 
their  nearest  neighbor  on  the  south,  was  four  miles,  and  on  the 
north-east,  twenty-eight  miles. 

“ David  Davis  was  born  in  Lincoln  county,  North  Carolina, 
May  2,  1798.  At  the  age  of  seventeen  he  emigrated  to  Rutherford 
county,  Tennessee.  In  1828  he  came  to  Illinois  and  settled  in  this 
county.  At  the  age  of  twenty-three  he  had  the  misfortune  to  be- 
come paralyzed  in  his  lower  extremities,  and  throughout  his  long 
life  he  walked  with  great  difficulty.  Notwithstanding  this  he  was 
ever  energetic,  and  gathered  a handsome  competence  for  himself, 
and  provided  liberal  means  for  beneficent  charities.  He  died  August 
178 


19,  1875.  He  was  once  county  treasurer  and  one  of  the  judges 
of  the  first  election  held  in  Macon  county.  He  was  married  to 
Mary  Martin,  September  28,  1825,  who  was  born  in  Rutherford 
county,  Tennessee,  November  15,  1806.  Of  their  children — 

“Isabella  C.  was  born  August  17,  1826;  was  married  to  Michael 
C.  Rozzell,  Nov.  4,  1845.  William  M.  was  born  January  14, 
1831 ; was  married  to  S.  J.  Nicholson  March  23,  1854.  Sylvester 
C.  was  born  June  8,  1834;  married  to  Mary  C.  Baker,  September 
3,  1857.  Milton  Z.  was  born  August  29,  1835;  married  to  Emma 
Eichinger,  September  3,  1865.  Mary  P.  was  born  January  11, 
1838;  married  to  Hiram  G.  Wheeler,  October  11,  1855.  Elizabeth 
E.  was  born  September  6,  1841  ; married  to  John  Rucker,  Decem- 
ber 28,  1858  ; died  January  24, 1862.  Jolin  L.  was  born  December 
22,  1842 ; died  April  26,  1865.  Traughber  L.  was  born  March  2, 
1845;  was  married  to  Mendosia  Houseman,  September  25,1873. 
Marilla  A.  was  born  January  2,  1847  ; was  married  to  Thomas  J. 
Odor,  September  28,  1869.” 

In  the  early  days  there  was  an  abundance  of  game  here,  princi- 
pally deer,  wolves,  foxes,  coons,  etc. ; wild-turkeys,  pheasants, 
grouse  and  myriads  of  geese  and  ducks.  The  streams  abounded 
with  fish ; and  wild-honey  was  to  be  found  upon  the  table  of  the 
pioneer;  hospitality  and  good-feeling  prevailed.  Among  the  few 
scattered  settlements  the  “ latch-string  ” of  every  cabin  hung  on 
the  outside,  and  the  weary  traveler  was  always  welcome  to  the  best 
the  larder  afforded — thrice  welcome  was  he,  because  he  brought  the 
news  of  the  outer  world.  The  settler  and  his  family,  at  that  early 
day  in  this  township,  lived  a simple  and  quiet  life  ; content  was  he 
if  his  little  patch  of  corn  and  small  garden  yielded,  with  what 
meats  and  fish  he  could  get  with  his  gun  and  rod,  a support  for  his 
little  family.  His  taxes  and  such  “ store-goods  ” as  were  used  were 
procured  and  paid  for  by  the  then  “ legal  tender,”  skins  of  foxes, 
wolves,  coons  and  other  wild  animals. 

In  the  fall  of  1828  a band  of  the  Kickapoo  tribe  of  Indians 
encamped  for  several  weeks  on  Long  Creek,  and  were  engaged 
in  trapping,  hunting  and  fishing.  After  a time  they  began  to 
wander  to  other  portions  of  the  county  where  there  were  settle- 
ments, and  not  being  satisfied  with  the  game  they  could  capture, 
began  killing  a few  hogs  and  stealing  poultry  from  the  settlers. 
Finally  a party  of  men  from  the  “Ward”  settlement  came  over 
and  ordered  them  away.  They  soon  after  broke  camp,  and  left 
without  doing  further  damage.  After  1830  settlers  began  to  come 
into  what  is  now  Long  Creek  quite  rapidly.  In  that  year  John 
Florey,  a Virginian  by  birth,  located  with  his  family  on  section  26 
(township  16,  range  3),  where  he  erected  a cabin  and  made  other 
improvements.  The  same  year  (1830)  came  Newton  N.  Baker,  who 
settled  on  section  29  in  the  above  township.  Mr.  Baker  was  born 
in  Lincoln  county,  North  Carolina,  February  28,  1803,  and  when 
eleven  years  old  removed  with  his  father’s  family  to  Rutherford 


HISTORY  OF  MAC  OR  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


179 


county,  Tennessee.  He  was  married  in  1853  to  Tabitha  J.  Hodge, 
and  died  May  27,  1872.  Mr.  Baker’s  wife  was  born  in  Orange 
county,  North  Carolina,  in  1814,  and  removed  with  her  parents  to 
Illinois  in  1829,  first  locating  in  Sangamon  county,  and  the  next 
year  moved  to  Macon  county.  Several  of  their  descendants  are 
yet  residents  of  this  county. 

In  1830  came  John  Rucker,  who  settled  on  a tract  of  land  oil 
section  15,  township  16-3,  where  he  built  a cabin,  and  began  an 
improvement.  Mr.  R.  was  a native  of  South  Carolina,  and  was 
born  in  the  year  1800,  and  when  quite  young  removed  with  his 
parents  to  McMinn  county,  Tenn.,  where  he  resided  until  his  re- 
moval to  this  county.  He  was  one  of  the  county  commissioners  of 
Macon  county  for  fourteen  years.  This  will  attest  the  high  appre- 
ciation in  which  he  was  held  by  the  citizens  of  the  county.  Many 
of  the  most  beneficial  acts  of  the  commissioners  in  the  early  days  of 
the  county,  are  due  in  a large  measure  to  his  sagacity,  good  judg- 
ment and  integrity.  In  his  private  as  well  as  public  affairs  he  was 
successful,  and  succeeded  in  amassing  for  that  period  considerable 
wealth.  He  died  in  the  year  1872  honored  and  respected  by  all. 
After  his  death  his  wife,  Airs-  Elizabeth  Rucker,  made  her  home 
with  her  son-in-law,  E.  R.  Eldridge,  in  Decatur.  The  Travis  family 
were  also  among  the  pioneers  of  this  township,  and  Allen  Travis 
settled  on  section  27,  township  16-3.  In  “Smith’s  History,”  we 
find  the  following  in  reference  to  this  family : 

“ John  Travis  was  born  in  South  Carolina  in  1768,  where  he 
married  Rebecca  Travis,  born  in  South  Carolina  in  1777.  He  died 
in  Wayne  county,  Illinois,  in  1824,  and  Mrs.  T.,  in  Macon  county, 
in  1850.  Their  children  were  Allen,  Thomas,  Finis  and  Harvey, 
mentioned  below.  Allen  Travis  was  born  May  18th,  1789,  in 
York  District,  South  Carolina.  In  1805  his  father  removed  with 
the’  family  to  Livingston  county,  Ivy.,  where  Allen  was  married, 
October  5th,  1820,  to  Margaret  Campbell,  who  was  born  March 
5th,  1801.  They  removed  to  Wayne  county,  Illinois,  perhaps  in 
the  spring  of  1821,  and  to  Macon  county  in  March,  1829,  in  com- 
pany with  his  brothers  Finis  and  Thomas,  James  D.  Campbell, 
Andrew  and  John  Davidson.  Mrs.  Travis  died  some  five  or  six 
years  ago.  Of  their  children  John  B.  was  boi’n  January  9th, 
1823,  in  Wayne  county,  Illinois.  James  D.  C.  was  born  March 
7th,  1825,  in  Wayne  county,  Illinois.  Presly  A.  was  born  April 
24th,  1827,  in  Wayne  county,  Illinois.  Rebecca  was  born  Febru- 
ary 24th,  1829,  in  Sangamon  county,  111.  Wm.  H.  was  born  March 
30th,  1831,  in  Macon  county,  111.  Elizabeth  J.  was  born  May  23d, 
1834,  in  Macon  county,  111.;  died  January  5th,  1863.  Samuel  H. 
was  born  September  14th,  1836,  in  Macon  county,  111. ; died  Janu- 
ary 9th,  1863.  Ulysses  D.  was  born  March  5th,  1839,  in  Macon 
county,  111. ; died  April  27th,  1863.  Margaret  Z.  was  born  Feb- 
ruary 3d,  1841,  in  Macon  county,  Illinois.  Thomas  C.  was  born 
March  23d,  1844,  in  Macon  county,  ill.  Thomas  Travis  was  boru 
in  South  Carolina,  and  was  married  before  removing  to  Illinois,  to 
Sarah  Davidson,  and  settled  one  and  a half  miles  north-west  of  Mt. 
Zion.  Finis  Travis  was  born  in  Kentucky,  in  1810,  in  what  is  now 
Crittenden  county,  and  was  married  in  1840  to  Nancy  J.  Foster, 
who  was  then  the  widow  of  Wm.  Foster,  maiden  name  Bell.  She 
died,  and  he  was  married  a second  time  to  Nancy  Mahollen.  Both 
are  now  dead.  Harvey  Travis  was  born  in  Wayne  county,  Illinois, 
in  1823,  and  removed  with  the  family  to  Macon  county  in  1830. 
In  1851  he  married  Elizabeth  Cox,  who  died  in  1862,  and  he  was 
married  a second  time  to  Harriet  M.  F.  Campbell ; now  residing 
Decatur.” 

James  Wheeler  settled  on  section  16,  in  township  16-3,  in  the 
year  1830.  He  was  a South  Carolinian  by  birth.  Removed  to 
Tennessee  when  a boy  with  his  parents,  and  from  the  latter  state 


to  this  county.  Joe  Davis,  a Kentuckian,  settled  on  section  27, 
in  the  same  Congressional  township,  in  the  year  1831. 

Andrew  Haddick,  a native  of  Rutherford  county,  Tennessee, 
located  on  section  28,  a mile  west  of  Davis’  place,  in  the  year  1832. 

The  summer  of  1832  was  remarkable  for  the  heavy  frosts,  and 
the  great  injury  done  to  corn,  potatoes  and  other  crops.  Corn  was 
so  badly  damaged  that  none  was  found  fit  for  seed,  and  when 
ground  into  meal  came  from  the  hopper  in  rolls.  Many  of  the 
settlers  the  following  winter  largely  subsisted  on  parched  corn  and 
rye  hominy.  There  was  in  some  localities  almost  as  much  suffer- 
ing during  that  winter,  as  there  was  during  the  period  of  the 
“ deep  snow  ” and  “ sudden  freeze,”  both  of  which  at  this  distant 
day  are  regarded  as  wonderful  phenomena. 

Land  Entries. — The  first  land  entered  was  by  Jacob  Myers, 
September  26th,  1828,  eighty  acres  in  section  No.  36.  David  Davis 
entered  October  20th,  1829,  eighty  acres  in  section  20,  township 
No.  16  N.  R.  3 east  of  the  3d  P.  M.  The  following  lands  entered 
in  same  precinct,  but  in  township  No.  16  N.  R.  4 east.  Jacob 
Myers  entered  November  14th,  1836,  eighty  acres  in  section  No. 
31.  Asbury  Smalley  entered  June  8th,  1843,  forty  acres  in  same 
section. 

The  first  marriage  ceremony  solemnized  in  this  township,  was 
that  between  Bailey  Myers  and  Jane  Black.  Wm.  M.  Davis  was 
the  first  child  born,  which  event  occurred  January  14th,  1831.  He 
was  the  son  of  David  Davis.  Mrs.  Birch,  the  wife  of  one  of  the 
early  settlers,  was  the  first  white  person  who  died  in  the  township. 
In  1834  a school-house  was  built  on  section  16,  township  16-3.  It 
was  of  rough  unhewn  logs,  mud  and  stick  chimney,  puncheon 
floor  and  benches,  and  the  spaces  between  the  logs  were  chinked 
with  mud.  The  room  was  lighted  by  means  of  one  small  window, 
and  the  wide  fire  or  chimney-place.  It  was  in  this  structure  that 
Daniel  Stichel  taught  the  first  school.  This  building  served  for 
many  years  for  school  and  church  purposes.  To  Rev.  Mr.  Lapham 
belongs  the  honor  of  having  preached  the  first  sermon,  at  the  house 
of  one  of  the  pioneers.  Among  the  early  preachers  we  find  the 
names  of  Revs.  Lapham,  Knox,  Lewis  and  Bird,  of  the  M.  E. 
Church  ; and  David  Foster  and  James  Wilson  Cumberland,  Pres- 
byterian. Occasionally,  David  Bunn,  of  the  Universalist  Church, 
hpld  services. 

The  first  church  organized  was  the  Methodist,  in  the  year  1835, 
and  the  first  building  was  erected  in  1842.  The  first  Sabbath- 
school  was  established  in  1839,  and  was  attended  by  the  children  of 
all  denominations.  At  this  writing,  the  citizens  of  Long  Creek  are 
well  supplied  with  church  and  school  facilties. 

Early  Mills. — The  first  mill  built  was  by  Joseph  McGuinis.  It  was 
what  is  known  as  a horse  or  band  mill,  and  was  propelled  by  horse- 
power. A blacksmith  shop  was  established  on  section  28,  by  John 
Bell,  an  “ old  settler,”  in  the  latter  part  of  the  year  1830,  and  was 
used  to  keep  his  own  farm  implements,  and  those  of  his  neighbors 
in  repair.  A post-office  named  Hopewell,  was  established  at  the 
residence  of  Allen  Travis  on  section  27  in  1852. 

Imported  Stock. — Allen  Travis  introduced  the  first  blooded  cattle. 
They  were  of  the  Durham  breed.  Among  the  best  stock  of  horses 
brought  to  the  township,  was  a stallion  of  the  Copper-bottom  breed, 
in  the  year  1845,  by  Thomas  B.  Warfield;  these  horses  were  noted 
for  their  beauty,  speed  and  endurance. 

Among  the  early  justices  of  the  peace,  we  find  the  name  of 
Joseph  Davis,  who  was  the  first,  and  John  Rucker,  the  second. 
Dr.  Cooper  was  the  first  residentjphysician  ; he  located  in  the  town- 
ship in  1840,  and  in  1851  was  followed  by  Dr.  George  Young. 


180 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS 


Township  Organization. — On  the  adoption  of  township  organiza- 
tion, the  territory  now  embraced  within  the  boundaries  of  Long 
Creek  was  formed  into  an  election  precinct,  and  the  supervisors 
elected  from  the  several  precincts  became  the  governing  power  of 
the  county.  We  append  the  following  list  of  supervisors  and  the 
date  of  their  election,  and  time  of  service. 

SUPERVISORS- 

John  Rucker,  elected  in  1860.  J C.  Rucker,  1861.  J.  C. 
Rucker,  re-elected  in  1862.  John  S.  Kizer,  elected  in  1863.  John 
W.  Tyler,  1864.  John  W.  Tyler,  (chairman),  ref-elected  in  1865. 
John  W.  Tyler,  re-elected  in  1866.  J.  S.  Kizer,  re-elected  in  1867. 
Joseph  Spangler,  elected  in  1868.  Samuel  Gillispie,  1869.  J.  Ben- 
son Myers,  1870.  J.  B.  Myers,  re-elected  in  1871.  A.  T.  Davis, 
elected  in  1872.  A.  T.  Davis,  re-elected  in  1873.  Samuel  Gil. 
lispie,  re-elected  in  1874.  Samuel  Gillispie,  re-elected  in  1875. 
H.  W.  Davis,  elected  in  1876.  A.  T.  Davis,  re-elected  in  1877. 
A.  T.  Davis,  re-elected  1878.  H.  W.  Davis,  re-elected  in  1879. 
S.  C.  Davis,  elected  in  1880. 

Transportation  Facilities. — Long  Creek  is  well  supplied  with  good 
wagon  roads,  and  the  streams  are  spanned  with  convenient  and 
durable  bridges.  The  Indianapolis,  Decatur  and  Springfield  R.  R 
crosses  the  township  in  a western  and  north-westerly  direction,  en- 
ters it  on  section  33,  Tp.  16-4,  about  the  middle  of  the  section,  and 
its  line  is  due  west  for  nearly  three  miles,  when  it  assumes  a north- 
westerly direction,  and  crosses  the  Sangamon  on  section  19,  Tp. 
16-3.  There  are  three  stations,  Long  creek,  Antioch-flag-station,  and 
Casner,  the  latter  of  which  is  the  most  important.  This  road  affords 
excellent  facilities  for  the  shipment  of  the  various  products  of  the 
township;  since  the  building  of  the  road,  many  farms  have  been 
opened  up,  the  lands  have  advanced  in  value,  and  population  in- 
creased. 

LONG  CREEK  STATION, 

Situated  on  section  27,  Tp.  16-3  on  the  line  of  the  I.  D.  A S.  R.  R., 
and  is  one  of  the  stations  of  that  road.  A post-office  was  estab- 
lished here  in  1875,  and  named  Long  Creek.  The  first  store  was 


opened  and  operated  in  1875,  by  Messrs.  Kizer  & Myers,  the  pres- 
ent store  is  owned  by  Jacob  Albert. 

VILLAGE  OF  CASNER 

Is  located  on  section  31,  Tp.  16-4  on  the  line  of  the  I.  D.  & S.  R. 
R.,  and  is  a station  of  the  above  road.  This  village  was  named  in 
honor  of  its  founder,  L.  B.  Casner,  who  is  now  one  of  the  leading 
farmers  and  stock-raisers,  not  only  of  this  township,  but  also  of 
Macon  county.  It  was  established  in  1877,  and  the  first  house  was 
built  by  Mr.  Casner — he  also  kept  the  first  post-office,  which  was 
also  named  Casner.  J.  H.  Lord  carried  on  the  first  blacksmith  shop, 
and  Dr.  M.  V.  Lonergon  was  the  first  resident  physician.  J.  H. 
Crowder  taught  the  first  school  in  the  village,  and  the  first  church 
was  erected  in  1876  by  the  United  Brethren. 

Present  Business. — B.  S.  Tyler  carries  on  a general  store;  is  also 
post-master,  and  grain  dealer ; his  corn  cribs  have  a capacity  of 
15,000  bushels.  Ball  & Earns  are  also  grain  dealers;  their  cribs 
and  warehouse  have  also  a large  capacity  for  storing  grain.  The 
physicians  are  Drs.  Lonergon  and  Dawson  ; and  Thomas  Medlon 
is  the  blacksmith  of  the  village.  A boot  and  shoe  shop  is  operated 
by  Benj.  Simms.  Another  important  industry  in  this  township  is 
the  large  nursery  owned  and  operated  by  Mr.  H.  W.  Davis,  on 
section  27,  Tp.  16-3.  His  fruit,  shade  and  ornamental  trees  have 
done  much  in  the  way  of  adorning  the  homes  of  the  farmers  of  this 
portion  of  Macon  county. 

Among  the  present  old  settlers  of  the  county,  and  now  residents 
of  Long  Creek,  may  be  numbered  the  following : H.  W.  Davis  is  a 
native  of  Macon  county,  born  in  the  year  1835.  N.  M.  Baker,  also 
a native  of  this  county,  was  born  in  1837,  and  resides  on  section  20, 
Tp.  16-3,  and  is  a minister  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian 
Church.  Mr.  Z.  R.  Prather  was  born  in  this  county  in  1836,  is  a 
farmer  by  occupation,  and  lives  on  section  30,  Tp.  16-4.  Long 
Creek  has  many  good  farms  with  substantial  improvements,  and 
her  citizens  are  among  the  most  thrifty,  enterprising  and  intelligent 
in  the  county. 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES. 


Both  the  paternal  and  maternal  ancestors  of  the  Casner  family 
were  Germans.  Mathias  Casner,  the  paternal  grandfather  came 
from  Germany,  and  settled  in  Cumberland  county,  Pa.  Peter 
Casner  was  born  in  that  county,  November  17th,  1801.  He  came 
west  to  Ohio  with  his  father  in  1811,  and  remained  there  until 
1831,  or  until  he  was  thirty  years  of  age,  when  he  removed  to 
Mercer  county,  Illinois,  and  remained  there  four  years,  and  then 
came  to  Macon  county,  Illinois,  and  settled  in  Long  Creek  town- 
ship, where  he  entered  three  hundred  and  twenty  acres  of  land,  in 
section  31,  T.  16,  R.  4 E.  He  also  traded  Mexican  war  land  war- 
rants for  other  tracts  of  land.  He  remained  in  the  township  until 
his  death,  which  occurred  October  25th,  1851,  while  on  a visit  to 
his  daughter  in  Mercer  county.  He  married  Annah  Holderman. 
She  was  born  October  31st,  1803.  She  died  April  3d,  1865.  The 
Holderman  family  moved  from  Kentucky  to  Ohio  in  1817,  and 
settled'in  Pickaway  county.  There  were  five  children  born  to  Peter 
and  Annah  Casner — four  sons  and  one  daughter.  Their  names  are 
Jemima,  wife  of  Jacob  Bear ; George  W.,  who  met  his  death  acci- 
dentally, July  11th,  1879  ; Christopher,  a resident  of  Piatt  county, 
and  L.  B.  Casner ; Hanson,  the  youngest  of  the  family,  died  at  the 
age  of  twenty-two  years.  Lewis  B.  was  born  in  Pickaway  county, 


Ohio,  August  30th,  1830.  He  remained  with  his  father  until  he 
was  twenty-two  years  of  age,  when  he  started  in  life  for  himself. 
He  made  his  first  purchase  of  land  (80  acres),  in  1853.  It  was  in 
section  5,  T.  15,  R.  4 E.  On  the  22d  of  September,  1853,  he  was 
united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Mary  E.  Flaningam.  She  was  born 
August  10th,  1830,  in  Montgomery  county,  Indiana.  Her  parents, 
Samuel  and  Eleanor  Flaningam,  came  to  Indiana  from  Ross 
county,  Ohio.  There  have  been  eight  children  born  to  L.  B.  and 
Mary  E.  Casner.  Four  of  whom  are  living.  Their  names  are 
Cordelia,  wife  of  James  H.  Wykoff,  Idola,  John  and  Ermina. 
Ellen  died  in  her  fifth  year,  and  Oliver  in  his  twenty-fifth  year. 
The  latter  was  married  to  Lolo  Chapman.  He  left  one  child 
named  Oliver  Casner.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Casner  are  members  of 
the  United  Brethren  Church.  Politically,  he  is  a republican.  He 
is  an  active  and  ardent  supporter  of  the  cause  of  Temperance.  His 
business  through  life  has  been  that  of  a farmer  and  stock-raisei\ 
particularly  the  latter.  Few  men  in  the  county  have  been  more 
successful  than  Mr.  C.  He  is  full  of  push  and  energy,  and  always 
active  in  whatever  he  undertakes  to  do.  He  is  one  of  the  repre- 
sentative and  influential  farmers  of  Macon  county. 


181 


182 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  in  York  county,  Pennsylva- 
nia, Oct.  30,  1823.  The  ancestry  of  the  family  is  German.  Two 
brothers  came  to  America  from  Germany  prior  to  the  revolutionary 
war  and  settled  in  Pennsylvania,  and  from  them  have  grown  the 
present  family.  John  Eichinger,  the  father  of  Michael,  was  born 
in  York  county,  March  third,  1778.  He  remained  there  until  his 
death,  which  occurred  May  fifth,  1845.  He  was  a cooper  by  trade, 
and  worked  at  that  business  during  the  winter  months,  and  farmed 
during  summer.  In  1831  he  also  operated  a distillery  in  connec- 
tion with  his  farming.  He  married  Susannah  Welsh.  She  was  born 
in  York  county,  Pennsylvania,  February  7th,  1788.  Her  father 
was  accidentally  killed  at  a house-raising;  this  occurred  while  Mrs. 
Eichinger  was  in  her  seventh  year.  The  date  of  the  marriage  of 
John  and  Susannah  Eichinger  was  April  12th,  1807  ; she  died  in 
August,  1861,  in  Decatur,  where  she  had  gone  on  a visit.  There 
were  ten  children,  four  sons  and  six  daughters.  Eight  of  the  chil- 
dren have  survived  the  parents.  Michael  is  the  eighth  in  the 
family.  His  advantages  for  receiving  an  education  in  his  youth 
were  limited.  As  soon  as  he  become  old  enough  to  work  he  was 
compelled  to  assist  the  family.  He  went  to  school  just  as  he 
could  catch  the  time.  He  remained  at  home  until  after  his 
father’s  death,  and  then  farmed  the  old  homestead  ; after  which  he 
traveled  in  different  parts  of  the  state  and  in  Ohio,  working  for 
the  greater  part  of  the  time  on  a farm.  In  1854  he  and  his  mother 
came  west,  landing  in  Decatur  April  8th.  He  remained  in  Decatur 
four  years,  working  at  the  carpenter  trade,  and  for  three  months 
ran  a butcher’s  shop,  and  lost  enough  of  money  in  that  time  to  con- 
vince him  that  he  was  in  nowise  cut  out  for  a successful  butcher. 
When  he  first  came  to  Decatur  he  bought  city  property.  In  June, 
1858,  he  traded  his  property  there  for  eighty  acres  of  land  in  Sec. 


20,  T.  16,  R.  3 E.,  which  was  j^artially  improved.  He  has 
remained  here,  following  farming  and  stock-raising,  up  to  the  present 
time.  He  has  added  to  his  original  purchase,  until  he  now  has  six 
hundred  and  fifty-three  acres  of  fine  tillable  land.  On  the  29th  of 
July,  1866,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Lucy  Ellen  Huff.  She  was 
born  and  raised  in  Coshocton  county,  Ohio.  She  came  with  her 
parents,  Eleven  and  Eliza  Huff,  to  Illinois  in  1864,  and  settled  in 
Oakley  township,  Macon  county.  Her  father  was  born  in  Virginia, 
Nov.  10th,  1807  ; her  mother,  Eliza  Huff,  was  also  born  in  Vir- 
ginia, Dec.  12th,  1812.  Both  of  them  died  in  the  spring  of  1875. 
Lucy  E.,  wife  of  Michael  Eichinger,  died  October  4th,  1876.  By 
this  marriage  there  were  four  children.  Ira  died  August  2d,  1871, 
in  his  fourth  year ; John,  who  is  now  in  his  eleventh  year,  was  born 
Feb.  14th,  1870;  Martha  Belle  died  January  27th,  1874,  in  her 
second  year;  William  Robert  was  born  June  25th,  1875.  His  wife 
was  a member  of  the  Christian  Church  ; Mr.  Eichinger  is  also  a 
member  of  that  religious  organization.  In  politics  he  was  originally 
an  old  line  whig,  and  voted  first  for  William  Henry  Harrison.  He 
joined  the  republican  party  on  its  formation,  and  has  been  a mem- 
ber of  that  organization  up  to  the  present.  During  the  war  he  was 
a member  of  the  Union  League  and  Soldiers’  Aid  Society,  organ- 
ized for  the  enforcement  of  Union  principles  and  the  vigorous  pro- 
secution of  the  war. 

Mr.  Eichinger  has  been  instrumental  and  active  in  organizing  a 
fire  insurance  company  in  the  county.  It  is  known  as  the  “ Deca- 
tur Mutual  County  Fire  Insurance  Company.”  It  was  organized 
in  June,  1880,  and  has  already  done  a large  amount  of  business. 
Mr.  Eichinger  is  a man  who  started  in  life  poor,  or,  in  other  words 
before  he  got  fairly  started  in  life,  he  lost  more  by  the  treachery  of 
a friend  than  he  ever  received.  But  he  did  not  lose  his  ambition 


SP|gP&S$ 


[ipgig 

0*aW&^ 


7r  ?%**&&. 


FLOUR/NG  AND  DAW  M/LL  OF  W.F.  G OLf  L TER,  SEC.  23  OAKL  EY  TP(/7J  R 3 MACON  CQ.7LL 


SPEC/AL  ATTEWTJOH  TO  CUSTOM  WORE  CHO/CE  BRARDS  O F FLO  U R WH/TE  WHEAT,  .SrX'XXX  RED 


Scene  on  the  Stock  Farm  or  M/CRAEL  E/CHIRG  ER , Sec  20,  Long  Creek  Tp.  ( / 6l R.3.E  Macon  Co  J ll  . 


Stock  Farm  of  S . LEONA R D , Sec.  73,  T.J6,R1,(Harristow/v  Tp.J  Macon  Co./ll 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


183 


nor  industry.  He  went  to  work  and  carved  out  his  fortune,  and  at 
the  same  time  made  for  himself  a name  for  strict  honesty  and  hon- 
orable dealing.  The  word  of  Michael  Eichinger,  wherever  known, 
is  as  good  as  his  bond. 

In  1878  he  commenced  work  in  the  Temperance  cause,  and  has 
been  selected  three  times  as  a delegate  to  the  State  Charter  Tem- 
perance Union  Convention. 


N.  M.  BAKER. 

The  ancestry  of  the  Baker  family  on  the  paternal  side  is  Irish 
and  Welsh,  and  on  the  maternal,  Irish.  Nathan  Baker,  the  pa- 
ternal grandfather,  was  a native  of  North  Carolina.  He  removed 
to  Tennessee  in  1815,  and  remained  there  until  his  death,  in  Sept., 
1824.  He  married  Elizabeth  Aston.  She  was  also  a native  of  the 
Carolinas.  By  this  marriage  there  were  eight  children.  William 
D.  is  the  only  one  living.  He  was  born  in  North  Carolina,  Sep- 
tember 12th,  1800.  He  went  with  his  father  to  Tennessee,  and 
remained  there  until  1828,  when,  in  the  fall  of  that  year,  he  emi- 
grated to  Illinois,  and  settled  near  Bethlehem  Church.  The  next 
spring  he  removed  to  section  20  of  Long  Creek  township,  and  there 
he  has  continued  to  reside  until  the  present  time.  He  and  his 
brother-in-law,  David  Davis,  were  the  only  settlers  in  1828,  in 
what  is  now  known  as  Long  Creek  township. 

William  D.  Baker  married  Matilda  Martin.  The  date  of  the 
marriage  was  Nov.  13th,  1823.  She  was  born  in  South  Carolina, 
Sept.  29th,  1799.  Both  she  and  her  aged  husband  are  still  living 
where  they  settled  over  a half  century  ago.  Mrs.  Baker’s  father 
was  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  and  moved  to  the  Carolinas.  His 
hither  was  a soldier  of  the  Revolution,  and  his  grandfather  a sol- 
dier in  the  old  French  war,  and  was  taken  captive  by  the  Indians, 
and  remaiued  in  captivity  for  several  years.  By  the  marriage  of 
William  D.  and  Marilla  Baker,  there  have  been  six  children,  four 
boys  and  two  girls — five  of  whom  are  living.  Their  names  are, 


Matilda,  wife  of  Andrew  Dennis,  James  T.,  now  a resident  of 
Missouri,  Mary  E.,  widow  of  Rev.  John  R Smith,  William  P.,  of 
Montgomery  county,  Illinois,  and  Nathan  M.,  the  subject  of  this 
sketch.  He  is  the  youngest  of  the  family,  and  was  born  in  Long 
Creek  township,  October  22d,  1837.  He  has  been  reared,  and  yet 
lives  on  the  place  where  he  was  born.  In  his  youth  he  had  re- 
markably good  advantages  for  receiving  an  education,  which  he 
improved.  Besides  his  education  received  in  the  public  schools,  he 
spent  several  years  in  the  academy  at  Mt.  Zion.  In  April,  1862, 
he  was  regularly  ordained  a minister  in  the  Cumberland  Presby- 
terian Church,  and  from  that  time  to  the  present,  except  when  pre- 
vented by  sickness,  has  been  in  charge  of  a congregation.  In  the 
summer  of  1862,  he  enlisted  as  a private  in  Co.  “ C,”  116th  Regt. 
111.  vols.,  for  three  years.  Upon  the  organization  of  the  regiment 
he  was  promoted  to  the  captaincy.  He  resigned  the  position  in 
1864,  and  returned  to  Long  Creek  township.  On  the  1st  of  Sep- 
tember, 1864,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Sarah  E.  Price. 
She  was  born  in  Butler  county,  Ohio.  Her  parents,  John  and 
Elizabeth  Price,  were  natives  of  Rockingham  county,  Virginia. 
John  Price  came  to  Ohio  in  1849.  His  wife,  and  mother  of  Mrs. 
Baker,  removed  from  Ohio  to  Illinois  in  1857,  and  settled  in 
Macon  county,  Wheatland  township,  where  she  still  resides.  Mrs. 
Baker  was  born  August  2d,  1841.  There  have  been  born  to  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Baker  five  children,  three  of  whom  are  living.  Their 
names  are,  Florence  F.,  born  Aug.  3d,  1870,  Mary  E.,  born  Aug. 
17th,  1874,  Emma  L.,  born  January  11th,  1876.  Mr.  Baker  is  a 
respected  member  of  the  order  of  Free  Masonry.  He  is  a strong 
advocate  of  temperance,  and  belongs  to  an  organization  for  the 
suppression  of  the  liquor  traffic.  Politically,  he  is  an  advocate  of 
republican  principles,  as  promulgated  in  the  platforms  of  that 
party.  He,  however,  takes  no  further  part  in  politics  than  to  ex- 
press his  principles  through  the  right  of  suffrage.  As  before  stated, 
Mr.  Baker  and  his  family  may  be  regarded  as  among  the  pioneers 
of  Macon  county,  a sketch  of  whom  may  be  found  in  another 
chapter  of  this  book. 


HARRISTOWN  TOWNSHIP. 


township  was  named  in  honor  of  Major  Thomas 
arris,  who  was  elected  and  served  as  Major  of  the 
jurth  Illinois  Regiment  in  the  Mexican  war,  and  who 
is  afterward  a member  of  Congress.  It  lies  in  the 
west  part  of  the  county,  is  bounded  on  the  north  by 
Ulini,  on  the  east  by  Decatur,  south  by  Blue  Mound,  and  west  by 
Niantic.  It  is  included  within  T.  16  N.  R.  1 E.,  and  contains 
twenty-seven  sections  of  choice  prairie  land.  It  is  drained  by  the 
Sangamon  river  and  its  tributaries.  Along  the  margins  of  this 
stream  there  are  scattering  patches  of  timber.  The  soil  is  rich,  aud 
produces  large  quantities  of  wheat,  corn,  rye,  oats,  hay,  potatoes  and 
vegetables.  For  many  years  the  only  settlements  that  were  made 
were  along  the  edge  of  the  timber,  while  thousands  of  acres  of  fer- 
tile prairie  laud  remained  in  its  native  state. 

Harristown  is  one  of  those  townships  of  Macon  county  which 


were  settled  by  that  adventurous  and  enterprising  class  of  settlers 
who  left  their  comfortable  homes,  generally  in  Kentucky,  Indiana, 
or  Ohio,  to  push  into  the  wild  unsettled  portions  of  central  Illinois, 
and  cast  their  destinies  with  the  young  state. 

The  first  to  settle  in  this  township  was  William  Hanks,  a native 
of  Kentucky,  who  came  in  1828,  and  located  in  section  23,  where 
he  erected  a log-cabin  and  made  some  improvements.  Only  a short 
time  afterward  in  the  same  year  (1828)  witnessed  the  arrival  of 
Christopher  Miller,  who  emigrated  from  Kentucky  with  his  family, 
aud  settled  on  section  14.  His  sons,  Samuel,  William,  and  John, 
came  from  Kentucky  to  the  county  in  the  same  year.  John  settled 
on  section  13  immediately  after  his  coming.  James  Harrell,  a 
native  of  Kentucky,  removed  to  this  township  in  1834,  and  settled 
near  section  13,  where  he  remained  two  years ; returned  to  Ken- 
tucky, and  remained  in  the  south  until  1839,  when  he  returned  to 


1S4 


HISTORY  OF  HA  COX  COUXTY . ILLIXOIS. 


Mi.:  a ;:«nty.  and  ik*w  lives  a:  Wyc-kle's  switch.  on  ihe  Wabash 
railway.  Judge  Freeman  ■was  also  an  early  settler.  Up  t :■  1550 
the  senlesients  ~ere  m s: .7  along  the  tim’ter  : the  hangamon.  in 
the  s_  .them  parr.  : it  a • it  this  time  they  -r-gan  pushing  at  into 
the  prairie. 

•tames  Miller,  an  hi  ani  highly  re^pettei  citizen.  is  still  engaged 
in  t'amtinn  :n  section  IS.  near  wfi~re  he  ..'•eated  at  an  early  day. 
Within  tw  years  alter  the  firs:  settlements  were  made,  its  citizens 
ha  1 a s:r:-:I.  whim  was  tanght  in  the  eastern  tan  >f  the  t-wnship 
by  William  Miller,  the  hrst  teacher,  in  1830.  A at  1 '41  the 
settlement  ha  1 lev:  me  rra^perocs  and  large  en  ugh  to  need  a 
school  boose,  which  was  erected  on  sectkn  13.  This  building  was 
a log  structure,  and  served  the  double  purpose  of  school-house  and 
march  fir  a number  m years,  until  aV.nt  1853.  whrn  a building 
was  erected  on  section  17,  eidasirdy  hr  church  purposes. 

In  the  - : it-:-  "u:  ..  . .'  i . : a mu.  . 

seed  n 2-L  It  was  1 : cat-  i n the  n rth  si  ie  . f the  "an gam  a river, 
an!  .iterate*!  by  warer-towtr  fr:m  a dam  in  the  river  at  that  point. 
It  wss  need  as  a zrist-mili.  and  ~ii  the  first  mill  z any  kin  I in  the 
township.  In  the  -me  year  these  gentlemen  built  a blacksmith 
shop  in  connection  wfth  the  mill,  intending  to  do  their  own  Mnek- 
smi thing,  but  as  it  was  the  only  me  in  the  township,  and  fe  r many 
miles  around.  the  shop  was  patronised  by  the  whole  community. 
Dr.  Greeley  was  the  first  regular  physician  who  engaged  in  the 
practice  1 medicine  a-  a mcmssim-  The  first  justice  of  tne  peace 
elect  el  was  Esquire  Nathan  Averin. 

In  writing  tne  histtrr  of  Harristewn  township,  it  would  he 
incomplete  were  we  to  omit  the  fact  that  it  was  for  - me  years  the 
Lome  f the  lamented  martyr  Pres:  lent.  Abraham  Lincoln.  We 
are  indebted  t.  Mr.  J im  Hanks,  a tr  .minen:  and  very  intelligent 
of  Hickory  Paint  township,  for  the  following  rery  interest- 
ing facts  : m arming  Mr  Line: in's  life  i_  Mac  n county. 

In  1831  Mr  Lin:-  in.  John  Hanks.  Mr.  Lincoln's  father,  and 
J im  J:  ms-on.  Mr.  Line-tin's  stepbrother,  erected  a log-cabin  on 
S,  in  die  edge  of  the  timber  along  the  Sangamon  river 
The  hewing  _f  the  I:g-  fer  mis  cabin  was  cone  by  Mr.  Lincoln.  It 
remain  el  m the  gr.tmi  where  it  was  hrst  built  enth  187b.  wnen  it 
was  taken  arart.  removed  t:  Philadelphia,  and  rebuilt  at  tne  Cen- 
tennial grounds,  where  it  remained  until  the  close  : the  exposition. 
A tew  logs  were  then  cat  up  ter  canes,  etc.,  but  the  cabin  itself  is 
-mil  -tanning. 

Later  in  the  same  year  Mr.  Lincoln,  John  Johnson,  and  John 
Hanks  built  a hut-mat  for  a man  named  David  Offutn  Tney 
wtrkel  from  Mar  h 1st  to  May  1st.  each  receiving  seventy-hve 
cents  a day.  When  they  had  finished  the  b at  they,  in  company 
with  Mr.  Orhtt.  loaded  it  with  hogs  and  to  k it  to  Xew  Or- 
leans. for  which  Mr.  Lincoln,  John  Johnson,  and  John  Hanxs 
ea.fi  received  sixty  dollars.  They  reramei  by  steamboat.  Tne 
principal  occupation  of  Mr.  Line  tin  daring  the  time  he  lived  in 
this  township  we  that  of  splitting  rails,  at  which  he  was  conadered 
an  expert. 


The  first  lan  1 entered  in  what  is  known  as  Harrist  wn  township 
was  by  John  Miller,  December  2d,  1828.  eighty  acres  in  section  13 ; 

' - ..c:.  : . . : - :i  :: 

14;  William  Miller  entered  January  1st.  1830,  eighty  acres  in  sec- 
tion 1-5:  Samuel  Miller  entered  eighty  acres  February  10th,  1830. 
in  section  13. 

We  give  the  following  list  of  the  supervisors : Abraham  Evman, 
elected  1800 ; J.  H.  Pickrell,  elected  1861  ; J.  B.  Hanks,  elected 
1862;  M.  G.  Camron,  elected  1>63.  and  re-elected  each  succeeding 
year  up  to  1876;  J 27.  Hoyt,  eleetel  1877,  and  re-elected  each 
year,  and  is  the  present  incumbent. 

Janies  Miller,  a Kentuckian,  now  residing  on  section  13,  came  to 
this  county  in  182  * : J useph  D.  McGuire,  a native  of  Pennsvlvania, 
rest  ling  on  sect:  n 4.  came  in  1855;  Jeremiah  Freeman,  living  on 
secti  n 6,  wa-  h.-rn  in  this  county  in  183";  J M Williard  on  sec- 
ti  n o.  an  d C.  E.  Hun-iev,  an  Englishman,  who  came  in  1852.  are 
am  ng  the  1 ler  settlers  and  prominent  citizens  now  living  in  the 
township. 

Harrbtown,  like  all  the  towns  along  the  main  line  of  the  Wabash. 
St.  Louis  and  Pacific  railway,  was  laid  out  soon  after  the  comple- 
ti.n  a the  r ad.  It  is  located  on  sections  9 and  10.  In  1856 
Jacob  I.  H bbs  built  the  first  house  in  the  town:  this  was  a frame- 
bull  ling.  The  first  p st-office  was  established  in  1853,  at  which 
time  Davis  Ma^t-rr-.  who  is  at  present  living  in  the  town  and  is 
engage;  in  manufacturing  wagons,  was  appointed  post-master,  which 
position  he  held  for  a number  of  years. 

The  next  year  1859  Samuel  Cox  opened  a store  of  general  mer- 
chandize, which  was  the  first  in  the  place.  The  earliest  school  was 
taught  by  a gentleman  named  John  S Randle  in  1861.  It  was 
two  years  more  before  the  town  could  boast  of  a school-house,  which 
was  built  in  1863. 

In  18b  ■ a church,  which  originally  stood  a few  miles  south  east 
of  the  town,  was  moved  across  the  prairie  and  located  in  Harris- 
town.  Tfits  was  the  first  church  Harristown  had  within  her  limits, 
"fie,  however,  was  without  a preacher  until  1864,  when  the  Rev.  A*. 
S.  Bastian  located  as  pastor.  Dr.  Greeley  was  the  earliest  physi- 
cian who  came  to  Harristown  to  practice.  H.  C.  Masters  was  the 
first  blacksmith  in  the  place. 

PEES  EXT  EUSIN'ESS- 

The  business-nooses  of  Harristown  are  represented  in  the  follow- 
ing list : General  Stores,  Peck  <fc  Holmes,  -J.  A.  McGuire ; Boots, 
Shoes  and  Go  1 feetic  tory,  F.  M.  Martin : Barber-shop,  F.  M.  Martin  ; 
I ' T.  — " fiall ; Wdj  shops,  Davie  Ma-t-r-. 

J.  H Tubbs;  Ele  dors,  Ska  , Breed  <3c  Houck,  capacity  2,500 
bushels  ; Ordinary,  capacity  2,500  bushels. 

The  town  has  a Masonic  Lodge  in  a thriving  condition.  The 
Methodists  and  Christians  have  each  commodious  churches,  with 
regular  preaching. 

On  section  20  are  the  Tile  Work?  of  Glascow  A Cann,  built  in 
1876  by  John  Traver. 


Stockand  Grain  Farm  of  C.E.HUNSLEY,  Sec.  I4.T.I6.R.I.(HarristownTp.)  Macon  Co. Ill 


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BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES. 


J.  G.  WILLARD, 

One  of  the  representative  farmers  of  Harristown  township,  is  a 
native  of  Overton  county,  Tennessee,  and  was  born  on  the  twenty- 
first  of  February,  1827.  The  Willard  family  in  America  is  said 
to  have  sprung  from  two  brothers  of  that  name,  who  came  to  this 
country  at  a period  previous  to  the  war  of  the  Revolution.  One 
settled  in  New  England  and  the  other  in  Virginia.  From  these 
two  brothers  it  is  believed  all  the  Willards  now  in  this  country  are 
descended.  Mr.  Willard’s  grandfather  was  a soldier  in  the  Revo- 
lutionary war.  He  fought  in  several  battles  and  did  his  full  share 
toward  securing  the  independence  of  the  thirteen  colonies.  After 
the  war  the  government  granted  him  a pension,  which  he  enjoyed 
till  his  death.  William  Willard,  the  father  of  the  subject  of  this 
sketch,  was  born  in  East  Tennessee,  and  when  young  removed  to 
Overton  county,  in  the  same  state,  where  he  married  Martha  Good- 
pasture.  J.  G.  Willard  was  the  sixth  of  a family  of  nine  children. 
In  the  spring  of  1830  his  father  emigrated  from  Tennessee  to 
Illinois,  and  settled  in  Morgan  county,  nine  miles  west  of  Jackson- 
ville. The  winter  after  their  arrival  was  the  winter  of  the  deep 
snow,  long  remembered  by  the  old  settlers  of  that  part  of  the  state. 
The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  three  years  old  when  he  came  to 
Morgan  county.  He  had  the  ordinary  advantages  for  obtaining 
an  education.  The  first  time  he  attended  school  was  in  a log 
school-house.  The  benches  were  split  slabs,  and  greased  paper 
pasted  over  the  apertures  between  the  logs  constituted  the  windows. 
He  afterward  went  to  school  in  a building  of  a better  character. 
The  last  school  he  attended  was  a high-school  at  Concord.  His 
father  died  when  he  was  thirteen  years  old.  He  was  the  oldest 
son  at  home,  and  from  that  age  was  obliged  to  look  after  the  farm, 
so  that  he  had  less  opportunity  for  acquiring  an  education  on  that 
account.  His  early  education,  however,  has  been  supplemented  by 
reading  and  practical  business  experience  in  after  life. 

On  the  28th  of  March,  1849,  then  in  his  twenty-second  year,  he 
married  Miss  Aliff  C.  Avritt,  who  was  born  in  Kentucky,  came  to 
this  state  when  quite  young  and  settled  in  Morgan  county,  where 
she  was  raised.  After  his  marriage  he  went  to  farming  on  his  own 
account  in  Morgan  county.  He  began  without  much  means,  and 
for  several  years  rented  land.  In  1852  he  purchased  a farm  in 
Morgan  county,  which  he  subsequently  sold.  Finding  an  oppor- 
tunity to  purchase  cheaper  land  in  this  part  of  the  state,  he  came 
to  Macon  county  in  1855,  and  bought  the  south  half  of  section 
nine  of  Harristown  township,  then  raw  prairie  land  without  any 
improvements.  He  improved  a fine  farm,  on  which  he  still  resides. 
His  farm  now  consists  of  five  hundred  and  sixty-five  acres,  located 
in  sections  nine  and  sixteen  of  Harristown  township,  in  close 
proximity  to  the  town  of  Harristown.  He  was  fortunate  in  choos- 
ing a location  in  one  of  the  choicest  portions  of  the  county.  The 
farm  is  considered  one  of  the  best  in  the  county,  has  a substantial 
24 


residence  and  other  buildings  and  good  improvements.  His  atten- 
tion has  been  chiefly  devoted  to  feeding  stock,  in  which  he  has 
been  successful,  and  to  the  breeding  of  thorough-bred  English  turf 
horses. 

He  has  taken  a warm  interest  in  everything  relating  to  agricul- 
ture. With  the  Macon  county  agricultural  association  he  has  been 
connected  since  its  first  organization.  In  1879  he  was  elected  a 
member  of  the  Board  of  Directors,  and  in  1880  was  chosen  Presi- 
dent. In  his  political  associations  he  has  always  been  connected 
with  the  democratic  party,  casting  his  first  vote  for  president, 
for  Lewis  Cass  in  1848.  He  has  voted  for  many  subsequent  demo- 
cratic candidates  for  the  presidency  except  in  the  campaign  of 
1872.  While  thoroughly  devoted  to  the  principles  of  democracy, 
in  local  elections,  he  feels  himself  free  to  support  the  man  whom 
he  considers  best  fitted  for  an  office  regardless  of  political  affilia- 
tions. Since  the  year  1859  he  has  been  a member  of  the  Christian 
Church,  and  belongs  to  the  church  of  that  denomination  at  Har- 
ristown. His  wife  has  been  a member  of  the  same  religious  body 
from  girlhood.  Mr.  Willard  is  one  of  the  substantial  farmers  of 
the  county.  His  success  illustrates  what  may  be  accomplished  by 
intelligence  and  enterprise  devoted  to  agricultural  operations.  He 
has  one  child,  a son,  James  M.  Willard,  who  has  been  engaged  in 
the  mercantile  business. 


JOSEPH  D.  McGUIRE. 

Mr.  McGuire,  is  a native  of  Crawford  county,  Pennsylvania,  and 
was  born  on  the  twenty-seventh  of  April,  1817.  He  is  descended 
from  a family  who  emigrated  to  this  country  from  Ireland.  His 
father,  Thomas  McGuire,  was  born  in  Pennsylvania.  His  mother( 
Susan  Hill,  was  a native  of  the  state  of  New  Jersey.  The  subject 
of  this  sketch  was  the  next  to  the  youngest  of  eight  children. 
AVhen  he  was  two  years  old,  his  parents  moved  with  the  family 
from  Pennsylvania  to  this  state,  and  settled  in  what  was  known  as 
the  Turkey  Hill  neighborhood  in  St.  Clair  county,  seven  miles 
south-east  of  Belleville.  His  father  died  when  Mr.  McGuire  was 
about  six  years  old.  He  was  raised  in  that  locality,  and  lived 
in  a neighborhood  in  which  there  were  few  advantages  for  attend- 
ing school.  The  schools  were  subscription  schools  held  in  log 
school-houses,  a few  months  during  the  winter.  St.  Louis  was  only 
twenty  miles  distant,  and  he  was  accustomed  to  go  there  to  market 
On  his  first  trip  to  St.  Louis,  he  crossed  the  Mississippi  in  a skiff 
The  ordinary  means  of  crossing  was  in  a ferry  boat  propelled  by 
horse-power.  That  was  in  the  days  before  steam  ferries  had  come 
into  general  use.  When  seventeen,  he  began  life  on  his  own  ac. 
count,  first  receiving  eight  dollars  per  month,  wages,  and  afterward 
ten.  He  then  raised  some  crops  on  shares,  and  finally  saved  one 
hundred  dollars,  and  went  to  Kaskaskia,  then  the  land  office,  and 

185 


186 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS 


entered  eighty  acres  of  land  ; at  that  time  he  was  not  yet  twenty  one 
years  of  age.  He  was  industrious  and  energetic,  and  when  he  left 
St.  Clair  county,  was  the  owner  of  two  hundred  and  forty  acres  of 
land.  He  was  married  in  1840,  to  Catharine  Halbert,  who  was 
born  in  the  state  of  Virginia,  and  he  finally  concluded  to  move  to  a 
part  of  the  state  where  he  could  buy  cheaper  land.  Accordingly 
he  sold  his  farm  in  St.  Clair  county,  and  bought  one  hundred  and 
sixty -five  acres  of  land  in  Macon  county,  on  which  he  moved  in 
1855.  Only  forty  five  acres  were  under  cultivation  when  he  made 
this  purchase.  He  now  owns  four  hundred  and  forty-two  acres  of 
farm  land,  and  fifteen  of  timber.  His  farm  is  on  the  line  between 
Harristown  and  Illini  townships.  He  has  had  twelve  children  : 
Mary,  now  the  wife  of  Richard  M.  Hamilton,  of  Illini  township, 
John  D.  McGuire,  Benjamin  H.  McGuire,  Lyman  T.  McGuire, 
station  agent  for  the  Wabash,  St.  Louis  and  Pacific  railway  at 
Harristown,  Joseph  A.  McGuire,  who  is  carrying  on  the  mercantile 
business  at  Harristown,  Theodore  J.  McGuire,  Ida,  now  Mrs. 
James  Darst,  residing  at  Eureka,  in  Woodford  county,  and  Ed- 
ward McGuire  Susan,  next  to  the  youngest  child,  died  in  Octo- 
ber, 1879.  The  death  of  Clara  resulted  from  an  accident  by  fire, 
when  she  was  five  or  six  years  old;  Emily  and  George  died  in  in. 
fancy  in  St.  Clair  county. 

In  his  politics,  Mr.  McGuire  was  first  a member  of  the  democra- 
tic party.  He  cast  his  first  vote  for  President,  for  Van  Buren  in 
1840,  and  the  last  democratic  candidate  for  president  he  voted  for) 
was  for  Douglas  in  1860.  Throughout  the  war  he  was  a strong 
Union  man,  voted  for  Lincoln  in  1864,  and  has  been  a member  of 
the  republican  party  ever  since.  He  is  one  of  the  representative 
farmers  of  Harristown  township,  and  is  a member  of  the  Christian 
church,  connected  with  the  church  of  that  denomination  at  Har- 
ristown,  in  which  he  holds  the  office  of  deacon.  Was  connected 
with  the  Baptist  denomination  while  living  in  St.  Clair  county,  and 
on  coming  to  this  country  joined  the  Christian  church.  He  assisted 
in  organizing  the  Christian  Church  in  Illini  township,  which  after- 
ward became  merged  with  the  Christian  church  at  Harristown. 
He  has  made  no  pretensions  to  be  anything  else  but  a plain  farmer, 
but  is  a man  much  respected  for  his  many  good  qualities  as  a citi- 
zen. He  began  life  with  no  capital,  except  his  own  energy,  and 
is  now  one  of  the  representative  farmers  of  Macon  county. 


W.  L.  WHITLEY. 

W.  L.  Whitley,  an  illustration  of  whose  farm  appears  in  this 
work,  was  born  in  Harrison  county,  Kentucky,  March  eighth,  1844. 
His  father,  James  Whitley,  was  born  in  the  year  1809,  in  Fairfax 
count)’,  Virginia,  and  when  a small  boy  moved  with  his  father  to 
Harrison  county,  Kentucky,  where  he  grew  up  and  married  Phoebe 
Haley,  who  was  born  in  Fairfax  county,  Virginia,  in  the  year  1805. 
James  Whitley  emigrated  from  Kentucky  to  Illinois  in  1846,  and 
in  October  of  that  year  settled  on  the  farm  in  section  twenty-eight, 
Harristown  township,  on  which  he  lived  till  his  death,  on  the  first 
of  April,  1872.  He  came  to  this  state  with  little  means,  only  own- 
ing a horse,  a pair  of  oxen  and  forty  dollars  in  money.  He  bought 
eighty  acres  of  land  in  section  twenty-eight,  and  traded  the  yoke  of 
oxen  as  part  payment,  and  in  a year  or  two  managed  to  free  the 
land  from  all  incumbrance.  He  afterwards  purchased  a mill  on  the 
Sangamon  river  near  his  residence,  which  he  carried  on  for  several 
years.  As  he  had  opportunity  he  made  investments  in  land,  and  at 
his  death  owned  five  hundred  and  fifty  acres.  In  his  politics  he 
was  a democrat.  His  widow  still  survives  him.  He  had  three 
children:  Richard  F.,  who  now  lives  in  Vernon  county,  Missouri; 


Napoleon  B.,  who  died  in  the  year  1859,  at  the  age  of  seventeen, 
and  W.  L.  Whitley,  the  youngest. 

W.  L.  Whitley,  who  occupies  the  old  homestead  farm,  was  about 
two  years  and  a-half  old  when  he  came  to  Macon  county.  He 
obtained  his  education  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  old  farm,  on 
w’hich  he  has  always  lived.  On  the  first  of  September,  1872,  he 
married  Alice  J.  Peats,  a native  of  Mercer  county,  Pennsylvania, 
where  the  marriage  occurred.  Like  his  father  he  is  a democrat  in 
politics.  He  owns  four  hundred  and  twenty  acres  of  land  in  Har- 
ristowu  township.  The  farm  on  which  he  lives  is  one  of  the  oldest 
in  that  part  of  the  county.  The  eastern  part  of  the  farm 
includes  the  most  of  the  land  which  Abraham  Lincoln  cultivated 
when  he  resided  in  Macon  county  in  1830. 


JACOB  HOSTETLER— (Deceased.) 

Jacob  Hostetler,  who  died  on  the  11th  of  January,  1873,  was 
one  of  the  early  settlers  of  Harristown  township.  He  was  born  in 
Shelby  county,  Kentucky,  on  the  6th  of  July,  1810.  His  father, 
Adam  Hostetler,  was  a Pennsylvanian  of  Dutch  descent  who  be- 
came an  early  resident  of  Kentucky.  His  mother’s  maiden  name 
was  Hannah  Hartman.  His  parents  were  married  in  Pennsylva- 
nia, and  moved  afterward  to  Kentucky.  About  the  year  1825 
Adam  Hostetler  moved  from  Kentucky  to  Indiana,  and  settled  in 
Clark  county  of  the  latter  state.  Soon  after  the  removal  of  the 
family  to  Indiana  the  father  died.  Jacob  was  the  youngest  son, 
and  was  obliged  to  remain  at  home  and  assist  in  caring  for  his 
mother.  On  this  account  his  opportunities  for  acquiring  an  edu- 
cation were  limited.  He  went  to  school  but  little,  securing,  how- 
ever, mostly  by  his  own  efforts,  a good  business  education,  which 
enabled  him  to  acquit  himself  with  credit  in  all  the  positions  in 
which  he  found  himself  in  life.  He  grew  to  manhood  in  Clark 
county,  Indiana,  and  on  the  11th  of  March,  1833,  married  Tabitha 
Crum,  who  was  born  in  Oldham  county,  Kentucky,  on  the  4th  of 
November,  1816,  the  daughter  of  Andrew  Crum  and  Mary  Hay- 
maker. Her  parents  were  Virginians  and  early  settlers  of  Ken- 
tucky. After  their  marriage  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hostetler  moved  to 
Illinois.  In  September,  1835,  they  settled  on  section  14  of  the  pre- 
sent Harristown  township.  At  that  time  the  settlements  in  that 
part  of  the  county  were  few  in  number.  Some  locations  had  been 
made  along  the  timber,  but  north  of  the  Springfield  road  all  was  open 
and  uncultivated  prairie,  which  at  that  time  the  old  settlers  thought 
would  never  be  brought  under  cultivation.  Mr.  Hostetler  entered 
a tract  of  land  on  which  a log  house  had  already  been  built.  He 
bought  the  improvement,  and  moved  into  the  house'which  they  oc- 
cupied till  more  comfortable  quarters  could  be  arranged,  residing 
on  this  farm  from  the  time  he  came  to  the  county  till  his 
death.  He  was  a man  who  took  an  active  interest  in  politics  and 
public  affairs.  He  had  always  been  a democrat,  and  always  sup- 
ported the  candidates  of  that  party.  He  held  the  confidence  of  the 
people  of  his  part  of  the  county,  who  elected  him  to  several  public 
positions.  For  eight  years  he  filled  the  office  of  justice  of  the 
peace,  and  for  a like  time,  also,  acted  as  county  commissioner.  The 
duties  of  these  positions  he  discharged  with  credit  to  himself  and 
satisfaction  to  the  citizens  of  the  county.  He  was  known  as  an 
honest  and  capable  citizen,  whose  character  was  above  reproach 
and  whose  integrity  was  beyond  suspicion.  He  possessed  good 
business  capacity  and  accumulated  considerable  property.  At  the 
time  of  his  death  he  owned  between  three  and  four  hundred  acres  of 
land,  and  was  one  of  the  prosperous  farmers  of  Macon  county.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Hostetler  were  the  parents  of  three  children,  whose  names 


Farm  Residence  of  Mr.&Mrs.JOHN  KRAFT  Sec.1  8,T.  15, R. 2, (South  IiVheatlandTrJ  Macon  Co.  Ill 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


187 


are  as  follows : Francis  Hostetler,  now  carrying  on  the  mercantile 
business  at  Latham,  in  Logan  county ; Mary  J.,  the  wife  of  James 
Campbell,  of  Decatur;  and  Ellen,  who  married  Charles  Hunsley, 
of  Harristown  township  Mrs.  Hostetler  still  survives  and  resides 
on  the  same  farm  which  has  now  been  her  home  for  forty-five 
years.  Her  husband  was  one  of  the  oldest  settlers  of  the  county, 
and  during  his  life-time  was  intimately  identified  with  its  business 
interest.  It  is  fitting,  therefore,  that  his  name  should  be  mentioned 
in  these  pages. 


J.  N.  HOYT. 

Mr.  Hoyt  has  represented  Harristown  township  in  the  Board  of 
Supervisors  since  1877.  He  is  a native  of  New  England,  and  was 
born  at  Concord,  New  Hampshire,  on  the  15th  of  December,  1831. 
His  ancestors  were  among  the  earliest  residents  of  New  England. 
The  Hoyt  family  is  of  English  origin,  and  some  of  its  members 
were  among  the  pioneer  settlers  of  Concord.  Jacob  Hoyt,  the 
father  of  the  subject  of  this  biography,  was  born  at  Concord  He 


married  Fannie  Tucker,  who  belonged  to  a Massachusetts  famiyl. 
J.  N.  Hoyt  was  the  youngest  of  ten  children.  He  was  raised  at 
Concord,  attending  the  public  schools  of  his  native  town,  and  aca- 
demies in  different  parts  of  the  state.  In  the  spring  of  1853,  then 
twenty-one  years  of  age,  he  came  to  Cleveland,  Ohio,  where  he  re- 
sided till  1868.  He  was  a clerk  in  the  Cleveland  post-office  for  ten 
years,  and  in  1865  went  into  the  business  of  manufacturing  paper, 
which  he  continued  till  he  removed  to  Illinois.  He  was  married 
on  the  20th  of  May,  1820,  at  Delaware,  Ohio,  to  Mary  A.  Latimer, 
a native  of  that  place.  Her  death  occurred  on  the  21st  of  Decem- 
ber, 1866.  His  marriage  to  his  present  wife,  formerly  Mrs.  Eunice 
N.  Thayer,  took  place  on  the  7th  of  April,  1869.  He  became  a 
citizen  of  Macon  county  in  1868,  and  at  that  time  settled  in  Har- 
ristown township,  where  he  has  since  resided.  He  was  chosen 
supervisor  in  the  spring  of  1877,  and  has  since  been  selected  every 
year  to  that  office.  In  politics  he  is  a democrat.  He  has  been 
connected  with  the  Masonic  fraternity  for  several  years,  and  is  the 
present  master  of  Summit  Lodge,  No.  431,  A.  F.  and  A.  M.,  at 
Harristown. 




SOUTH  WHEATLAND  TOWNSHIP. 


l^lWlHE  township  of  South  Wheatland  is  bounded  on  the  north 
by  Decatur  ; east  by  Long  Creek  and  Mt.  Zion  ; south 
Ew  by  south  Macon  ; and  west  by  Blue  Mound  township. 
%/  It  is  well  watered  by  several  fine  streams.  Sand 

creek  enters  at  the  northern  part,  and  flows  in  a southerly  direc- 
tion through  the  township.  The  Sangamon  river  enters  at  section 
twTenty-five,  and  passes  out  in  section  twenty-six.  Ward’s  branch 
and  Smith’s  branch  also  rise  in  the  northern  part,  and  flow  in  a 
southerly  direction. 

The  face  of  the  country  in  the  northern  part  is  hilly  and  broken, 
particularly  that  portion  bordering  on  and  in  close  proximity  to  the 
Sangamon  and  Sand  creek.  As  you  travel  south  the  country 
becomes  more  undulating,  and  in  the  extreme  southern  part,  or 
lower  tier  of  sections,  is  a beautiful  rolling  prairie.  The  southern 
portion  of  the  township  is  as  fine  farming  country  as  any  in  the 
county.  The  soil  is  a rich,  black,  deep  loam,  admirably  adapted  to 
the  production  of  wheat,  rye,  oats,  corn,  and  tame  grasses.  In  the 
matter  of  improvements,  it  will  rank  with  any  township  in  the 
county.  The  greater  portion  of  the  farms  are  well  improved,  with 
good  fences,  and  mostly  under-drained,  also  possessing  large  and 
commodious  farm-houses,  good  barns  and  out-houses  for  shelter  of 
stock  and  storing  the  products  of  the  soil. 

Its  name,  “ Wheatland,”  was  proposed  in  the  county  board  by 
Kobert  Carpenter.  No  objection  being  made,  it  was  so  named. 
This  township  is  among  the  older  settled  portion  of  the  county. 
Being  plentifully  supplied  with  timber  and  good  water,  emigration 
was  attracted  to  it  before  other  and  fairer  parts  of  the  county  were 
settled.  In  an  early  day,  emigrants  to  the  “ Great  West”  made 
settlements  close  to  the  timber,  believing  that  such  districts  and 
places  were  more  healthful,  and,  at  the  same  time,  afforded  shelter 


for  stock  against  the  piercing,  cold  winds,  and  gave  them  easy  ac- 
cess to  fuel. 

There  were  other  reasons,  also,  that  weighed  against  making  set- 
tlements on  the  open  prairie.  Before  the  country  was  settled, 
the  green-headed  fly,  the  prairie  pest,  swarmed  in  the  summer-time, 
and  no  live  stock  could  live  in  the  open  country  during  certain 
seasons  of  the  year.  Then  again  the  flat,  open  country  was  filled 
with  sloughs  and  swamps,  and,  together  with  the  rank,  decaying 
vegetation,  sent  forth  the  deadly  malaria,  which  produced  chills  and 
fever  and  bilious  attacks,  that  kept  the  old  pioneer  in  a state  of 
constraint  and  active  agitation. 

From  the  best  evidence  at  hand  and  facts  that  are  indisputable, 
it  is  believed  that  a man  by  the  name  of  William  Downing  was  the 
first  settler  in  the  territory  now  embraced  in  South  Wheatland 
township.  His  coming  dates  back  to  the  year  1822.  He  settled  at 
a place  now  owned  by  the  heirs  of  Jacob  Libby.  He  remained 
here  but  a short  time,  and  then  moved  to  Bond  county,  Illinois. 
His  departure  was  hastened,  as  he  said,  by  the  Indians,  bands  of 
whom  visited  this  section  on  predatory  expeditions.  His  stock  was 
stolen,  and  family  kept  in  a constant  state  of  alarm  by  these 
marauding  and  thieving  parties. 

The  first  actual  and  permanent  settler  was  a man  by  the  name  of 
John  Ward.  He  was  of  a numerous  and  large  family,  and  was  a 
native  of  Logan  county,  Kentucky,  and  lived  close  to  the  Tennesssee 
line. 

He  came  to  this  section  in  1825,  and  made  a settlement  on  the 
place  now  owned  by  his  brother-in-law,  Joshua  G.  Perdue.  A few 
months  later,  he  was  followed  by  his  brothers,  Thomas,  Lewis, 
James,  Jeremiah,  and  William.  They  all  settled  in  the  neighbor- 
hood, and  in  turn  were  followed  by  other  members  of  the  family. 


188 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


Elisha  Freeman  came  in  1826.  Hiram  Robinson,  a citizen  of  Bond 
county,  came  the  same  year.  Then  came  Robert  and  Andrew  W. 
Smith,  and  others,  from  Tennessee. 

Joshua  G.  Perdue  came  to  the  township  in  1832,  and  is  yet  a 
resident,  and  lives  on  the  same  place  where  he  settled  nearly  a halt' 
century  ago.  He  was  born  in  Montgomery  county,  Tennessee,  and 
came  with  his  father’s  family  to  Illinois,  in  1820,  and  settled  in 
Bond  county. 

The  names  of  other  settlers  living  in  the  township  in  1832  were 
Lambert  Bearden,  Ephraim  Cox,  Winkfield  Evert,  ffm.  Wheeler, 
and  Dr.  Spears.  John  Ward,  the  first  settler,  kept  a grocery  and 
ferry  at  what  was  then  known  as  the  “ Indian  Bluff’,”  on  the  San- 
gamon river.  His  stock  consisted  only  of  the  staple  and  necessary 
articles  in  demand,  which  consisted  of  coffee,  sugar,  salt,  tobacco, 
powder,  and  last — but  by  no  means  least — whisky.  The  last  was 
a necessary  adjunct,  and  an  important  factor  in  the  first  settlements 
of  Illinois.  The  goods  in  those  days  were  purchased  in  St.  Louis 
and  hauled  in  wagons  to  their  destination. 

John  Ward  died  in  1831.  His  body  lies  near  the  spot  where  he 
first  settled  many  years  ago. 

In  1834  Robert  Smith  and  Wm.  Cox  ventured  out  on  the  prairie 
away  from  the  timber,  and  built  houses.  They  were  followed  by 
Perdue  in  1835.  Various  were  the  speculations  made  as  to  what 
would  be  their  probable  fate,  for  their  foolhardiness  in  going  so  far 
from  the  timber.  But  contrary  to  all  expectation,  this  hazardous  un- 
dertaking was  attended  with  suecess,  and  soon  others  followed,  and 
then  commenced,  in  fact,  the  improvement  and  rapid  development 
of  the  country. 

The  first  land  entries  were  made  March  17th,  1831,  by  David 
Foster,  lot  3 in  section  1,  131.04  acres.  Jeremiah  Ward  entered 
May  27th,  1831,  lot  No.  2,  80  acres  in  section  No.  2.  Wm.  H. 
Brown  entered  lot  No.  1,  80  acres,  July  1st,  1831,  in  section  1,  T. 
15  N.  R.  2 E.  We  find  in  township  No.  16  N.  R.  2 E.,  in  that 
portion  which  belongs  to  South  Wheatland  precinct,  Lewis  Ward 
entered  November  9th,  1827,  80  acres  in  section  31.  Also  on  same 
day  John  Ward  entered  80  acres  in  section  33. 

The  first  physician  to  practice  the  healing  art  in  the  township 
was  Dr.  Reed.  He  was  soon  followed  by  Drs.  Spears  and  Crissey. 
How  skilled  they  were  in  the  healing  art  is  not  positively  known, 
further  than  they  were  death  on  “ ager.” 

Rev.  John  M.  Berry  was  the  first  preacher.  He  was  a member 


of  and  expounded  the  doctrine  as  promulgated  by  the  Cumberland 
Presbyterian  church.  In  the  absence  of  regular  houses  of  worship 
services  were  held  in  the  houses  of  the  brethren  in  different  parts 
of  the  township. 

The  first  church  building  erected  was  at  Gilead.  There  had 
been,  however,  church  organizations  a considerable  time  prior. 

The  first  school  was  built  in  1835,  on  John  Wilson’s  land,  and 
the  second  one  near  Mr.  Wykoff’s.  They  were  both  rough-hewn 
log,  slab-seated  school-houses,  of  the  pioneer  days  of  Macon  county. 
Mr.  Seward  is  credited  with  being  the  first  teacher.  He  was 
followed  by  John  Freeland,  and  the  latter  by  a Mr.  Lindsay. 

The  first  mill  in  the  township  was  built  as  early  as  1829.  It  was 
then  known  as  a horse-mill.  It  was  owned  and  operated  by  Robert 
Smith.  It  did  considerable  work,  and  was  a great  convenience  to 
the  people  for  miles  around. 

The  first  deaths  in  the  township  were  those  of  Mrs.  Mangum  and 
Mrs.  Widick. 

The  surplus'products  of  the  farm  were  hauled  to  St.  Louis,  where 
they  were  sold,  and  such  goods  as  were  needed  for  the  settlement 
bought-  After  Springfield  settled  up  it  became  the  market,  and 
continued  so  until  Decatur  was  old  and  large  enough  to  supply  the 
goods. 

The  grinding  of  grain  into  flour  and  meal  for  the  settlement  was 
done  in  Montgomery  county  until  mills  were  started  in  Decatur. 
The  township  is  well  supplied  with  raw  materials.  The  Illinois 
Central  runs  through  from  north  to  south.  The  St.  Louis  branch 
of  the  Wabash  runs  through  the  western  part,  and  the  Midland 
road  through  the  eastern  part. 

The  town  of  Elwiu,  on  the  Illinois  Central,  was  laid  out  soon 
after  the  completion  of  the  road.  It  is  a small  place,  with  several 
small  stores,  blacksmith  shop,  and  post-office. 

SUPERVISORS. 

I.  S.  Boardman  was  elected  in  1860.  Re-elected  and  held  office 
till  1865. 

John  Montgomery  was  elected  in  1866. 

I.  S.  Boardman  was  re-elected  in  1867,  and  held  the  office  till 
1870. 

Hiram  Ward  was  elected  in  1871,  and,  by  re-election  each  year, 
has  held  the  office  ever  since. 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES. 


The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  in  Kentucky  April  22, 1818, 
and  died  June  14th, '1877.  His  father,  John  Hamilton,  was  born 
in  Virginia.  He  afterward  moved  to  Texas,  and  died  there  about 
1866.  William  D.  came  to  Illinois  about  1837.  He  taught  school 
in  Macoupin  and  Morgan  counties  for  eight  years,  and  afterward 
engaged  in  mercantile  business  in  Scottville,  Macoupin  county. 
On  the  ninth  of  September,  1852,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to 
Miss  Octavina  Green.  She  was  born  in  Morgan  county,  Illinois. 
Her  parents,  James  and  Mary  Green,  were  natives  of  Virginia. 
Their  respective  parents  removed  to  Licking  county,  Ohio,  when 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Green  were  married.  Mrs.  Green’s  name  was 
Thompson  prior  to  her  marriage.  Mr.  Green  remained  in  Ohio  un- 
til about  the  year  1820,  when  he  emigrated  to  Illinois,  and  settled 
in  Morgan  county,  where  he  remained  until  his  death  which  oc- 
curred in  1862.  He  was  a soldier  of  the  Black  Hawk  war.  He 
was  also  one  of  the  very  early  settlers  of  that  portion  of  Illinois. 
His  wife,  and  mother  of  Mrs.  Hamilton,  died  in  1846.  By  this 
marriage  there  were  four  sons  and  two  daughters.  Three  of  them 
have  survived  the  parents.  Their  names  are,  Ann,  wife  of  Thomas, 
Anderson  DeHondray,  and  Octavina,  wife  of  the  subject  of  this 


sketch.  The  date  of  Mrs.  Hamilton’s  birth  was  June  twenty-eighth 
1831.  She  is  the  youngest  of  the  family.  She  remained  at  home 
until  her  marriage.  Mr.  Hamilton  was  engaged  in  general  merchan- 
dizing at  the  time  of  his  marriage,  in  which  he  continued  until  1856, 
when  he  purchased  land  in  Macon  county.  It  was  raw  and  unim- 
proved ; he  built  a shanty  on  it  sufficient  to  shelter  him  and  his 
wife,  and  moved  into  it,  and  there  remained  for  four  years,  when 
he  moved  back  to  Morgan  county  and  farmed  Mr.  Green’s  place. 
One  year  later  he  sold  out,  and  removed  to  South  Wheatland  town- 
ship, where  he  purchased  three  hundred  and  one  acres.  He  com- 
menced its  improvement,  and  there  remained  until  his  death.  He 
was  a man  of  considerable  prominence  in  his  neighborhood,  and  was 
several  times  elected  Justice  of  the  Peace.  He  was  a member  of 
the  Christian  church,  and  was  also  a respected  member  of  the  order 
of  Freemasonry.  Politically  he  was  a democrat.  In  his  private 
life  he  was  of  a domestic  turn  of  mind,  preferring  his  home  to  every 
other  place.  He  was  a kind  husband,  an  affectionate  father,  and  a 
firm  friend,  and  was  much  respected  by  all  who  knew  him.  By 
his  marriage  there  were  ten  children,  five  of  whom  are  living.  A 
portrait  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hamilton  heads  this  article. 


189 


190 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


CAPTAIN  ISAAC  S.  BOARDMAN. 

It  is  a pleasure  to  write  the  life  and  history  of  such  a man  as 
Capt.  Boardman,  a man  who  has  lived  patriotically  and  honorably, 
and  who  has  faithfully  served  his  day  and  generation.  He  was 
born  in  Seneca  county,  New  York,  and  is  at  the  date  of  this  writ- 
ing, September  10th,  1880,  seventy-six  years  old.  When  about  five 
years  ofage,  his  parents,  Amos  and  Silva  Boardman,  located  in  Dear- 
born county,  Indiana.  About  seven  years  were  spent  in  that  county, 
when  a change  of  residence  made  them  citizens  of  Ripley  county, 
where  Mr.  Boardman  obtained  his  legal  majority.  He  only  had 
such  advantages  as  were  common  in  the  district  schools  of  that  day, 
advantages  though,  which  he  made  good  use  of,  and  by  which  he 
secured  fair  business  qualifications.  He  next  located  in  Bartholo- 
mew county,  and  after  a residence  there  of  several  years,  led  to  the 
hymeneal  altar,  Miss  Margaret  Chitty,  a lady  of  excellent  personal 
qualities,  with  whom  he  lived  in  happy  wedlock  over  a quarter  of 
a century,  and  who  finally  died  in  this  county,  after  becoming  the 
mother  of  eleven  children,  nine  of  whom  are  still  living — four  sons 
and  five  daughters. 

The  Captain  continued  to  live  in  Bartholomew  county,  till  he 
became  a resident  of  this  county  in  1854,  and  for  many  years  was 
noted  as  one  of  its  most  trustworthy  and  honored  officials.  He 
was  first  elected  to  the  joint  office  of  County  Clerk  and  Recorder,  a 
trust  he  held  in  continued  succession  up  to  the  adoption  of  a new 
state  constitution,  fourteen  years  later.  After  this  he  was  Circuit 
Clerk  till  his  removal  to  Illinois. 

He  volunteered  in  the  United  States  service  for  the  Mexican  war, 
under  the  first  requisition  for  troops,  in  1846,  and  at  once  started 


for  the  field  of  action.  He  was  in  the  army  a little  over  a year, 
commanded  a company  during  the  time,  and  participated  in  the 
battle  of  Buena  Vista. 

On  coming  to  this  county  he  settled  in  Wheatland  township, 
then  known  as  a precinct,  and  has  pursued  the  quiet  calling  of  a 
husbandman.  He  has  been  a successful  farmer,  and  has  given 
considerable  attention  to  the  stock  interest,  especially  to  sheep 
raising.  He  is  quite  a land  owner,  and  has  done  his  full  share  in 
pushing  forward  the  improvements  of  his  section,  both  material  and 
social,  and  is  still  fully  alive  to  every  question  affecting  the  welfare 
of  both  the  county  and  township,  in  which  he  has  been  well  known 
as  an  efficient  Supervisor. 

In  politics  he  is  a democrat  of  the  old  Jackson  school.  He  cast 
his  first  vote  for  the  hero  of  New  Orleans  in  1828,  and  has  sup- 
ported all  the  regular  national  nominees  up  to  date,  being  fully 
established  in  the  belief  that  the  party  with  which  he  has  acted 
embodies  the  correct  theory  of  government,  and  the  proper  doc- 
trine in  defining  the  relations  between  state  and  federal  authority, 
viz.,  that  of  strict  construction. 

The  family  are  English  in  descent  The  Captain’s  great-grand- 
father migrated  to  America  at  an  early  date.  Thaddeus  was  the 
Christian  name  of  his  grandfather,  who  was  an  early  settler  of  the 
Green  Mountain  State  He  married  Miss  Rebecca  Smith.  There 
the  Captain’s  father  was  born  and  raised.  His  wife,  Miss  Noble, 
was  a native  of  Connecticut.  They  raised  a large  family,  and 
finally  died  in  Ripley  county,  honored  and  respected  by  a large 
circle  of  friends  and  relatives. 


BLUE  MOUND  TOWNSHIP. 


bg/v  *jjlS  this  township  is  among  the  oldest  settled  in  the  county, 
inuch  of  genuine  historic  importance  and  interest  clusters 
■w/WyS  aroun(l  it-  As  organized,  this  township  contains  about 
thirty-one  square  miles,  lying  just  south  of  the  Sangamon 
river,  in  the  extreme  western  part  of  the  county.  It  is  bounded 
on  the  north  by  Harristown,  on  the  east  by  South  Wheatland,  on 
the  south  by  Pleasant  View  and  on  the  west  by  Christian  county. 
The  surface  is  generally  an  undulating  prairie,  growing  more 
broken  on  approaching  the  river.  The  soil  is  rich  and  productive. 
Formerly,  nearly  one-third  of  the  territory  was  covered  with  tim- 
ber. The  lands  are  well  drained  by  the  Sangamon  river  and  its 
tributaries  in  the  northern  part,  and  Mosquito  creek,  with  numer- 
ous affluents  in  the  central  and  southern  portions. 

The  first  settlements  of  this  township  began  in  the  northern 
part,  along,  or  near  where  the  Decatur  and  Springfield  road  now 
passes,  as  early  as  1824.  A few  years  later,  several  families  settled 
near  the  southern  line  of  the  township  along  the  banks  of  the  Mos- 
quito creek.  To  the  North  Carolinians  belong  the  honor  of  mak- 
ing the  first  settlements  in  the  above-named  localities,  and  the 
neighborhoods  were  for  a number  of  years  almost  entirely  com- 
posed jof  natives  of  that  State.  As  early  as  the  year  1824  William 
Warnick,  the  first  sheriff  of  the  county,  further  mention  of  whom 


is  made  in  the  pioneer  chapter,  removed  from  the  State  of  Tennes- 
see, to  which  state  .lie  had  removed  from  North  Carolina,  the  land 
of  his  birth.  He  brought  with  him  quite  a large  family  and  loca- 
ted in  the  northern  portion  of  the  township,  where  he  erected  a 
cabin,  cleared  a tract  of  land,  and  began  farming.  This  was  the 
first  building  of  any  kind,  and  the  first  attempt  at  farming  made  in 
the  township.  Three  years  later,  in  1827,  Benjamin  Wilson, 
was  born  at  Guilford  Court-house,  North  Carolina,  and  removed 
from  that  State  to  Rutherford  county,  Tennessee,  from  whence  he 
emigrated  to  this  county  and  settled  in  the  north-western  portion  of 
Blue  Mound.  He  had  a family  of  ordinary  size,  some  of  whom 
are  still  living  near  where  their  father  located.  Mr.  Wilson  after- 
ward became  quite  a prominent  man  in  the  organization  of  the 
county  and  various  other  positions  of  a public  nature.  He  married 
a sister  of  Col.  Warnick,  above  mentioned. 

The  first  settler  in  the  Mosquito  settlement  was  Dempsey  Pope, 
who  was  born  in  North  Carolina,  and  from  there  removed  to  Ten- 
nessee, and  afterwards,  in  1827  emigrated  to  this  state  and  located 
on  Mosquito  creek.  Mr.  Pope  had  quite  a large  family  of  well- 
grown  children  when  he  came  to  this  county.  Garland  Hall,  a 
native  of  Kentucky,  in  1830  emigrated  to,  and  settled  on  section 
29  of  this  township  about  two  miles  north  of  the  present  town  of 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


191 


Blue  Mound,  where  he  erected  a cabin,  broke  some  land,  fenced  it 
and  began  farming.  He  brought  with  him  a small-sized  family. 
Wyett  Cherry  who  was  an  early  settler  in  this  locality,  is  still  re- 
sidin'! a short  distance  north-west  of  the  town  of  Blue  Mound. 
William  Pope  was  another  early  settler.  Prominent  among  some 
of  the  old  settlers  now  living  in  Blue  Mound  township,  are  James 
Y.  Taylor,  residing  on  section  4,  who  came  in  1836  ; W.  F.  Muir- 
head,  a Virginian  living  on  section  33,  located  in  the  county  in 
1830;  Hon.  William  T.  Moffett,  at  present  representing  the  county 
in  the  state  senate,  is  a native  of  Sangamon  county,  111.,  and  loca- 
ted in  this  county  in  1841,  and  is  now  living  on  section  32  of  this 
township.  John  M.  Moffett  settled  here  in  1843,  and  now  resides 
on  section  34 ; Vincin  Morris,  an  Ohioan,  now  residing  on  section 
8,  settled  in  1847  ; Henry  T.  Brown,  also  a native  of  Ohio,  came  in 
1859,  and  lives  ou  section  3 ; G.  F.  Cattle,  an  Englishman,  living 
on  section  6,  came  to  the  county  in  1857.  Fred.  Bailey,  a native 
of  Germany,  settled  in  the  county  in  1853,  and  now  resides  in  sec- 
tion 16  ; E.  W.  Crow  came  in  1857 ; Henry  Josser  in  the  same 
year ; W.  H.  Weatherford,  a Virginian,  and  E.  F.  Delbridge,  Jr. 
a Prussian,  in  1858. 

The  first  land  entered  in  the  township  was  by  James  Edwards, 
March  16th,  1833,  40  acres  in  section  No.  20 ; Garland  Hall  en- 
tered December  18th,  1833,  77.40  acres  in  section  19  ; and  Demp- 
sey Pope  entered  on  the  same  day  80  acres,  same  section — all  in 
township  No.  15  N.,  R.  1 E.  of  the  3d  P.  M.  Benjamin  Wilson 
entered  Nov.  13th,  1827,  160  acres  in  section  34 ; also  80  acres  in 
section  35;  and  on  the  same  day  Francis  G.  Hill  enters  80  acres  in 
section  36.  The  last  three  entries  are  in  township  No.  16  N.,  R.  1 
E of  the  3d  P.  M. 

For  facts  pertaining  to  the  first  schools  and  teachers,  see  article 
on  Common  Schools.  The  first  church  erected  in  this  township 
was  the  one  known  as  the  “ Mosquito  Church,”  near  the  Mosquito 
creek,  in  the  neighborhood  of  section  20.  Rev.  Mr.  Paisley  was 
the  first  preacher  to  locate  here.  Willis  Zachariah  Pope,  son  of 
Dempsey  and  Sarah  (Edwards)  Pope,  in  the  year  1828,  was  the 
first  child  born  in  this  township.  The  first  death  was  that  of  Nancy 
Wilson,  the  daughter  of  Benjamin  Wilson  ; this  occurred  in  1828, 
being  the  next  year  after  the  Wilson  family  settled  here.  Benjamin 
R.  Austin,  a native  of  Virginia,  who  came  to  this  county  in  1825, 
was  the  first  justice  of  the  peace;  he  was  elected  in  1822,  and  held 
this  position  for  a number  of  years.  He  was  a surveyor,  and  sub- 
sequently became  quite  prominent  in  Macon  county.  To  him  is 
due  the  honor  of  having  laid  out  the  original  town  plat  of  the  city 
of  Decatur.  Austin  township,  in  the  extreme  north-western  part  of 
the  county,  was  named  in  his  honor.  Mr.  Austin  and  his  wife, 
Margaret  (Warnick)  Austin,  who  was  a daughter  of  William  War- 
nick,  a colonel  in  the  Black  Hawk  war,  were  the  first  couple  mar- 
ried in  this  township.  This  occurred  about  the  year  1825.  Wil- 
liam A.  Austin,  who  married  Eleanor  Warnick,  also  a daughter  of 


Col.  William  Warnick,  settled  here  in  1828.  Not  until  as  late  a 
date  as  1854  was  there  a mill  of  any  kind  erected  in  this  township, 
when  Marshal  Randle  built  a horse-power  saw-mill  on  section  19- 
Greenbury  Call  established  the  first  blacksmith  shop  in  1840,  on 
section  35,  where  he  did  a general  blacksmithing  business  for  a 
number  of  years.  The  first  post-office  in  the  township  was  estab- 
lished at  the  town  of  Boody  in  1870,  with  Frederick  Nientker  as 
post-master. 

The  supervisors  who  have  represented  this  township  since  its 
organization  may  be  seen  below  : J.  C.  Armstrong  was  elected  in 

1860  ; W.  T.  Moffett  in  1861  ; F.  A.  Brown  in  1862,  and  re-elected 
in  1863 ; W.  T.  Moffett  re-elected  in  1864,  and  by  re-election  con- 
tinued to  hold  the  office  to  1869  ; R.  H.  Hill,  elected  in  1870,  and 
re-elected  in  1871 ; D.  F.  Barber  in  1872;  Frank  Coleman  in  1873, 
re-elected  in  1874  and  ’75  ; W.  T.  Moffett  in  1876;  H.  H.  Rosen- 
grauts,  1877  ; R H.  Hill,  re-elected  in  1878  ; H.  H.  Rosengrants, 
re-elected  in  1879  and  1880. 

TOWN  OF  BOODY. 

This  place  is  located  on  the  line  of  the  Wabash,  St.  Louis  and 
Pacific  Railway,  in  the  eastern  portion  of  the  township,  on  each 
side  of  the  line  dividing  sections  11  and  12,  about  six  miles  south- 
west from  Decatur.  The  town  was  named  in  compliment  of  the 
Hon.  William  Boody,  the  first  president  of  the  Decatur  and  East 
St.  Louis  Railroad.  The  town  was  originally  laid  out  by  Messrs. 
Neintker  and  Smith  on  sections  eleven  and  twelve,  in  the  year  1870. 
Frank  Reafly  erected  the  first  dwelling-house  in  the  same  year  the 
town  was  laid  out;  and  Frederick  Nientker,  one  of  the  original 
proprietors  of  the  town,  erected  and  opened  the  first  store  with  a 
general  stock  of  goods  for  sale.  This  was  also  in  the  same  year, 
1870.  In  1872,  Charles  Mush  established  the  first  blacksmithing 
business  The  first  elevator  was  built  by  a gentleman  named  Bink- 
ley, about  1871  ; its  capacity  was  about  five  thousand  bushels.  The 
post-office — Boody — was  created  in  1870,  and  Frederick  Neintker 
was  appointed  the  first  post-master.  Dr.  A.  C.  Douglass  was  the 
first  physician  to  locate  here.  In  1874,  four  years  after  the  found- 
ing of  the  town,  the  first  school-house  was  erected,  and  Byron  Lewis 
became  the  first  teacher.  T D.  Weems  was  another  early  teacher 
in  the  Boody  school.  Among  the  present  business  houses  of  the 
town  will  be  found  : General  Stores — Sauter  & Hauck,  Hill  & 

Blankenship,  Martin  Loewer.  Elevators — Hill  & Blankenship, 
with  a capacity  of  six  thousand  bushels,  run  by  steam ; Sauter  & 
Hauck,  with  a capacity  of  five  thousand  or  six  thousand  bushels, 
steam  power. 

Although  Boody  is  but  a small  place,  with  perhaps  not  more 
than  one  hundred  inhabitants,  it  rivals  many  others  much  larger  in 
point  of  business  and  shipping.  It  is  in  the  heart  of  some  of  the 
best  improved  and  richest  farms  in  the  state,  and  large  quantities  of 
grain  are  annually  handled  by  the  two  elevators  above  mentioned. 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES. 


HON.  WILLIAM  T.  MOFFETT. 

In  Mr.  Moffett  we  have  represented  one  of  the  old  pioneer  fami- 
lies of  the  state.  His  father,  John  B.  Moffett,  whose  portrait  is 
shown  on  another  page,  was  a native  of  Bath  county,  Ky.  Moved 
to  Sangamon  county,  Illinois,  in  1821,  and  located  seven  miles 
south-west  of  Springfield.  He  was  married  the  same  year  to  Miss 
Patsey  C.  Morgan,  of  Southern  Indiana,  and  just  prior  to  his  re- 
moval to  Illinois.  This  lady  died  in  1826,  leaving  a family  of 
three  children  ; two  daughters,  Rebecca  and  Elizabeth,  and  Wm. 
T.  who  was  born  February  19th,  1826.  After  the  loss  of  his  wife, 
Mr.  John  B.  Moffett  continued  to  work  hard  at  his  trade,  that  of  a 
wheelwright,  in  order  to  supply  the  wants  of  his  orphaned  children 
and  to  get  a start,  in  our  then,  new  and  growing  state.  He  was  a 
natural  mechanic,  and  could  turn  his  hand  to  almost  anything  in 
the  way  of  the  use  of  tools,  and  was  considered  the  handy  man  of 
his  community.  We  next  hear  of  him  as  a cabinet-maker  in 
Springfield,  and  afterwards  as  a builder  ; and  to  his  architectual 
skill  the  county  was  indebted  for  its  court-house.  Next  he  turned 
his  skill  to  the  trade  of  millwright,  and  in  the  spring  of  1831  he 
began  the  erection  of  a steam  saw  and  flouring  mill,  at  Rushville, 
Schuyler  county,  Illinois,  which  was  probably  the  first  steam  flour- 
ing mill  erected  in  the  military  district,  that  part  of  the  state 
lying  between  the  Illinois  and  Mississippi  rivers,  and  set  off  for 
the  benefit  of  the  soldiers  of  the  war  of  1812.  He  located  in  that 
town  the  same  year  with  his  family,  having  been  married  in  the 
meantime  to  Miss  Polly  A.  Taylor,  the  daughter  of  Judge  Taylor 
of  Springfield.  He  remained  in  Rushville,  employed  in  the  mill- 
ing business  ten  years,  besides  giving  some  attention  to  the  im- 
provement of  his  farm  in  Blue  Mound  township,  an  investment 
made  while  a citizen  of  Springfield.  He  moved  to  this  farm  in 
1842,  and  spent  the  subsequent  part  of  his  life  as  a husbandman, 
dying  here  in  the  fall  of  1862.  His  second  wife  died  in  1849,  and 
he  was  married  again.  His  third  wife  was  Mrs.  Nancy  McDowell, 
relict  of  Rev.  Abner  McDowell,  of  Rushville,  and  sister  of  Henry 
Grider,  a well-known ' Kentucky  politician  who  represented  the 
Bowling  Green  District  in  Congress  some  thirty  years.  Altogether 
he  raised  a family  of  ten  children,  five  only  of  whom  are  still 
living,  and  was  a kind  husband  and  dutiful  father. 

He  was  a man  of  powerful  physical  build,  of  great  force  of 
character,  much  'above  the  average  in  intellectual  abilities,  and 
possessed  a fine  discriminating  judgment.  For  many  years  he  was 
an  elder  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church,  and  did  much  in 
his  day  towards  the  work  of  evangelization.  He  was  public- 
spirited,  and  never  let  an  opportunity  pass  without  encouraging  all 
measures  having  in  contemplation  the  social,  religious  and  educa- 
tional welfare  of  his  community.  He  was  the  builder  of  the 
second  school-house  of  this  township,  and  the  first  of  his  settlement 
after  locating  here  in  1842.  He  died  amidst  his  friends  and 
192 


family,  loved  by  all  as  a man  who  loved  God  and  his  fellow-men, 
and  who  had  lived  without  reproach,  and  whose  enthusiasm  in- 
spired men  to  do  and  dare  in  the  cause  of  right  and  public  good. 

Mr.  Moffett,  our  subject,  being  the  eldest  son,  became  the  con- 
fidant and  companion  of  his  father  in  business  from  the  time  he 
arrived  at  the  proper  age  to  exercise  the  requisite  judgment  and 
discretion.  He  received  his  first  schooling  in  Rushville,  which 
consisted  of  an  ordinary  course  as  then  taught  in  the  common- 
schools,  if  we  except  mathematics  for  which  he  had  a penchant, 
and  in  which  he  made  considerable  advancement.  He  inherited  a 
fine  constitution,  and  at  the  age  of  twenty-one  considered  himself 
equal  to  almost  any  requirement  in  which  bodily  vigor  was  con- 
cerned, and  he  determined  to  make  a trip  to  the  Pacific  slope.  He 
accordingly  joined  a company  of  overland  emigrants  in  1849,  and 
arrived  the  same  year  in  California,  where  he  remained  only 
eighteen  months.  While  there  he  was  employed  principally  in 
trading,  at  which  he  made  some  money,  though  he  had  only  pro- 
perly matured  business  plans  when  by  the  failing  health  of  his 
father,  he  was  unexpectedly  called  home.  He  aided  in  placing  his 
father’s  estate  in  the  desired  condition,  and  then  turned  his  atten- 
tion to  his  own  immediate  private  interests. 

He  had  already  bought  a quarter  section  in  Blue  Mound  town- 
ship, the  nucleus  of  his  present  fine  homestead,  and  on  this  tract 
he  began  the  work  of  improvement,  which  has  given  Macon 
county  one  of  its  most  substantial  estates. 

He  was  united  in  wedlock  with  Miss  Helen  L.  Barrows,  of 
Bridport,  Vt.,  in  1856,  with  whom  he  has  lived  happily  ever  since, 
and  by  whom  he  has  a family  of  six — an  equal  division  in  sex — and 
all  bright,  perfect  and  dutiful  children.  Mrs.  Moffett  is  the 
daughter  of  Josiah  Barrows,  by  his  wife,  formerly  Miss  Susan 
Walker,  and  is  a lady  well  qualified  to  preside  over  their  elegant 
and  hospitable  home,  and  by  that  delicacy  peculiar  to  the  gentler 
sex,  to  give  those  with  whom  Providence  has  blessed  them,  correct 
impressions  and  motives  ; those  earlier  sentiments  that  remain 
fixed  throughout  all  after  life. 

Mr.  Moffett  never  designed  becoming  a politician,  and  such  an 
idea  would  have  provoked  a smile  when  he  first  began  work  here 
years  ago  as  a plain  farmer.  His  promotion  is  to  be  accounted  for 
only  by  those  peculiar  influences  which  act  externally  on  human 
destiny.  He  first  became  supervisor,  which  office  he  held  for 
several  terms-  This  led  to  the  state  legislature  in  1870,  and  again 
in  1872.  He  was  elected  to  the  State  Board  of  Equalization  in 
1876.  Served  two  years  and  then  resigned  to  take  his  seat  in  the 
State  Senate,  an  incumbency  not  yet  expired.  His  actions  as  a 
legislator  have  been  carefully  guarded  and  well  prepared,  and  to 
him  the  people  are  jmrtly  indebted  for  some  timely  and  appreciated 
enactments.  He  was  an  active  supporter  of  the  present  temperance 
law,  and  to  the  passage  of  that  measure  gave  the  best  endeavors  of 


- 

I 


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. 


' 


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Residence  and  Stock  Farm  of  G.  F. C0TTLE,Sec.6.T. IS. R. I.  (Blue  Mound  TpJ,  Macon  Co. I ll. 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


193 


his  mind  and  heart.  The  present  division  of  the  state  into  con- 
gressional districts  is  in  a large  degree  in  conformity  with  the 
slate  which  he  prepared  for  the  occasion. 

In  his  second  term  he  served  as  chairman  of  the  committee  on 
Agriculture,  where  his  practical  knowledge  of  general  husbandry 
enabled  him  to  suggest  such  measures  as  were  required  at  the  hands 
of  the  committee,  and  appropriate  for  action,  so  far  as  the  law- 
making power  can  aid  in  forwarding  this  great  industry  of  Illinois 
and  the  west. 

He  was  chairman  of  the  sub-committee  on  railroads,  and  was 
instrumental  in  preparing  the  present  statute  regulating  freight 
and  passenger  traffic  on  the  various  lines  of  roads  traversing  the 
state  in  every  direction.  Throughout  his  official  life  Mr.  Moffett 
has  not  aimed  at  brilliancy,  but  straightforward  honesty  in  our 
law-making  halls,  and  in  no  instance  has  he  swerved  from  his 
convictions  of  right,  either  by  the  lobby  influences  of  capital  or 
the  heat  of  partizan  debate.  Though  a republican,  he  is  so,  be- 
cause he  thinks  this  party  is  most  able  and  best  qualified  to  control 
the  destinies  of  the  different  states  and  nation,  and  looks  to  it  as 
the  great  media  of  right  and  good  policies  to  the  people. 

From  the  best  recollections  the  Moffett  family  line  runs  back  to 
Scotland,  or  what  is  now  understood  as  Scotch-Irish.  Two  brothers 
came  over  from  the  north  of  Ireland  and  settled  in  Virginia.  One 
of  these  was  the  Senator’s  grandfather,  William.  He  became  a 
pioneer  of  Kentucky,  and  took  part  in  the  various  troubles  and 
conflicts  with  the  red  men,  which  for  years  made  the  common- 
wealth a battle-field  between  the  two  contending  races.  He  died 
in  that  state  venerated  as  a gentleman  of  sterling  ability  and 
untainted  honor ; leaving  the  legacy  of  a good  name  and  a 
patriotic  example. 


JNO.  H.  SLEETER 

Was  born  in  this  county,  January  14th,  1850.  He  was  married 
March  27th,  1872,  to  Miss  Annie  H.  Harmel,  daughter  of  Louis  and 
Matilda  Harmel,  natives  of  Germany,  formerly  of  this  county  but 
now  of  St.  Clair  county,  in  this  state.  This  marriage  occurred  in  St. 
Joseph,  Missouri,  and  the  young  couple  immediately  located  on 
their  present  homestead  in  this  township.  They  have  three  children, 
viz.  : Reynolds,  Clara  M.,  and  Olga. 

It  was  the  intention  of  Mr.  Sleeter’s  parents  to  have  him  enter 
some  of  the  popular  professions,  he  being  of  a naturally  delicate 
constitution,  and  to  this  end  a course  was  early  begun.  He  spent 
seven  months  at  Mt.  Zion  Academy,  in  this  county  ; seven  months 
at  the  Wesleyan  University,  Bloomington,  Illinois,  and  then  seven 
months  at  the  Wesleyan  College,  Warren  town,  Warren  county, 
Missouri.  The  death  of  his  father  about  this  time  rendered  it 
necessary  for  him  to  return  home  and  aid  in  the  support  of  the 
family,  a circumstance  that  directed  his  course  to  agriculture  as  a 
business,  in  which  he  has  not  only  been  successful,  but  which  h a 
conferred  on  him  a sound  and  healthy  constitution.  Thus  does 
Providence  direct  men  aright  in  the  affairs  of  this  life. 

Mr.  Sleeter  has  shown  great  taste  and  judgment  in  the  arrange- 
ment and  improvement  of  his  property,  in  which  he  has  brought  to  his 
aid  all  the  scientific  help  accessible,  and  he  has  as  a result  one  of  the 
most  presentable,  refined  and  cultivated  homes  of  his  township. 
He  has  been  perfectly  temperate  in  his  habits  all  his  life,  and  is  an 
advocate  of  the  temperance  cause,  and  hopes  to  see  the  time 
come  when  the  curse  of  intoxicating  beverages  will  be  banished  by 
the  force  of  appropriate  legislation  from  the  entire  nation.  He  is  a 
republican  in  politics  and  a Methodist  by  religious  profession,  his 
lady  being  with  him  a member  of  the  same  communion,  in  which 
25 


they  are  known  as  active  workers.  He  is  also  a musician,  and  has 
taught  a number  of  terms  in  training  the  young  in  the  use  of  the 
vocal  organs  in  the  divine  gift,  and  has  otherwise  proved  himself  a 
valuable  aid  in  building  up  the  social  interests  of  his  neighborhood 
and  community. 

His  father  William  was  a native  of  Prussia.  He  migrated  to 
this  country  when  a young  man,  and  was  married  to  MLss 
Amelia  Varnhorst,  daughter  of  John  Varnhorst,  a native  of 
Prussia,  and  also  an  old  settler  of  this  county.  He  became  a 
well-to-do  farmer,  and  was  well  known  in  business  circles  as  a gen- 
tleman of  enlarged  views  and  public  spirit.  He  hoped  to  see  his 
children  not  only  well  settled  in  life  but  graduated  in  the  best 
schools,  but  death  put  an  end  to  his  mortal  career  in  1866.  He  left 
behind  him  a wife  and  five  children,  all  still  living.  John,  William, 
and  Mrs.  Lottie  Hauck  are  residents  of  this  township,  and  the 
mother  (now  Mrs.  Philip  Pinger)  and  the  other  heirs  are  in 
Buchanan  county,  Missouri. 


GEORGE  F.  COTTLE. 

England  is  a grand  country,  has  a proud  military  history,  can 
boast  of  her  magnificent  navy,  and  can  point  with  pride  to  her 
benevolent  and  literary  institutions ; but  while  she  has  much  to 
swell  the  emotions  of  national  pride,  she  has  also  much  to  cause  her 
fair  name  to  be  justly  reproached.  Her  poor  are  oppressed,  her 
real  estate  is  owned  only  by  a titled  few,  and  the  curse  of  caste  is  a 
blight  on  her  society.  While  the  nobility  revel  in  the  profusion  of 
voluptuous  wealth,  the  toiling  masses  can  hardly  eke  out  a subsist- 
ence by  the  hardest  manual  labor  and  the  closest  economy.  We 
have  a fair  illustration  of  the  privations  and  hardships  of  the  poor 
of  that  country  in  the  early  life  of  Mr.  Cottle,  one  of  Albion’s  native 
sons,  and  whose  later  history  as  an  honored  citizen  of  the  United 
States  exhibits  the  effects  of  our  own  beneficent  institutions  as  com- 
pared with  those  of  the  “mother  country.”  When  he  first  went 
out  to  serve,  as  all  the  sons  of  the  poor  have  to  do  there,  he  received 
less  than  five  cents  a week — “ three  ha’-penny.”  His  pay  was  after- 
wards raised  to  “ nine  pence,”  maximum  wages  for  the  ordinary 
workman.  No  wonder  then  that  the  poor  look  with  longing  eyes 
across  the  “briny  deep”  to  a country  where  labor  is  not  only  remu- 
nerated but  dignified,  and  where  all  have  an  equal  chance  in  the 
battle  of  life. 

Mr.  Cottle  was  born  November  11th,  1834,  in  Somersetshire, 
and  is  the  son  of  Charles  Cottle  and  Martha  Weeks,  average  livers 
among  the  yeomanry.  When  about  fourteen  years  of  age,  a family 
council  resulted  in  a decision  to  emigrate  to  the  United  States.  All 
the  available  means  ■were  barely  sufficient  to  pay  his  passage  to 
America.  He  arrived  in  the  state  of  New  York  in  1848,  and  at 
once  set  about  the  work  of  raising  means  for  the  transit  of  his 
family,  which  safely  arrived  at  the  port  of  New  York,  July  4th  the 
following  year.  A location  was  made  in  Onondago  county,  where 
the  usual  work  began  to  earn  a support  in  the  New  World. 

At  the  age  of  sixteen  Mr.  Cottle  bought  his  time  of  his  father, 
and  turned  the  first  proceeds  of  his  labor  towards  purchasing  a 
home  for  his  parents,  which  required  all  his  earnings  for  the 
next  two  years.  When  about  eighteen  he  resolved  to  come  further 
west  After  stopping  a short  time  in  Indianapolis  he  came  to 
Illinois,  and  assisted  in  the  management  of  the  Sloan  farm,  now  the 
property  of  Mr.  Brown.  After  remaining  there  three  years  he 
found  employment  for  a similar  length  of  time  with  J.  Y.  Taylor, 
another  old  and  well-known  settler.  Next  he  started  for  Pike’s 
Peak,  but  turned  back  after  reaching  St.  Joseph,  Mo.,  and  bought 


194 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


an  eighty-acre  tract  of  John  B.  Moffett,  Sr.,  which  he  improved, 
and  afterward  exchanged  with  Hon.  W.  T.  Moffett  for  his  present 
homestead,  giving  his  notes  for  $5,300  as  an  equivalent.  Here  he 
has  since  resided,  employed  in  the  usual  duties  of  farming.  By 
hard  work  he  has  managed  well,  and  now  has  his  obligations  as 
good  as  liquidated,  and  owns  133  acres  of  as  good  soil  as  is  to  be 
fouud  in  the  county.  The  improvements  are  good,  and  the  land  is 
in  an  excellent  state  of  tillage. 

In  a large  measure  he  attributes  his  success  to  the  co-labor  and 
encouragement  of  his  estimable  wife,  formerly  Miss  Susan  E.  Brown- 
ing, daughter  of  William  N.  and  Frances  (Johnston)  Browning, 
formerly  of  Clark  county,  Kentucky,  but  now  residents  of  this  state 
and  county  and  on  Mr.  Cottle’s  premises,  where  their  welfare  is 
looked  after  and  their  wants  provided  for.  They  have  four  surviv- 
ing children — James  E.,  Annie  M.,  Susan,  and  Raymond  A. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cottle  are  both  members  of  the  Cumberland 
Presbyterian  Church,  which  they  joined  in  1866,  and  of  which  he 
has  been  a deacon  since  1867.  In  political  belief  and  action  he  is 
identified  with  the  republican  party,  which  he  deems  the  safest 
party  to  entrust  with  the  destinies  of  the  Republic,  in  which  he  ever 
feels  the  liveliest  interest. 

Mr.  Cottle  has  learned  the  great  lessons  of  life  in  the  strict  and 
practical  school  of  experience,  and  his  history  takes  in  the  social 
habits  and  conditions  of  two  nations,  with  their  diverse  forms  of 
government,  and  he  feels  now  that  he  is  not  only  a freeholder  but  a 
freeman  in  a free  country.  He  is  temperate,  industrious,  and 
frugal,  but  not  in  any  sense  parsimonious,  giving  liberally  to  the 
church,  to  the  poor,  and  to  all  enterprises  having  in  contemplation 
the  social,  moral,  and  material  welfare  of  his  neighborhood,  county 
or  country.  He  has  a pleasant,  refined  home,  a happy  family,  and 
a good  neighborhood.  Mr.  Cottle  has  the  warmest  feelings  for  his 
friends,  and  the  people  of  the  couuty  at  large,  and  acknowledges  with 
gratitude  the  goodness  and  providence  of  the  Creator  in  directing 
his  way  to  this  country,  state,  and  county. 


JOHN  MOFFETT. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch,  the  son  of  John  B.  Moffett  and  Polly 
A.  Taylor,  was  born  December  14th,  1836,  in  the  town  of  Rushville, 
Schuyler  county.  He  was  five  years  old  when  his  father  located 
on  his  farm  in  this  township,  and  was  here  raised  up  to  the  calling 
of  a farmer.  He  received  a fair  common  school  education  in  his 
younger  days,  and  at  least  sufficient  to  qualify  him  well  for  the  ordi- 
nary business  transactions  of  life.  June  26th,  1860,  he  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Miss  Elizabeth  J.  McDonnald,  daughter  of  James 
and  Chrysteyaun  McDonnald,  natives  of  Indiana  county,  Pennsyl- 
vania. After  his  marriage  he  settled  down  on  a raw  tract  of  land 
near  his  father’s  homestead,  and  at  once  began  the  work  of  improve- 
ment. He  has  reduced  his  lands  to  a fine  state  of  cultivation,  and 
had  about  reached  a state  of  independence,  when  in  an  unlucky 
hour  he  endorsed  largely,  and  became  a heavy  loser.  He  is  again 
on  the  high  road  to  prosperity,  and  has  about  made  up  all  his 
past  losses,  after  meeting  all  liabilities. 

Mr.  Moffett  is  one  of  the  useful  men  of  his  community,  and  com- 
mands the  respect  of  all  who  know  him.  He  and  his  lady  have 
both  been  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church  for 
the  last  twenty  years,  where  he  has  served  as  an  elder  some  twelve 
years.  He  has  been  liberal  with  his  means  not  only  in  support  of 
the  cause  of  religion,  but  in  temperance  and  benevolence.  He  is 
also  a friend  of  education,  and  has  done  much  to  keep  good  schools 
within  his  district,  in  which  he  has  served  as  a director  a number  of 
times.  With  respect  to  Mrs.  Moffett’s  ancestry,  the  following  is 


gathered.  Her  grandfather,  McDonnald,  was  a native  of  Mary- 
land. He  married  Catharine  Carnathan,  and  settled  in  Indiana 
county,  Pa.,  where  the  family  was  raised.  Her  father,  James, 
served  through  the  late  civil  war,  and  died  in  1865  from  the  effects 
of  wounds  and  camp  exposures.  Her  grandfather,  William  Par- 
ker, was  from  Ireland.  He  married  Jane  McCaffern,  and  settled 
in  Indiana  county*  where  Mrs.  Moffett’s  mother  was  born. 


FRANCIS  A.  BROWN. 

Mr.  Brown  represents  one  of  the  oldest  families  of  the  United 
States.  There  were  three  brothers  of  the  name,  who  were  among 
the  first  colonists  of  Maryland.  Two  remained  there  and  one  went 
south.  One  of  the  two  who  remained  in  Maryland  was  the  pro- 
genitor of  James  Brown’s  great-grandfather,  who  was  born  in  1686, 
and  who  died  in  his  84th  year.  One  of  his  sons,  also  named  James, 
the  grandfather  of  Mr.  Brown,  was  born  in  Dorchester  county  of 
the  same  state,  in  1710.  He  married  the  daughter  of  Judge  Thos. 
White,  and  also  lived  and  died  in  his  native  state,  at  the  age 
of  eighty-four  years.  Mr.  Brown’s  father,  White  Brown,  was  a 
native  of  the  same  county',  and  born  in  1849.  He  married  a Miss 
Lucretia  Clarkston,  by  whom  he  raised  a family  of  twelve  children, 
three  of  whojn  are  still  surviving,  viz.,  Mr.  Brown  and  Mary  Davis 
of  this,  and  Sarah  Rush  of  Pike  county.  He  served  as  a lieutenant 
in  the  Revolutionary  army,  though  how  long  is  not  known.  He 
made  a tour  through  the  north-western  territory  in  1799,  and  re- 
turned and  settled  in  Ross  county,  Ohio,  in  1802,  where  he 
died  in  1842.  He  joined  the  Methodist  Order,  under  the  adminis- 
tration of  Francis  Asbury,  before  the  societies  were  organized  into 
the  form  of  a church.  He  lived  to  the  advanced  age  of  ninety- 
three  years  to  a day.  Mr.  Brown  was  born  in  Ross  county,  Feb- 
ruary 4th,  1805.  He  was  united  in  wedlock  with  Miss  Chatham 
McClintock,  who  died  in  1831,  leaving  one  heir,  Richard,  now  of 
Champaign  county,  in  this  state.  He  was  again  married  to  Miss 
Sydney  Barr,  daughter  of  Judge  Thomas  Barr,  of  Pickaway  couuty, 
his  present  wife,  and  who  is  the  mother  of  five  children,  four  sur. 
viving.  On  coming  to  this  country,  Mr.  Brown  purchased  what 
was  then  known  as  the  Sloan  farm,  an  estate  of  eight  hundred  and 
forty  acres,  which  he  still  owns,  and  which  is  without  question  one 
of  the  most  desirable  locations  in  the  county,  all  things  considered. 

He  had  some  previous  knowledge  of  Illinois  before  settling  in  it 
having  travelled  through  a number  of  the  best  sections  in  1842, 
while  buying  up  young  cattle  to  drive  back  to  Ohio.  He  had 
ample  opportunities,  therefore,  to  make  a satisfactory  selection,  and 
chose  this  one,  both  on  account  of  its  healthy  and  beautiful  sur- 
roundings, and  the  fertility  of  its  soil.  Here  he  has  since  lived  with 
his  family,  one  of  our  honored  and  well-known  citizens,  who  has 
done  much  toward  the  development,  culture  and  business  interest  of 
his  town  and  county,  both  in  material  and  social  departments.  In 
politics  he  is  a republican,  and  by  religious  profession  a Methodist, 
though  in  no  sense  an  extremist.  He  believes  all  men  should  be 
valued  according  to  their  moral  and  social  merits,  and  that  parties 
are  only  useful  to  reach  certain  ends  in  government,  and  that  the 
proper  work  of  churches  and  religious  societies  is  to  make  men 
Christians.  His  sons  are  well-known  business  gentlemen,  and  all 
live  near  the  old  homestead,  of  whom  the  following  record  is  made 
Nelson  F.,  was  born  in  Ross  county,  Ohio,  in  January,  1839-  He 
was  married  January  4th,  1870,  the  object  of  his  choice  being  Miss 
Mildred  Pasley,  daughter  of  Robert  Pasley,  an  old  and  well-known 
settler  of  Blue  Mound  township,  who  died  here  in  1874.  He  was 
the  son  of  Henrv  A.  and  Nancy  Pasley,  natives  of  Virginia,  and 


Farm  Residence  of  R .T  B R O W A/ , S ec . 3 , 7 / 5,  R.  7;  / Blue  Moc/a/d  TrJ  Maco/v  Co  . /ll  . 


£ /VGRAA/TZ . Sec.  JO,  T76, /?  // Blue  Mou/vc  TpJ  Maco/v  Cq.  Jll 


Farm  Res/o e/vce  of 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


195 


early  settlers  of  Hardin  county,  Kentucky.  Her  mother  was 
formerly  Miss  Edna  Stith,  daughter  of  Richard  and  Elizabeth 
Stith,  Virginians,  but  old  settlers  of  Breckenridge  county,  Ken- 
tucky, and  who  died  citizens  of  Macon  county,  Illinois. 

Henry  T.  was  horn  also  in  Ross  county,  Ohio,  July  4th,  1851. 
He  came  to  Illinois  with  the  other  members  of  the  family, 
and  was  married  March  5th,  1878.  His  wife  was  formerly  Miss 
Sarah  E.  Jordan,  the  daughter  of  James  and  Eraeline  F.  Jordan  of 
this  county,  but  formerly  of  Morgan  county,  where  she  was  born.  He 
was  the  son  of  William  Jordan,  a native  of  St.  Clair  county,  where 
the  family  settled  when  Illinois  was  yet  a territory.  They  were 
also  among  the  first  settlers  of  Morgan  county,  and  are  still  remem- 
bered as  old  pioneers  of  the  west.  Thomas,  the  other  surviving  son 
is  at  home  with  his  parents,  having  lost  his  wife,  and  is  employed  in 
the  work  of  attending  their  large  farm.  The  only  daughter  of  Mrs. 
Sydney  Livingston  is  also  a resident  of  the  homestead.  Another 
son,  Wesley  M.,  was  offered  on  the  common  altar  of  our  country. 
He  served  three  years  in  the  late  civil  war ; while  there  he  con- 
tracted, from  the  exposures  of  camp-life,  a disease,  which  afterwards 
proved  fatal.  He  was  a brave  soldier,  a beloved  son,  and  died 
with  the  dew  of  youth  still  on  his  brow.  He  participated  in  the 
following  engagements,  viz. : siege  of  Vicksburg,  and  about  the  bat- 
tles consequent  on  Sherman’s  victorious  march  to  the  sea,  and  was 
a member  of  116th  Ills.  Vol.  Infantry. — Col.  Tapper. 


FREDERICK  BAILEY 

Is  well  known  as  one  of  the  prominent  farmers  and  stock-men  of 
Blue  Mound  township,  and  as  such  we  subjoin  a brief  sketch  of  his 
life,  from  the  time  he  left  his  native  land  a poor  wandering  youth 
to  the  time  he  became  known  as  one  of  the  opulent  farmers  of 
Macon  county.  He  was  born  in  the  province  of  Waldeck,  Ger- 
many, Nov.  16th,  1832.  He  is  the  son  of  John  and  Nettie  Bailey, 
(Ger.  Behle,)  average  livers,  according  to  European  status.  He  is 
the  second  son  of  a family  of  five  children,  and  remained  on  his 
father’s  farm  till  the  age  of  nineteen  was  attained,  when  he  deter- 
mined to  put  into  execution  the  previously  formed  resolution  of 
seeking  a home  and  fortune  in  the  United  States.  Accordingly,  in 
company  with  some  other  young  male  friends,  he  left  the  shores  of 
his  fatherland,  and  arrived  in  New  Orleans  in  the  spring  of  1852. 
There  he  met  an  agent  of  the  Ills.  Cent.  R.  R , was  employed  by 
him,  and  brought  to  this  state  to  the  town  of  Decatur.  Here  he  met  a 
rough  reception  indeed.  As  soon  as  it  was  known  that  a number  of 
young  German  boys  were  employed  to  work  on  the  road,  they  were 
assailed  by  a mob  of  Irish  R.  R.  Paddies,  and  would  likely  have 
been  killed  by  them  had  not  the  good  people  of  Decatur  interfered 
in  their  protection.  This  mob  had  no  other  object  in  view  than  to 
monopolize  work,  and  was  possibly  instigated  to  some  extent  by  a na- 
tional hatred  found  among  the  low-born  and  ignorant.  Not  deem- 
ing it  safe  to  continue  longer  on  the  road,  Mr.  Bailey  cancelled  his 
engagement  with  the  company,  and  hired  out  as  a farm-hand  about 
three  years.  He  then  rented  land  and  farmed  for  himself  about 
the  same  length  of  time,  after  which  he  bought  one  hundred  acres 
in  this  township,  the  nucleus  of  his  present  fine  farm,  comprising 
some  700  acres  of  Macon’s  richest  soil.  In  1858,  he  was  united  in 
wedlock  to  Miss  Heuriette,  daughter  of  Annie  Delbridge  and  John 
Fahrenhorst,  of  Prussia — a lady  of  fine  domestic  accomplishments 
and  personal  qualities,  and  the  mother  of  their  five  bright  boys  and 
three  promising  daughters. 

For  the  first  few  years  of  his  farm  experience,  Mr.  Bailey  had  a 
run  of  bad  luck,  included  in  which  was  the  burning  of  his  fine 


barn,  in  which  was  stored  all  his  machinery  and  agricultural  im- 
plements. He  lias,  though,  kept  steadily  at  work,  and  business  has 
prospered  in  his  hands,  and  now  he  ranks  among  the  wealthiest 
farmers  of  the  county,  and  every  dollar  of  his  property  has  been 
made,  and  that,  too,  in  accordance  with  the  strictest  construction  of 
the  principles  of  business  integrity,  since  he  arrived  here  a poor, 
destitute  German  youth,  among  a strange  though  a sympathizing 
people.  In  no  sense  of  the  term  can  parsimoniousness  be  charged 
to  his  account.  He  has  been  liberal  with  his  means  in  all  true  de- 
mands of  charity,  and  to  the  interests  of  the  public  weal.  He 
aided  largely  in  the  building  of  the  German  Methodist  Church  of  his 
community,  of  which  he  and  his  lady  are  members,  and  has  taken  an 
active  interest  in  the  good  cause  of  education.  He  is  conferring  on 
his  children,  as  they  grow  up,  all  the  advantages  which  his  wealth 
commands,  and  lives  and  acts  on  the  principle  that  property  is  a 
means  rather  than  an  end.  He  has  a pleasant  home,  and  a pleas- 
ant neighborhood,  with  many  friends,  and  it  can  be  said  of  him  that 
the  “lines  have  fallen  in  pleasant  places.” 


CAPT.  HIRAM  ROSENGRANTS. 

The  Captain  was  born  in  the  state  of  New  York,  October  28th, 
1837.  In  1851  his  family  moved  to  Illinois,  and  located  in  Sanga- 
mon county,  near  the  present  town  of  Pawnee.  After  the  lapse  of 
two  years  they  changed  their  home  to  Christian  county,  locating 
eleven  miles  west  of  Taylorsville,  where  Mr.  Rosengrants  attained 
his  legal  majority.  At  the  breaking  out  of  the  late  civil  war  he 
responded  to  his  country’s  call  for  troops,  and  entered  the  Union 
service  in  the  fall  of  1861 — 33d  Illinois  volunteer  infantry  com- 
pany D.  He  remained  in  the  army  four  years  and  three  months, 
and  was  honorably  discharged  December  6th,  1865.  He  'partici- 
pated in  some  of  the  heaviest  engagements  of  the  war,  among  which 
were  Frederick  Town,  Missouri,  Cotton  Plant,  Arkansas,  Siege  of 
Vicksburg,  Jackson,  Mississippi,  Fort  Esperanza,  Texas,  Spanish 
Fort,  Alabama,  and  Yazoo  City.  Twice  he  was  wounded,  first  in 
the  leg  by  a musket  ball,  in  the  rear  of  Vicksburg,  and  second  in  a 
railroad  disaster  on  the  line  of  the  Opelousas  R.  R.,  Louisiana, 
where  he  received  injuries  deemed  at  the  time  fatal,  and  from  the 
effects  of  which  he  is  not  likely  to  recover  during  the  remainder  of 
his  life. 

Captain  Rosengrants  entered  the  army  as  a private  and  rose  to 
the  rank  of  captaincy  during  the  last  thirteen  months  of  his  mili- 
tary experience,  a promotion  due  entirely  to  gallantry  displayed  on 
the  field  of  action  and  the  exercise  of  cool  judgment  amid  the  clash 
of  arms.  He  was  popular  among  the  officers  and  loved  by  his 
command,  and  was  the  same  genial  companion  in  the  army  that 
has  characterized  his  walks  in  civil  life,  and  which  has  made  him 
deservedly  one  of  the  most  popular  gentlemen  of  his  section  of  the 
county. 

After  the  close  of  the  war  he  returned  home,  and  was.  in  the 
spring  of  1867,  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Sarah  Mason,  the 
accomplished  daughter  of  John  Mason,  formerly  of  Sangamon, 
but  then  a resident  of  Christian  county,  and  by  whom  he  has  a 
family  of  bright,  interesting  children.  He  located  on  his  farm  in 
Blue  Mound  township,  this  county,  in  the  fall  of  the  same  year,  and 
has  since  been  one  of  its  most  active  and  energetic  citizens,  known 
well  as  both  a farmer  and  trader.  Twice  he  has  served  his  town- 
ship in  the  capacity  of  collector,  and  as  many  times  as  supervisor,  a 
position  of  which  he  is  still  an  incumbent.  In  politics  he  is  a 
republican,  and  has  been  a supporter  of  the  regular  nominees  of 
his  party  from  the  time  that  he  was  old  enough  to  cast  a ballot. 

From  information  available,  the  following  is  gathered  with  respect 


196 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS, 


to  their  families : His  grandfather  was  a native  of  Germany,  and 

an  early  settler  of  Pennsylvania,  where  Abiel  L.,  the  captain’s 
father,  was  born,  in  Herkimer  county.  He  married  Miss  Almira 
Skinner,  by  whom  he  raised  seven  children.  On  leaving  his  native 
state  he  located  in  St.  Lawrence  county,  New  York,  and  is  now 
residing  in  Kansas  with  one  of  his  sons.  His  wife  died  in  Paua,  in 
1868. 

Mrs.  Kosengrauts’  father  was  a native  of  England.  He  arrived 
in  this  country  when  about  nineteen  years  old,  and  spent  some  time 


boating  on  the  Mississippi  river.  He  afterwards  located  a mile  and 
a half  south-east  of  Springfield,  and  was  one  of  the  first  settlers  of 
Sangamon  county.  He  married  Miss  Isabella  Flemmings,  and  lived 
on  his  farm  near  Springfield  till  he  had  eleven  children.  He  then 
moved  to  Christian  county,  where  he  was  well  known  as  a large 
real  estate  owner  and  prominent  business  man,  and  where  he  died 
in  1878,  eighty-two  years  and  a week  old.  His  wife  is  still  surviv- 
ing, a lady  both  venerable  in  age  and  in  matronly  and  lady-like 
qualities. 


FRIEND’S 




CREEK  TOWNSHIP. 


y vAWT' FIEND'S  CREEK  township  has  the  largest  area  of  any  in 
4 l§5  | the  county.  It  contains  forty-eight  full  sections,  of  very 

§ fei'tile  and  productive  laud.  It  is  located  in  the  ex- 

i-  _ ^ fi i>  I treme  north-eastern  corner  of  the  county,  and  is  bounded 

on  the  north  by  De  Witt  county,  on  the  east  by  Piatt  county,  south 
by  Whitmore  and  east  by  Maroa  townships.  The  surface  is  a 
beautiful  undulating  prairie,  well  drained  by  Friend’s  creek,  which 
enters  it  in  section  4 of  T.  18  N.,  R.  4 E.,  and  meanders  in  a 
sou tli- westerly  direction  through  the  territory,  until  it  reaches  the 
north-eastern  corner  of  section  25  in  T.  18  N.,  R.  3 E.,  where  it 
changes  its  course  to  a south-eastern  direction,  passing  out  of  the 
township  on  the  south  of  section  31,  T.  18  N.,  R.  4 E The  main 
tributaries  are  East  and  West  Forks,  Kickapoo  Branch,  and 
several  small  affluents.  There  is  a fine  belt  of  timber  along  the 
banks  of  Friend’s  creek,  and  there  are  scattering  patches  along  all 
the  minor  streams. 

The  township  took  its  name  from  Friend’s  creek,  which  stream 
was  named  in  honor  of  George  W-  Friend,  a native  of  Ohio,  who 
emigrated  to  Illinois  in  1822,  and  settled  near  this  stream  in  section 
22,  T.  18  N.,  R.  3 E , which  was  the  first  settlement  within  the  present 
borders  of  this  township.  He  brought  with  him  his  family,  which 
was  quite  large,  and  a good  supply  of  stock.  Immediately  upon 
his  arrival  he  erected  a log-house,  which  was  the  first  one  built 
here,  and  at  the  present  time  some  of  the  logs  may  be  seen.  In 
1824  Charles  Nelson,  a Kentuckian  by  birth,  settled  on  section  12, 
T.  18,  R.  3 E.,  and  in  the  same  year  Nathan  Burrill,  who  was  also 
a native  of  the  “ Buck-eye  State,”  emigrated  to  and  settled  on  sec- 
tion 19  of  this  township.  Josiah  Abrams,  another  Ohioan,  removed 
to  Sangamon  county  in  1822,  and  in  1828  came  to  this  township 
and  began  farming  on  section  24.  Two  years  following  this  Win. 
Dickey,  a native  of  Kentucky,  emigrated  from  that  state  and  settled 
on  section  19,  near  Mr.  Abrams.  John  Dickey  came  in  1829,  and 
located  near  William  Dickey  on  section  19.  The  Wilson  family 
was  also  one  of  the  early  settlers  in  Friend’s  creek,  some  of  them 
having  arrived  as  early  as  1830,  and  others  of  them  a few  years 
later.  In  1830  Nathaniel  Brown  came  from  Tennessee,  with 
a family  of  thirteen  persons,  bringing  with  him  considerable 
stock  and  provisions;  and  after  making  the  trip  from  that  state 
to  this  township  he  had  150  lbs.  of  pork,  20  lbs.  of  tallowq  and 
several  bushels  of  corn.  They  arrived  in  1830,  just  after  the 


fall  of  the  “deep  snow.”  The  family  moved  into  a house  pur- 
chased by  Mr.  Brown.  The  snowr  was  then  four  or  five  feet  deep, 
and  the  man  from  whom  he  had  purchased  the  place  told  him  that 
it  was  enclosed  by  a seven-rail  fence,  although  none  could  be  seen  ; 
but  in  the  spring,  when  the  snow  melted  off,  the  fence  was  found 
there  as  represented. 

Many  inconveniences  and  hardships  were  experienced  during 
that  winter.  Although  many  of  the  settlers  . had  the  means  to  pur- 
chase food,  yet  there  could  scarcely  any  be  obtained,  and  conse- 
quently many  of  them  and  their  stock  suffered  much  for  the  want 
of  necessary  food  to  sustain  life.  Corn  was  as  high  as  $1  per 
bushel.  Many  of  the  settlers  lost  several  horses  and  cattle  during 
the  winter.  The  nearest  mill  in  those  days  was  thirty  miles  distant, 
in  what  is  now  Logan  county,  on  Kickapoo  creek.  This  trip 
generally  took  three  or  four  days ; each  person,  as  wTas  the  custom, 
being  required  to  wait  his  turn.  This  mill  was  owned  by  John 
Hublet.  For  many  years  the  settlers  w'ere  compelled  to  haul  their 
grain  to  Chicago  or  St.  Louis  in  order  to  find  a market,  and  then 
would  only  receive  thirty  cents  per  bushel  for  wheat.  Threshing 
wheat  was  done  by  clearing  a space  of  ground,  throwing  the 
bundles  of  wheat  on  the  same,  and  trampling  it  with  horses.  The 
falls  and  winters  in  those  days  were  spent  principally  in  hunting 
and  trapping.  The  game  consisted  chiefly  in  deer,  turkey,  prairie 
chickens,  mink,  coon,  otter,  musk-rat,  etc. 

The  first  marriage  in  Friend’s  creek  took  place  in  1829,  at  the 
residence  of  Thomas  Pettyjohn.  The  parties  in  this  wedding  were 
Levi  Abrams  and  Susan  Pettyjohn.  This  couple  also  deserve  the 
honor  of  having  had  born  to  them  the  first  child  in  this  township; 
the  child  was  named  Eli  Abrams,  and  was  born  in  1829. 

In  1835  a log  school-house  was  built  on  section  25.  It  was  very 
primitive  in  style,  and  was  used  for  the  combined  purposes  of  school- 
house,  church,  and  camp-meetings.  The  following  year  John 
Heath  taught  the  first  school  in  the  township.  The  first  sermon 
was  delivered  by  Rev.  William  Owens.  Among  other  preachers  in 
early  times  were  Revs.  Chase,  Taylor,  and  Haines.  The  first  mill 
in  this  township  was  a water-power  saw  mill,  located  on  section  31, 
T.  18  N.,  R.  4 E-,  propelled  by  the  water  of  Friend's  creek.  It  is 
now  converted  into  a steam  saw-mill. 

John  Dickey  was  elected  the  first  justice  of  the  peace  in  1836, 
aud  held  the  office  for  sixteen  or  twenty  years,  and  jjrobably  would 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


197 


have  held  it  longer  had  he  not  met  with  a strange  death.  In  early 
times,  as  before  mentioned,  it  was  sometimes  necessary  to  haul 
wheat  and  other  grain  to  St.  Louis  and  Chicago  to  market.  Mr. 
Dickey  started  for  Chicago  with  a load  of  wheat,  but  subsequent 
events  showed  that  he  never  reached  that  point.  Several  days 
after  he  had  left  his  body  was  found  in  the  road  with  the  skull 
crushed,  apparently  by  the  wagon  ; but  the  real  cause  of  his  death 
is  a mystery  to  this  day.  Andrew  Dickey  was  elected  to  fill  the 
office  made  vacant  by  the  death  of  Mr.  John  Dickey.  David  Troxel 
was  another  of  the  early  justices.  In  1831,  soon  after  his  settle- 
ment in  this  township,  Nathaniel  Brown  opened  a blacksmith-shop 
on  section  23.  The  Tile  Works  of  Reecer  Bros.,  located  on  section 
25,  T.  18,  R.  3,  were  built  in  1877  by  Messrs.  Reecer  & Nymon. 
They  have  a capacity  of  175,000  feet  per  annum. 

The  first  land  entries  were  made  by  the  following  persons : 
August  28th,  1830,  Josiah  Abrams  entered  eighty  acres  in  section 
24  ; March  25th,  1831,  Elizabeth  Stevenson,  eighty  acres  in  section 
24;  May  2d,  1831,  William  Dickey,  eighty  acres  in  same  section — 
all  in  T.  18  N.,  R.  3 E.  The  following  entries  were  made  in  T.  18 
N.,  R.  4 E : March  3d,  1834,  John  Robinson,  eighty  acres  in  sec- 
tion 8;  March  14th,  1834,  David  Cordell,  forty  acres ; October  14th, 
1834,  John  Dickey,  forty  acres,  and  same  day  he  entered  99.38 
acres,  both  tracts  in  section  30. 

The  following  named  persons  have  represented  this  town  in  the 
Board  of  Supervisors  since  township  organization : D.  K.  Wilson, 
elected  in  1860,  and  re-elected  1861 ; C.  Lukens,  1862  ; Andrew 
Dickey,  1863  ; C.  Lukens,  re-elected  1864 ; D.  K.  Wilson,  re-elected 
1865 ; William  Daves,  1866  and  re-elected  1867 ; S.  Payne,  1868 
and  re-elected  1869  ; F.  Swantes,  1870;  John  Marsh,  1871  ; R.  H. 
Park,  1872  and  re-elected  1873  ; J.  Ruddock,  1874  ; J.  W.  Brown, 
1875,  re-elected  ’76,  ’77,  and  ’78;  W.  A.  Van  Leer,  1879  and  re- 
elected 18S0,  and  is  the  present  incumbent. 

Prominent  among  the  older  settlers  now  living  in  this  township  may 
be  mentioned  James  Querry,  a native  of  Virginia,  who  settled  in  this 
county  as  early  as  1831,  and  his  wife,  Elizabeth  S.  Williams,  also  a 
Virginian,  who  came  in  1825.  Israel  Fout,  of  Virginia  nativity,  lo- 
cated in  the  county  in  1839,  and  his  wife  in  1849.  John  G.  Jimison, 
a Scotchman,  settled  in  the  county  in  1834,  and  now  resides  in  section 
4 of  T.  18,  R.  3.  Sarah  A.  Brennan,  the  widow  of  William  Dickey, 
a Canadian  by  birth,  came  to  the  county  in  1849,  and  now  lives  on 
section  34.  Alexander  Greenfield  settled  here  in  1843.  George  S. 
Young,  a native  of  Ireland,  came  in  1848,  and  his  wife  in  1835. 


Joseph  G.  Kile  came  in  1846;  he  is  a native  of  Ohio,  and  resides 
on  section  28,  in  T.  18,  R.  4. 

AKGENTA 

Is  a flourishing  little  village  on  the  line  of  the  Champaign,  Havana 
and  Western  railroad,  about  fourteen  miles  north-east  from  Decatur, 
and  is  the  only  railway  station  in  this  township.  There  are  three 
villages  in  Friend’s  creek  township,  and  a striking  peculiarity  is 
that  they  are  all  within  a very  short  distance  of  each  other.  This 
place  is  the  newest,  but  not  the  least  important  in  point  of  business. 
It  was  laid  out  by  R.  B.  Rodgers  immediately  after  the  completion 
of  the  C.  H.  and  W.  R.  R.  The  first  store  was  erected  by  Garver 
A Co  F.  F.  McMullin  established  the  first  wagon-shop,  and  B.  S. 
Schall  did  the  first  blacksmithing.  Dr.  Denisson  was  the  first 
physician.  The  school-house  was  built  in  1874.  The  town  has  a 
very  heavy  shipping  business  in  cattle,  hogs,  and  grain.  The  pre- 
sent business  of  the  town  is  contained  in  the  following  list : General 
Store,  Garver  & Co. ; Boots  and  Shoes,  John  Keck  ; Drugstore , S. 
C Ham  ; Wagon-shop,  F.  F.  McMullin ; Blacksmith-shop,  B.  8. 
Schall ; Physicians,  Drs.  Denisson  and  S.  C-  Ham  ; Grain  Dealers, 
Denisson  & Co. 

NEWBURG. 

This  village  is  located  in  the  north-east  corner  of  section  36,  T. 
18,  R.  3,  and  31  of  T.  18,  R.  4,  and  is  just  one  mile  due  east  from 
Argenta.  It  was  laid  out  in  1854  by  William  Dickey,  who  was  one 
of'  the  earliest  settlers  in  the  township.  In  1856  a store  with  a 
general  stock  of  merchandize  was  opened  by  William  Dowling. 
The  first  wagon-shop  opened  was  that  of  Philip  Carver’s,  in  either 
1858  or  1859.  Dr.  R.  F.  Carr,  who  is  still  engaged  in  the  practice 
of  medicine  in  Newburg,  and  is  one  of  the  most  prominent  physi- 
cians in  this  part  of  the  county,  was  the  first  physician  to  locate 
here.  The  first  school-house  was  built  in  1854 ; it  was  a frame 
structure.  The  present  business  is  represented  in  the  following  list : 
General  Store,  J.  Benford  ; Drugstore, Dr.  R.  F.  Carr;  Blacksmith- 
shop,  Thomas  Strickler. 

WEST  DANVILLE 

Is  located  on  section  31,  T.  18,  R.  4,  and  for  a number  of  years 
during  the  early  period  of  its  existence  it  was  known  by  the  noto- 
rious name  “Hell’s  Half  Acre.”  Calvin  Whitcombe  built  a dis- 
tillery here  in  1857,  and  operated  it  for  a number  of  years,  but  it  is 
not  at  present  running ; he  also  built  a steam  saw-mill,  which  is 
still  in  operation.  Messrs.  V.  D.  & R.  J.  Ross  erected  a steam 
grist-mill,  which  is  still  running,  and  does  a good  business. 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES. 


JAMES  QUERREY 

Is  one  of  the  pioneers  and  early  settlers  of  Macon  county.  He 
was  born  in  what  is  now  known  as  Western  Virginia,  October 
18th,  1810.  The  Querrey  family  are  of  French  descent.  Their 
ancestors  came  to  America  prior  to  the  revolutionary  war.  Elisha 
Querrey,  the  father  of  James,  was  a soldier  of  the  revolution,  and 
served  his  country  for  seven  years  and  six  months  in  that  memo- 
rable struggle.  He  afterwards  settled  in  Pennsylvania,  and  then 
moved  to  Virginia,  and  died  in  that  state.  He  married  Sarah 
Stediek,  a native  of  Pennsylvania.  By  this  marriage  there  were 


nine  children — six  sons  and  three  daughters.  James  is  among  the 
younger  children  ; he  remained  at  home  until  he  was  fourteen  years 
of  age,  when  he  started  out  to  learn  the  blacksmith  trade.  When 
in  his  eighteenth  year,  being  young  and  ambitious  and  desirous  of 
seeing  the  west,  of  which  he  had  heard  much,  he  joined  a family 
who  were  coming  to  Illinois.  He,  in  company  with  them,  landed 
in  Clinton  county,  Illinois,  April  1st,  1828.  Mr.  Querrey  remained 
there  until  January  2d,  1831,  when  he  came  to  Macon  county, 
landing  here  on  the  fifth  of  the  same  month.  He  stopped  in  Deca- 
tur and  worked  at  the  carpenter  trade.  He  afterwards  purchased 


198 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS 


a farm  near  the  town  and  rented  it  out,  and  continued  at  his  trade. 
He  remained  there  until  1858,  when  he  sold  out  and  purchased  two 
hundred  and  seventy  acres  of  land  in  section  24,  T.  18,  R.  3,  which 
he  improved,  and  here  he  has  continued  to  reside  up  to  the  present, 
time.  On  the  8th  January,  1833,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Elizabeth  S.  Williams.  Her  parents,  Philip  D.  and  Jane  Wil- 
liams, were  among  the  earliest  settlers  of  Macon  county  ; he  was 
born  in  Connecticut,  and  his  wife  in  Virginia.  Before  her  mar- 
riage she  was  a Bryant.  Mr.  Williams  removed  from  Pittsylvania 
county,  Va.,  to  Illinois  in  the  fall  of  1825,  and  settled  on  Stevens’ 
Creek,  two  miles  north  of  Decatur.  There  were  then  but  nine 
families  on  the  north  side  of  the  Sangamon  river,  in  what  is  now 
Macon  county.  Mr.  Williams  had  the  honor  of  building  the  first 
house  in  Decatur.  There  have  been  born  to  James  and  Elizabeth 
S.  Querrey  thirteen  children,  six  of  whom  are  living.  Two  of  his 
sous  were  soldiers  in  the  late  war.  Bartlett  D.  enlisted  for  three 
years  in  Co.  “ L ” Tenth  Cavalry  ; and  Eri  S.  was  for  three  years 
a private  in  the  116th  Regiment  Illinois  Vols.  The  names  of 
the  other  children  are  : Miriam  K.,  wife  of  W.  J.  Myers  ; Levina 
Belle,  Charles  B.,  and  Warner  C.  Querrey  ; Sarah  J.,  wife  of  E.  A. 
Piper.  Olive  Frances,  Ira,  and  Miriam  and  Aquilla  E.  are  dead. 
Three  others  died  in  infancy.  Mrs  Querrey  has  been  a consistent 
member  of  the  Christian  Church  for  over  thirty  years.  Politically 
Mr.  Querrey  is  a republican.  His  first  vote  was  cast  for  Andrew 
Jackson  in  1828 : he  afterwards  joined  the  whig  party,  and  in  1860 
voted  for  Abraham  Lincoln,  and  since  that  time  has  been  a repub- 
lican. He  is  now  among  the  older  settlers  living  in  the  county, 
having  been  a resident  for  nearly  fifty  years. 


WTLLIAM  VAN  LEER. 

The  Van  Leer  family  on  the  paternal  side,  came  from  Holland. 
The  name  was  originally  Von  Lohr.  Bernhardus  Von  Lohr  came 
to  America  in  1697.  He  settled  in  Philadelphia  three  years  after 
William  Penn  had  found  the  colony.  The  descendants  from 
Bernhardus  are  not  numerous.  On  the  maternal  side  the  great- 
grandmother was  of  the  Wayne  family  of  Chester  county,  Pennsyl- 
vania, of  which  General  Anthony  Wayne  of  revolutionary  fame  was 
a member.  Isaac  Wayne  Van  Leer,  the  father  of  the  subject  of 
this  sketch,  is  a native  of  Chester  county,  Pennsylvania.  He  mar- 
ried Phoebe  Ann  Speakman,  of  Chester  county.  She  is  a descendant 
of  a long  line  of  Quaker  preachers,  running  back  into  the  Wayne 
family.  There  were  seven  children  born  to  Isaac  W.  and  Phoebe 
A.  Van  Leer,  three  sons  and  four  daughters.  William  A.  is  the 
fourth  in  the  family.  He  was  born  in  Chester  county,  Pennsylva- 
nia, April  21st,  1834. 

He  received  a good  education  in  the  common  schools  of  Chester 
county,  and  also  spent  four  years  in  the  academies  at  Fremont  and 
New  London  Cross-roads  in  Chester  county.  After  he  attained  his 
majority  in  the  spring  of  1855,  he  came  west,  and  settled  in  Macon 
county,  Illinois.  In  August  1862  he  enlisted  in  Co.  “ D.”  116th 
Reg.  Ills.  Vols.  He  remained  in  the  service  until  1863,  when  he 
was  discharged  on  account  of  ill-health  and  physical  disability.  On 
the  16th  of  March,  1864,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Jo- 
sephine L.  Colladay,  a native  of  Philadelphia,  but  a resident  of 
Macon  county  at  the  time  of  her  marriage.  Five  children  living 
have  blessed  this  union,  all  of  whom  are  yet  beneath  the  parental 
roof. 

Politically,  Mr.  Van  Leer  has  always  voted  the  republican 
ticket.  At  present  he  is  supervisor  of  his  township.  He  is  one  of 
the  representative  and  leading  agriculturists  of  the  county,  and 
enjoys  the  confidence  and  respect  of  all  who  know  him. 


DAVID  M.  ADAMS. 

Among  the  prominent  farmers  of  Friend’s  Creek  township  stands 
the  name  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch.  He  is  a native  of  Pennsyl- 
vania, and  was  born  in  Center  county,  November  8th,  1822.  The 
family  are  of  English  ancestry,  and  are  closely  related  to  the  Adams 
family  of  Massachusetts,  two  members  of  w’hich  were  Presidents  of 
the  United  States.  Alexander,  the  grandfather  of  the  present 
sketch,  was  born  in  Massachusetts,  and  was  a cousin  of  John 
Quincy  Adams.  He  emigrated  to  Pennsylvania  a short  time  before 
the  revolutionary  war,  and  was  a soldier  in  that  memorable  strug- 
gle for  independence.  He  was  captured  at  Chadd’s  Ford,  in  one 
of  the  battles  in  Pennsylvania.  John  his  son,  and  father  of  D.  M. 
Adams,  was  born  in  Center  county,  Pennsylvania ; he  remained 
there  until  his  death,  which  occurred  about  the  year  1868.  During 
his  life  he  was  largely  engaged  in  the  iron  business,  but  met  with 
reverses  by  endorsing  and  trusting  too  much  to  the  honesty  of 
would-be  friends.  John  Adams  married  Nancy  Miller ; she  was 
also  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  and  died  in  1843.  There  were  ten 
children  by  this  marriage — five  sons  and  five  daughters.  Seven  of 
the  children  have  survived  the  parents.  The  subject  of  this  sketch 
is  the  second  son,  and  fifth  in  the  family.  His  advantages  for  an 
education  in  his  youth  were  limited,  as  it  was  before  the  era  of  free 
schools  in  Pennsylvania.  He,  however,  received,  the  rudiments  of 
an  education,  to  which  he  has  added  a valuable  store  of  information 
by  extensive  reading  and  close  observation.  During  his  school- 
days he  was  the  companion  and  fellow-pupil  of  Andrew  G.  Curtin, 
afterwards  the  Governor  of  Pennsylvania,  and  yet  a distinguished 
citizen  of  that  state.  Mr.  Adams  remained  at  home  until  his 
twenty  seventh  year,  when  he  started  out  in  life  for  himself.  He 
first  went  to  Kentucky,  but  soon  after  removed  to  Clinton  county, 
Ohio,  where  he  remained  ten  years.  While  there,  he  engaged  in 
farming  and  trading  in  stock,  which  has  been  the  principal  busi- 
ness of  his  life  since  that  time.  In  the  month  of  November,  1862, 
he  came  west  to  Illinois,  and  settled  in  section  28,  18-3,  Macon 
county,  where  he  purchased  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  land 
and  improved  it;  remaining  there  until  1875,  when  he  sold  out 
and  purchased  land  in  section  26,  18-3,  to  which  he  removed,  and 
where  at  present  he  still  resides.  In  February,  1860,  while  yet  a 
resident  of  Ohio,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Mary  E.  Han- 
kins, a native  of  the  same  state.  By  this  union  there  have  been 
six  children,  five  of  whom  are  living.  Their  names  are:  Ada  B., 
William  E.,  Mary  E.,  Helen  L.,  Charlotte  M.  Frederick,  the 
youngest,  died  in  the  third  year  of  his  age.  Both  he  and  his 
estimable  wife  are  members  of  the  Christian  Church.  Politically, 
he  was  originally  an  old-line  whig,  and  cast  his  first  vote  for  Henry 
Clay  in  1844.  He  continued  a whig  until  the  formation  of  the 
republican  party,  when  he  joined  its  ranks.  In  late  years,  how- 
ever, he  has  been  to  a certain  extent  independent,  and  a believer  in 
the  principles  and  theories  of  the  greenback  party.  In  local  and  state 
elections  he  votes  for  the  best  men,  regardless  of  politics  ; but  in  all 
national  elections  he  has  always  voted  the  old-line  whig  or  re- 
publican ticket-  Upon  the  subject  of  temperance  he  is  an  advocate 
of  its  principles,  and  is  a temperate  man,  but  he  is  not  a x-adical 
prohibitionist. 

His  business  through  life  has  been  that  of  a farmer  and 
stock-raiser,  except  the  younger  part  of  his  life,  when  he  was 
an  assistant  of  his  father  in  the  same  business  ; but  since  his  resi- 
dence in  the  west  he  has  been  identified  with  the  agricultural  inter- 
ests of  the  county. 

He  started  in  life  unaided,  except  that  he  had  strong  hands  and 
an  abundance  of  enei’gy,  and,  with  the  assistance  of  his  excellent 
wife,  he  has  succeeded  in  gaining  a comfortable  competency. 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


199 


The  Evey  family,  on  both  sides,  are  of  German  ancestry.  Michael 
Evey,  his  father,  was  a native  of  Maryland.  He  was  a distiller  in 
early  life,  but  subsequently  abandoned  the  business  and  engaged  in 
farming:.  He  removed  to  Pennsylvania  and  remained  there  until 
1854,  when  he  came  west  to  Illinois  and  settled  in  Woodford 
county.  He  remained  there  until  1859,  after  which  he  made  his 
home  with  his  son,  the  subject  of  this  sketch.  He  died  on  the  23d 
of  April,  1875,  while  on  a visit  to  his  children  in  Woodford  county. 
He  married  Lydia  Myers.  She  was  also  a native  of  Maryland. 
She  at  present  resides  with  her  son  Michael.  There  were  ten 
children  born  to  Michael  and  Lydia  Evey,  seven  of  whom  are  still 
living — three  sons  and  four  daughters.  The  subject  of  this  sketch, 
is  the  fourth  in  the  family.  He  was  born  in  Franklin  county, 
Pennsylvania,  February  19,  1831.  He  spent  his  boyhood  days  in 
the  common  schools  and  at  work  hpon  his  father’s  farm.  At  the 
age  of  nineteen  years  he  was  indentured  as  an  apprentice  to  the 
trade  of  millwright  under  James  F.  Callahan.  He  served  two 
and  a half  years,  or  until  he  attained  his  majority.  He  then 
worked  as  a journeyman  and  continued  at  his  trade  in  Pennsylva- 
nia until  he  came  West  in  the  spring  of  1855.  He  first  visited  his 
parents  in  Woodford  county;  then  went  to  Springfield,  and  spent 
four  months  working  at  his  trade  ; then  went  to  Decatur,  and  there 
made  his  home  until  after  his  marriage.  In  1856  he  purchased 
land  in  Hickory  Point  township  and  improved  it.  He  remained 
there  until  the  spring  of  1864,  when  he  moved  to  Decatur  town- 
ship, where  he  had  purchased  a saw  mill,  and  operated  it  until 
1867,  when  he  returned  to  Sec.  32,  T.  18,  R.  2 E , where  he  had 
purchased  land  some  years  before.  He  stayed  there  until  1870, 


when  he  removed  to  Salt  Creek,  and  one  year  later  removed  to 
Forsythe  and  from  there  to  Maroa  township,  then  came  to  Friend’s 
Creek  township  to  Sec.  8,  T.  18,  R.  4 E.,  where  he  still  continues  to 
reside.  Farming  has  not  been  his  sole  business  since  his  residence 
in  the  West.  He  worked  at  his  trade  until  1865,  and  since  that 
time  at  different  intervals.  On  the  27th  of  April,  1857,  he  was 
united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Sarah  Peddecord.  She  is  a native  of 
Ohio.  Her  parents  came  to  Illinois  in  1854,  and  settled  in  Clinton, 
in  De  Witt  county.  Mrs.  Evey  was  a resident  of  the  latter  place  at 
the  time  of  her  marriage.  By  this  union  there  have  been  twelve 
childien,  nine  sons  and  three  daughters;  nine  of  the  children  are 
still  living.  The  names  of  the  children  are — Lydia  Frances,  wife 
of  Theodore  Ivans ; Roxauna,  Douglass,  Frank  P.,  McClelland, 
Ella,  Charles,  Samuel  and  Ernst  Evey.  All  are  yet  beneath  the 
parental  roof,  except  Lydia  F.  Mrs.  Evey  is  a member  of  the 
M.  E church. 

Politically  Mr.  Evey  is  a member  of  the  democratic  party. 
He  has  never  swerved  from  his  allegiance  to  that  political 
organization  since  1852,  when  he  cast  his  first  presidential 
vote  for  the  nominee  of  his  party,  Franklin  Pierce.  He  has  been 
one  of  the  successful  men  of  Macon  county.  He  started  poor,  but 
bv  industry,  economy  and  prudent  investments,  has  succeeded  in 
placing  himself  and  family  in  comfortable  circumstances.  He  is  in 
his  home  the  most  hospitable  of  meu,  as  the  writer  of  this  sketch 
can  and  does  most  heartily  testify.  Of  a pleasant  and  agreeable 
address,  possessed  of  a good  fund  of  practical  information,  he  is  a 
man  who  improves  upon  long  acquaintance,  and  who  bears  about  him 
the  impress  of  sincerity,  modesty  and  honesty. 


200 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


ALEXANDER  GREENFIELD 
Was  born  in  Ross  county,  Ohio,  December  loth,  1830.  His  father, 
James  Greenfield,  was  a native  of  Maryland.  He  was  taken  with 
his  father’s  family  to  Ohio  while  yet  in  his  infancy.  He  there  grew 
to  manhood  and  remained  until  1843,  when  he  moved  to  Illinois. 
He  made  the  journey  with  a four-horse  team,  carrying  his  family 
and  household  goods.  Alexander  was  then  a youth  of  thirteen 
years  of  age.  He  walked  the  entire  distance  and  drove  the  cattle. 
Mr.  Greenfield  settled  in  Macon  county,  at  a point  known  as  Mt. 
Zion.  He  there  entered  forty  acres  of  land,  and  afterwards  pur- 
chased forty  more.  There  he  remained  until  his  death  in  1 862. 
He  was  a miller  by  trade,  but  followed  the  cultivation  of  the  soil 
after  he  came  to  Illinois.  He  married  Sarah  Crawford.  She  was 
born  in  Ohio.  Her  parents  were  among  the  early  settlers  of  that 
state.  She  died  in  August,  1861.  By  this  marriage  there  were 
eight  children,  four  of  whom  are  still  living.  The  subject  of  this 
sketch  is  the  youngest  son,  and  sixth  in  the  family.  He  remained 
at  home  till  his  twenty-fifth  year,  when  he  married.  He  then 
bought  eighty  acres  of  land  in  Mt.  Zion  township  and  commenced 
its  improvement.  In  October.  1855,  he  moved  to  section  seven  in 
Friend’s  Creek  township,  where  he  purchased  eighty-four  acres  of 
partially  improved  land,  and  there  he  has  remained  till  the  present 
time  On  the  first  of  January,  1862,  he'  enlisted  for  three  years 
as  a private  in  Co.  “L,”  10th  Illinois  cavalry,  Col.  Wickersham 
commanding.  He  was  mustered  out  and  honorably  discharged  in 
1865,  when  the  time  of  his  enlistment  had  expired.  The  regiment 
to  which  he  belonged  was  attached  to  Blount’s  division  under  Gen. 
Fremont,  and  afterward  was  a part  of  Gen.  Curtis’  command 
Mr  Greenfield  went  through  the  war  without  any  serious  mishaps 
or  wounds,  except  at  the  battle  of  Yellville,  in  Arkansas,  where  in 
the  charge  he  had  two  ribs  broken  by  being  thrown  from  his  horse. 
At  the  ch  S3  of  his  army  life  he  returned  home  and  re-engaged  in 
farming.  On  the  fourteenth  of  February,  1851,  he  was  united  in 
marriage  to  Miss  Eliza  Butz,  youngest  daughter  of  Jacob  and  Mary 
Butz.  She  was  born  in  Northampton  county,  Pennsylvania.  Her 
father  died  while  she  was  in  her  infancy.  Her  mother  removed  her 
family  to  Ohio  in  1846,  and  in  1849  came  to  Illinois  and  settled  in 
Mt.  Zion  township,  Macon  county.  She  died  in  1852.  There  have 
been  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Greenfield  eight  children,  six  of  whom 
are  living.  Their  names  are  James,  Jesse,  Orphia,  Charles,  Martha, 
Mary,  and  Bertha  Greenfield.  Politically  Mr.  Greenfield  is  a 
democrat.  His  first  vote  was  cast  for  Franklin  Pierce,  in  1852. 
From  that  time  to  the  present  he  has  not  wavered  nor  departed 
from  th  j principles  as  enunciated  in  the  platforms  of  his  party. 
He  may  be  regarded  as  one  of  the  old  settlers  of  the  state.  He  has 
been  a resident  of  the  county  for  nearly  forty  years,  and  has  seen 
the  state  grow  from  a comparative  wilderness  to  the  position  of  the 
third  in  the  Union.  Mr.  Greenfield  is  a man  who,  like  the  larger 
portion  of  the  old  settlers  of  the  state,  is  very  sociable  and  hospita- 
ble. He  bears  a most  excellent  reputation  among  his  neighbors 
and  -friends 


SAMUEL  SWINEHART. 

The  Swinehart  family  is  of  German  ancestry.  Jacob  Swinehart, 
father  of  Samuel,  was  born  in  Pennsylvania,  but  removed  with  his 
father’s  family  to  Ohio,  at  an  early  age,  and  was  among  the  first 
settlers  of  that  state.  He  is  still  living  in  Licking  county.  He 
was  in  his  youth  and  manhood  a man  of  great  physical  strength 
and  powTers  of  endurance;  and  surpassed  most  men  in  feats  of 
strength.  His  principal  business  in  life  was  leasing  timber  land 
and  clearing  it  up.  That  occupation  called  for  vigorous  health, 


activity,  and  great  industry.  It  eventually  broke  him  down,  and 
shattered  his  powerful  constitution.  He  married  Lucinda  Vulga- 
mott.  She  vTas  born  in  Ohio,  wdiere  she  still  lives.  Her  parents 
were  of  German  descent,  and  were  natives  of  Pennsylvania  There 
were  ten  children  in  the  family,  nine  of  whom  are  still  living  ; four 
boys  and  five  girls.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  is  the  eldest  in  the 
family ; and  was  born  on  the  ninth  of  March,  1833.  He  remained 
at  home  assisting  his  father  until  he  was  in  his  twenty-fourth  year. 
His  chances  for  obtaining  an  education  were  limited,  as  his  father 
demanded  all  his  time.  On  the  twelfth  of  February,  1856,  he 
came  west  and  stopped  in  Sangamon  county,  Illinois,  five  miles 
west  of  Springfield,  and  worked  on  a farm ; remaining  there 
until  November  18,  1858,  when  he  started  for  California.  It  had 
been  the  dream  of  his  youth  to  go  to  the  “ golden  state,”  and  there 
make  his  fortune.  The  time  had  now  come  to  put  this  resolve  into 
execution.  He  went  to  New  York  and  embarked  on  board  a ves- 
sel, and  went  to  Cuba,  from  there  to  the  Isthmus  and  then  to  Cali- 
fornia. From  San  Francisco  he  went  to  Sacramento,  and  up  the 
valley  to  t Yreka,  where  he  went  into  the  mines,  and  stayed 
three  years.  From  there  he  went  to  the  Salmon  river  mines;  six 
months  later  he  went  to  Boise  city  in  Idaho  territory,  and  remained 
five  years,  engaged  principally  in  mining.  On  the  twenty-seventh 
of  June,  1866,  he  left  the  western  country,  and  returned  home, 
coming  by  the  way  of  Des  Moines,  Iowa.  He  went  to  Philadelphia 
and  got  his  gold-dust  coined;  then  returned  to  Iowa,  got  his  team 
and  went  to  Toulon,  Illinois;  then  he  returned  home  to  Ohio.  After 
spending  the  winter  at  home  he  came  to  Illinois  in  April,  the  fol- 
lowing year,  and  after  looking  the  country  over  with  a view  of  loca- 
ting permanently,  he  came  to  Macon  county,  and  purchased  one  hun- 
dred and  sixteen  acres  of  land  in  section-  36,  T.  18,  R.  3 E.,  where 
he  has  remained  till  the  present  time.  On  the  first  of  March,  1868, 
he  was  united  into  marriage  to  Miss  Minerva  Kelsey,  daughter  of 
Henry  and  Sophia  Kelsey.  She  was  born  in  Boone  county,  Illi- 
nois. By  this  marriage  there  have  been  seven  children,  five  of 
whom  are  at  present  living,  four  sons  and  one  daughter.  Their 
names  are  Jacob,  Arminda,  Samuel,  Rufus,  and  Edward  Swinehart, 
Mr.  Swinehart  is  a member  of  the  democratic  party.  He  cast  his 
first  presidential  vote  for  Stephen  A.  Douglas  in  1860.  He  has 
seen  no  occasion  to  change  his  political  sentiments  since  that  time. 
In  life,  Mr.  Swinehart  has  been  more  than  ordinarily  successful. 


RICHARD  H.  PARK 

Is  the  eldest  son  of  David  and  Esther  A.  (Rogers)  Park.  He  was 
born  in  Madison  county,  Kentucky,  November  11th,  1833.  His 
father  aud  grandfather,  Richard  Park,  were  also  natives  of  the  same 
state.  The  family  is  of  English  ancestry,  and  came  to  America 
prior  to  the  revolutionary  war,  and  took  part  in  that  memorable 
struggle.  David  Park  moved  from  Kentucky  to  Johnson  county, 
Indiana,  where  he  remained  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in  1849. 
He  was  a farmer  by  occupation,  and  was  also  skilful  in  all  ordinary 
mechanism. 

He  married  Esther  A.  Rogers,  a native  also  of  Madison  county, 
Kentucky.  She  is  still  living  on  the  old  homestead  in  Johnson 
county,  Indiana,  where  the  family  settled  in  1835. 

There  were  seven  children  in  the  family — four  sons  and  three 
daughters — five  of  whom  are  still  living.  The  subject  of  this 
sketch  in  youth  attended  the  schools  of  Indiana,  and  received  a fair 
education.  This  has  been  improved  by  extensive  reading  and  a 
close  observation  of  men  and  things,  and  he  is  to-day  as  well  posted 
in  general  literature  and  knowledge  of  events  as  those  who  often 
make  far  larger  pretensions. 


Stock  a/vd  Gra/w  Farm  of  IV ? TAYLOR , Sec.  28,  T.i8,R  3,  ( Fr/ea/ds  Creek  T p.J  M a coat  Co  /ll  . 


HISTORY  or  MAC  OR  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


201 


He  remained  at  home  until  his  twenty-second  year,  when  he 
commenced  farming  for  himself,  and  continued  thus  engaged  until 
the  spring  of  1861,  when  he  removed  to  Illinois,  and  settled  in 
Maroa  township,  Macon  county,  where  he  still  engaged  in  farming. 
After  the  war  broke  out,  he  purchased  grain  and  live-stock,  in  addi- 
tion to  carrying  on  his  work  upon  the  farm. 

In  1870  he  purchased  land  in  section  twenty-one,  Friend’s  Creek 
township,  and  moved  on  to  it,  and  since  that  time  it  has  been  his 
permanent  home. 

On  the  16th  of  October,  1855,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Mildred  Gillaspy,  who  was  born  in  Indiana  Three  children  have 
been  the  fruits  of  this  union,  one  of  whom  is  living — Gilbert,  now 
in  his  twenty-first  year. 

In  politics,  Mr.  Park  is  a democrat,  having  cast  his  first  presi- 
dential vote  for  James  Buchanan  in  1856.  In  1860,  and  through 
the  war,  he  belonged  to  the  Douglas  wing  of  the  democratic  party. 
In  1873  he  espoused  the  farmers’  movement,  and  acted  with  the 
independents,  and  in  1876  voted  for  Peter  Cooper  for  president.  As 
will  be  seen,  he  does  not  yield  blind  obedience  to  any  party,  but 
advocates  and  votes  for  men  and  measures,  such  as  will,  in  his  judg- 
ment, administer  the  laws  most  faithfully,  and  provide  measures  that 
will  be  for  the  benefit  of  the  largest  number 

He  is  now  a democrat,  and  takes  an  active  part  and  is  an  ener- 
getic worker  in  that  political  organization.  In  1873  his  services 
and  zeal  in  his  party  received  suitable  recognition,  and  he  was 
elected  to  the  honorable  position  of  county  treasurer,  an  office  he 
filled  acceptably,  and  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  his  constituents. 
He  represented  also  his  township,  for  several  terms,  in  the  board  of 
supervisors,  and  while  a member,  was  active  in  looking  after  the 
best  interests  of  the  county. 

He  is  a yespected  member  of  the  order  of  freemasonry  and  of 
odd  fellowship. 

Upon  the  subject  of  temperance  he  is  not  radical,  although  tem- 
perate in  his  habits.  He  prefers  to  educate  the  masses  to  favor 
temperance,  rather  than  attempt  to  legislate  intemperance  out  of 
the  land. 


william  a.  McKinney 

Was  born  in  Orange  county,  Indiana,  January  6th,  1821.  His 
father,  Alexander  McKinney,  was  a native  of  Virginia,  and  was 
born  in  1792.  He  removed  with  his  father,  whose  name  was  also 
Alexander,  to  Kentucky  when  he  was  yet  in  his  boyhood.  The 
family  remained  in  Kentucky  until  about  1814,  when  they  removed 
to  Indiana,  and  settled  in  Washington  county.  They  afterwards 
moved  to  Orange  county,  and  in  1831  moved  back  to  Wash- 
ington county. 

In  1853  Alexander  McKinney  came  to  Illinois,  and  settled  in  Cerro 
Gordo,  Piatt  county,  where  he  died  in  1874.  He  married  Mary 
Orchard,  who,  born  in  1793,  was  raised  near  Paris,  Kentucky.  She 
died  at  the  residence  of  her  son,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  in 
December,  1879.  There  were  nine  children  born  to  them,  four  of 
whom  have  survived  their  parents.  William  A.  is  the  third  in  the 
family.  He  received  a limited  education  in  the  common  schools, 
going  there  for  a few  months  in  the  winter  seasons.  He  remained 
at  home  until  his  marriage,  then  commenced  farming  for  himself. 

In  October,  1851,  he  came  to  Illinois,  and  had  entered  80  acres 
of  land  in  1849  in  Sec.  28,  T.  18,  4 E.  He  rented  land  for  two 
years,  and  in  1854  moved  to  his  land,  and  commenced  its 
improvement.  Upon  this  original  eighty  acres  he  has  lived  up  to 
the  present  time. 

On  the  twenty-seventh  of  August,  1847,  he  was  united  in  mar- 
26 


riage  to  Miss  Caroline  M.  Child,  who  was  born  and  raised  in  Wash- 
ington county,  Indiana.  By  this  marriage  there  have  been  twelve 
children  born,  seven  of  whom  are  living,  three  sons  and  four 
daughters.  Their  names  are  Elizabeth,  Henry,  Minerva  (wife  of 
Albert  Glenn,  now  of  Decatur,  Illinois),  Annie  B.,  Elmer  Ells- 
worth, Ida  D.,  John  E.  McKinney.  Samuel  died  at  the  age  of 
fifteen,  Newton  at  sixteen,  Luella  F.  at  twenty-one,  Willie  at  seven, 
and  Lyman  in  his  infancy. 

Botli  Mr.  McKinney  and  his  jvife  are  members  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  church.  Mr.  McKinney  was  formerly  a member  of  the 
Presbyterian  church,  but  lately,  owing  to  there  being  no  church 
organization  of  that  denomination  near,  he  and  his  family  became 
members  of  the  M.  E.  church. 

Politically,  he  was  originally  a member  of  the  old-line  whig 
party,  and  was  opposed  to  slavery  as  it  then  existed  in  this  country. 
When  the  whig  party  suffered  defeat,  and  was  disbanded,  he  joined 
the  republican  party,  and  from  that  time  to  the  present  has  been 
regarded  as  one  of  its  firmest  and  staunchest  supporters. 

Upon  the  temperance  question  he  has  always,  since  attaining 
manhood,  been  an  advocate  of  the  principles  of  total  abstinence. 
He  regards  intemperance  as  a vice  that  can  only  be  driven  out  of 
the  country  by  the  act  of  prohibition. 

In  his  neighborhood  and  among  the  people  who  have  known  Mr. 
McKinney  for  many  years,  he  is  regarded  as  a plain,  honest  man. 


DR.  ROBERT  F.  CARR 

Is  the  eldest  in  a family  of  six  children.  He  was  born  in  Sussex 
county,  New  Jersey,  May  13th,  1832.  The  Carr  family  are  of 
English  ancestry  on  the  paternal  side,  and  Irish  on  the  maternal. 
David  Carr,  the  father,  was  also  a native  of  the  same  state,  and 
lived  and  died  upon  the  place  where  he  was  born  and  raised.  He 
was  a farmer  by  occupation.  He  died  in  1865.  He  married 
Elizabeth  Ferrier.  She  was  born  in  Orange  county,  New  York. 
She  died  in  1879.  By  a former  marriage,  Mr.  Carr  had  two 
children.  There  were  bora  to  Daniel  and  Elizabeth  Carr  six 
children,  three  sons  and  three  daughters,  all  of  whom  have  sur- 
vived the  parents. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch,  while  yet  in  his  youth,  met  with  an 
accident  which  had  the  effect  of  rendering  him  a cripple  for  life. 
Not  being  able  to  perform  physical  labor,  owing  to  his  crippled  con- 
dition, he  was  forced  to  adopt  some  profession.  He  chose  that  of 
medicine.  While  at  school  he  received  sufficient  education  to  fit 
him  for  teaching,  and  with  money  earned  in  this  way,  he  managed 
to  enter  the  academy  at  Goshen,  New  York,  and  there  improved 
his  education.  While  there  he  also  read  the  standard  text  books 
on  medicine,  and  in  1853,  he  entered  the  Albany  Medical  College, 
at  Albany,  New  York,  and  took  three  courses,  and  graduated  from 
that  institution  in  1855,  with  the  degree  of  M.  D.  In  the  spring 
of  1856,  he  came  West  to  Illinois,  and  commenced  the  practice  of 
his  profession  in  Friend’s  Creek  township,  Macon  county,  and  con- 
tinued here  with  great  success  until  1866,  when  he  removed  to 
Decatur,  the  county  seat.  He  remained  there  in  the  practice  for 
three  years,  when  he  returned  to  Friend’s  Creek,  where  he  has  con- 
tinued to  the  present.  After  his  return  here  the  second  time,  he 
added  a stock  of  drugs,  and  a general  line  of  goods.  Dr.  Carr 
belongs  to  the  regular  school  of  medicine,  and  is  progressive,  and 
keeps  fully  abreast  with  the  times  and  new  discoveries  in  the  heal- 
ing art. 

On  the  8th  of  April,  1858,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Emily  Smyek.  She  is  a native  of  Macon  county,  Illinois.  Her 


LM  z 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


parents  were  originally  from  Kentucky.  Seven  children  have 
been  the  fruits  of  this  union — four  boys  and  three  girls — all  of 
them  yet  beneath  the  parental  roof.  Politically  the  Doctor  is  a 
member  of  the  democratic  party.  His  first  presidential  vote  was 
cast  for  Stephen  A.  Douglas,  in  1860.  He  has  been  an  ardent 
supporter  of  the  party  ever  since.  He  is  not  a member  of  any 
church  organization,  nor  does  he  subscribe  to  any  of  its  formu- 
lated creeds,  but  believes  in  doing  to  others  as  he  would  have 
others  do  unto  him,  and  believes  that  in  that  is  contained  the 
genuineness  of  true  religion.  The  life  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch 
presents  another  evidence  of  the  value  of  pluck  and  will-power. 
He  started  in  life  under  adverse  circumstances,  with  no  money  or 
influential  friends  to  help  him  up  and  over  the  rugged  places  in 
the  race  of  life;  handicapped  with  physical  infirmities,  and  dis- 
tressed with  financial  troubles,  owing  money  for  his  medical  tuition. 
Under  these  circumstances  he  came  West,  and  started  in  the  busi- 
ness of  his  lifp.  He  has  been  successful,  not  in  the  accumulation  of 
great  riches,  but  in  obtaining  sufficient  of  this  world’s  goods  to  ren- 
der him  comfortable  in  his  declining  years.  His  success  is  due  to 
his  industry,  economy,  and  indomitable  will-power.  Among  his 
neighbors  and  friends  who  have  known  him  for  a quarter  of  a 
century,  all  accord  him  the  reputation  of  a good  physician  and  an 
upright  citizen. 


GEORGE  S.  YOUNG 

W as  born  in  County  Down,  Ireland,  November  14th,  1820.  The 
Young  family,  are  natives  of  Ireland  and  of  Scotch  ancestry. 
Robert  Young,  the  father  of  George  S.  was  a merchant  and  manu- 
facturer of  boots  and  shoes,  and  carried  on  an  extensive  business. 
He  emigrated  with  a part  of  his  family  to  America  in  1832,  and 
settled  in  New  York  ; went  from  there  to  Ohio,  where  he  died  in 
1837.  He  married  Elizabeth  Martin  ; she  died  in  Ireland  in  1826. 
There  were  eleven  children  in  the  family,  seven  sons  and  four 
daughters.  Two  of  the  children  have  survived  the  parents,  viz.  : 
Elizabeth,  and  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  who  is  the  youngest  son 
He,  while  in  Ohio  followed  ditching,  building  mill-dams  and  clearj 
ing  land.  In  1848  he  came  west,  and  stopped  in  the  southern  par^ 
of  Illinois,  in  Marion  county,  where  he  bought  out  a claim.  In  the 
fall  of  1848  he  came  to  Piatt  county,  and  took  a job  of  digging 
a mill-race.  He  afterwards  ditched  in  De  Witt  county.  In  1852 
he  traded  his  land  in  Marion  county  for  land  in  Champaign  county, 
and  afterwards  entered  land  in  the  same  county.  He  traded  that 
land  for  two  hundred  acres  in  section  18,  T.  18,  R.  4 E.  This  was 
in  the  years  1852-3.  He  then  took  charge  of  his  father-in-law’s 
farm,  and  remained  so  employed  until  1854,  when  he  commenced 
improving  his  own  land  in  section  18.  It  was  law  land,  and  all 
the  improvements  have  been  placed  there  by  him.  He  has  remained 
to  the  present  time,  and  has  a fine  farm  under  good  cultivation. 
A view  of  the  farm  and  improvements  can  be  seen  by  reference  to 
another  page  in  this  work.  On  the  first  of  June,  1852,  he  was 
united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Otillia  Long,  daughter  of  Joseph  D. 
Long,  who  was  among  the  early  settlers  of  Macon  county.  Mrs. 
Young  was  born  in  Pickaway  county,  Ohio,  and  came  west  with 
her  parents  when  she  was  seven  years  of  age.  By  this  union  there 
have  been  seven  children,  five  of  whom  are  living.  Their  names  are 
Clara,  wife  of  Newton  Bricker  ; Ada,  Joseph  L.,  John  Oscar,  and 
Nellie  G.  Young.  Winfield  8.  died  at  the  age  of  nine  years,  and 
Margaret  J.  at  six  years.  Mr.  Young  is  an  honored  member  of 
the  order  of  Free  Masonry.  He  joined  the  Monticello  Lodge,  and 
became  a mason  in  1849.  He  is  now  a member  of  Maroa  Lodge 
No.  454,  and  Monticello  Chapter,  R.  A.  M.,  No.  48.  Politically  he 


was  originally  an  old-line  Whig,  and  cast  his  first  presidential 
vote  for  Henry  Clay  in  1844.  In  1856  he  joined  the  republican 
party,  and  has  continued  a member  of  that  political  organization  to 
the  present  time.  Mr.  Young  is  a warm-hearted,  generous  man,  like 
the  most  of  his  countrymen.  In  his  neighborhood  he  is  respected  by 
all  who  know  him,  and  is  regarded  as  an  honorable  and  honest  man, 
and  upright  citizen. 


WILLIAM  J.  MYERS 

Was  born  in  Marion  county,  Illinois,  June  24th, 1843.  His  father, 
Emanuel  Myers,  was  a native  of  Kentucky,  and  came  to  Illinois 
while  he  was  yet  a boy.  He  was  born  in  1818,  and  married  Martha 
D.  Watson,  a native  also  of  Kentucky,  and  died  in  De  Witt  county, 
Illinois,  in  1863.  He  moved  to  Macon  county  in  1851,  find  in  the 
spring  of  1853  moved  to  DeWitt  county,  where  he  remained  until 
his  death  at  the  date  above  stated. 

The  mother  of  William  J.  is  still  living  in  this  township.  The 
subject  of  this  sketch  remained  at  home  until  the  breaking  out  of 
the  late  war,  when,  in  July  of  1861,  he  enlisted  in  Co.  “F,”  2d  111. 
cavalry.  The  company  was  organized  at  Monticello.  He  enlisted 
for  three  years,  and  was  honorably  discharged  and  mustered  out, 
January  4th,  1864,  at  New  Iberia,  Louisiana.  He  then  re-enlisted 
or  was  veteranized.  His  second  enlistment  dates  January  5th, 
1864.  He  was  mustered  out  and  finally  discharged  at  Jefferson 
Barracks,  Mo.,  August  24th,  1865.  The  2d  111.  cavalry  was 
attached  for  the  greater  portion  of  the  time  to  the  army  of  the  Ten- 
nessee and  in  the  department  of  the  Gulf.  After  the  close  of  his 
army  life,  he  returned  home,  and  remained  there,  until  the  spring 
of  1874,  when  he  came  to  section  7,  in  town  18,  range  4 east,  where 
he  engaged  in  farming,  and  where  he  has  since  resided. 

On  the  fourteenth  day  of  August,  1873,  he  was  united  in  marriage 
to  Miss  Miriam,  daughter  of  James  and  Elizabeth  Querrey,  whose 
parents  are  among  the  pioneers  of  Macon  county.  Mrs.  Myers  was  ' 
born  in  Macon  county.  This  union  has  been  blessed  with  three 
children,  whose  names  are  Mary  Florence,  Olive  Belle,  and  James 
Emanuel  Myers. 

Politically,  Mr.  Myers  is  a republican.  He  was  elected  justice 
of  the  peace  in  May,  1873,  served  four  years,  and  was  re-elected  in 
1878,  and  is  at  present  serving  in  that  official  position. 


WILLIAM  DICKEY,  (deceased). 

William  Dickey,  the  grandfather  of  the  present  Dickey  family, 
was  a native  of  Alabama,  and  came  to  Macon  county  and  settled 
on  Friend’s  Creek  as  early  as  1828.  The  family  were  among  the 
first  settlers  in  this  section  of  the  country.  William  Dickey  re- 
mained here  until  his  death,  which  occurred  June  28,  1832.  His 
son,  John  Dickey,  was  also  born  in  Alabama,  and  came  with  his 
father  to  Kentucky,  then  to  Illinois,  at  the  date  above  mentioned. 
He  died  while  on  a trip  to  Chicago,  with  produce.  He  was  found 
dead  in  the  road,  his  team  standing  close  by.  The  exact  cause  of 
his  death  was  never  known.  The  date  of  his  death  was  October 
22,  1846.  William  Dickey,  his  son  and  father  of  the  present 
family,  was  born  in  Kentucky,  October  11,  1814,  and  died  Janu- 
ary 17,  1875,  in  the  sixty-first  year  of  his  age.  On  the  19th  of 
October,  1852,  William  Dickey  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Sarah  Ann  Brennan.  Bernard  Brennan,  her  father,  was  a native 
of  Ireland  and  his  wife  a native  of  Vermont.  They  were  married 
in  New  York  and  afterwards  moved  to  Canada,  and  in  1849  came 


Farm  Residence  of  G.  S.  YOUNG,  Sec.  18.  T./S,  R.4-,  (Friends  Creeh  Tp.JMa  con  Co  III  . 


Farm  Res/oe/vce  of  HENRY  M ART! N,  Sec. 2, T.  17,  R.2  ( Hickory  Poi nt  Tp.J  M acon  Co . I ll  . 


. 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS . 


203 


to  Illinois  and  settled  on  Friend’s  Creek,  where  Mr.  Brennan  re- 
mained until  his  death,  which  occurred  January  18th,  1857.  His 
wife  and  mother  of  Mrs.  Dickey  is  still  living,  a strong,  hearty 
woman,  although  in  the  eighty-fifth  year  of  her  age.  Mrs.  Sarah 
Ann  Dickey  was  born  in  Canada  August  25,  1828.  She,  by  a 
former  marriage  to  Hiram  H.  Warner,  had  one  child,  a son,  named 
Hiram  H.  Warner,  now  a resident  of  Kansas.  Mr.  Dickey,  also  by 
a former  marriage,  had  six  children,  three  of  whom  are  living.  John 
B.,  the  eldest  sou,  was  a member  of  the  116th  Regiment  of  Illinois 
Volunteers  during  the  late  war,  and  was  taken  prisoner  and  died  at 
Andersonville.  David  A.,  another  son  by  this  marriage,  was  "a 
member  of  the  same  regiment,  and  was  killed  on  the  23d  of  July, 
1864,  in  one  of  the  battles  before  Atlanta.  By  the  marriage  of 


William  and  Sarah  A.  Dickey,  there  were  nine  children  born  to 
them.  The  names  of  those  living  are:  Claretta  J.,  wife  of  H-  C. 
Griffin  ; Sarah  I. ; Henry  E. ; Charles  A. ; Margaret  C.  ; Mary  B., 
and  James  H.  Dickey.  Mr.  Dickey  in  his  life  was  a consistent  and 
active  member  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  church,  and  was 
for  nearly  forty  years  an  elder  in  that  religious  organization.  In 
his  locality  he  was  a man  of  considerable  influence,  which  he  al- 
ways wielded  for  the  good  of  the  community.  He  was  a kind- 
hearted  man,  and  suffered  considerably  in  a financial  way  by  going 
security  for  others,  and  then  being  compelled  to  meet  their  obliga- 
tions. To  his  family  he  was  a kind  husband  and  an  affectionate 
father,  and  his  death  was  a great  loss  to  them  and  to  the  entire 
community. 


HICKORY  POINT  TOWNSHIP. 


HIS  township  constitutes  the  congressional  T.  17  N.  R.  2 E., 
and  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Maroa,  east  by  Whit- 
more, south  by  Decatur  and  west  by  Illini  township.  It 
is  drained  by  Stevens  creek  and  its  tributaries  ; there  is 
a narrow  belt  of  timber  running  along  the  banks  of  the  creek  and 
some  of  its  tributaries.  The  Illinois  Central  Railroad  crosses  the 
township  from  north  to  south  ; the  Pekin,  Lincoln  and  Decatur 
passes  diagonally  through  the  south-west  corner,  and  the  Champaign, 
Havana  and  Western  touches  it  in  the  south-east  corner  of  sec- 
tion 36. 

To  David  Florey,  at  present  an  old  and  highly  respected  citizen 
of  Whitmore  township  belongs  the  credit  of  having  made  the  first 
settlement  in  Hickory  Point.  It  was  in  the  year  1825,  that  he 
emigrated  from  Virginia  to  this  county  and  settled  on  section  35, 
in  this  township.  He  was  then  a young  man  and  full  of  vigor  and 
energy,  as  was  John  Draper,  another  Virginian  who  accompanied 
him  in  his  mission. 

Mr.  Draper  resided  in  this  township  about  three  years,  when  he 
removed  to  Whitmore  township  and  became  the  first  settler  there. 
In  1826,  Phillip  D.  Williams,  a native  of  New  York,  a very  intel- 
ligent and  useful  citizen,  came  to  Hickory  Point.  James  Johnson 
was  also  a very  early  settler  in  this  county.  He  was  a native  of 
Virginia.  Robert  Johnson  and  his  wife,  both  Virginians,  settled 
here  in  the  fall  of  1831.  They  located  in  the  edge  of  the  timber  on 
or  near  section  28.  David  Florey,  above  mentioned,  built  the  first 
house.  It  was  a log  cabin,  and  located  on  section  35.  The  Small- 
wood’s, also  natives  of  Virginia,  were  among  the  early  settlers,  and 
several  of  them  and  their  descendants  are  still  living  in  the  southern 
part  of  the  township.  Zebedee  Sergeant  and  Nancy  Manly  were  the 
first  parties  joined  in  the  holy  bouds  of  wedlock  in  this  township. 
The  first  birth,  was  that  of  Sarah  J.  Smallwood,  which  occurred  on 
the  27th  day  of  July,  1827.  She  died  in  1846.  By  the  year  1841, 
the  settlements  in  the  southern  part  of  the  township  had  grown  to 
such  a number  that  a school-house  became  a necessity  and  one  was 
constructed  of  logs  during  this  year.  It  stood  in  section  34,  just 
inside  of  the  line  dividing  this  township  from  that  of  Decatur.  But 


as  many  as  ten  years  prior  to  this  there  had  been  a private  school 
taught  at  the  different  farm-houses  throughout  the  settlement. 
Walter  Robbins  is  said  to  have  been  the  first  teacher. 

The  Rev.  Robert  Hensen,  who  came  to  this  township  in  1832,  was 
the  first  preacher  to  locate  here.  It  was  not  until  1857,  however, 
that  a house  of  worship  was  erected.  In  that  year  there  was  a frame 
church  of  ordinary  size  built  on  section  32. 

Phillip  D.  Williams,  already  mentioned  as  one  of  the  earliest  set- 
tlers, was  made  the  first  Justice  of  the  Peace.  The  first  blacksmith 
shop  opened,  was  in  1828,  by  James  Johnson,  who  afterwards  became 
very  prominent  in  the  Black  Hawk  War,  rising  to  the  rank  of  Co- 
lonel on  May  16,  1832. 

The  first  land  entries  in  the  Precinct  were  Randolph  Rose,  Feb. 
5th,  1830,  80  acres  in  section  32.  James  Johnson  entered  on  the 
same  day  80  acres  in  section  34.  The  third  entry  was  made  June 
5th,  1830,  by  William  Lemon,  to  wit : The  W.  h of  the  S.  E.  I of 
section  No.  32  in  T.  17  N.,  R.  2 E.  of  the  3d  P.  M.  containing  80 
acres. 

We  mention  below  a few  of  the  oldest  residents  now  living  in  the 
township.  John  Y.  Braden,  who  was  born  iu  Tennessee,  March  22, 
1818,  settled  in  this  county  in  1829,  and  his  wife,  Laura  A.  Hunt- 
ing, a native  of  Vermont,  came  here  in  1830.  They  now  reside 
on  section  26  Robert  Johnson  and  wife,  now  residing  on  section 
34,  are  both  natives  of  Kentucky,  and  were  married  in  that  state, 
April  5,  1831,  and  in  the  following  fall,  iu  the  month  of  October, 
they  emigrated  to  this  county.  Mr.  Johnson  was  born  in  Bath 
county,  Ivy.,  March  3,  1807,  and  his  wife,  Luann  Church,  July  13, 
1813.  In  November,  1836,  Llysses  Huston,  now  living  on  section 
34,  came  to  Macon  county.  He  was  born  in  Pickaway  county,  Ohio, 
August  25,  1824.  He  was  married  to  Matilda  McCoy,  Feb.  25, 
1847,  who  was  born  May  19,  1825,  in  Montgomery  county,  Indiana. 
Geo.  W.  Schroll,  now  residing  on  section  15,  is  a Pennsylvanian, 
and  came  to  Macon  county  in  1842.  His  wife,  Lethe  A.  Hornback, 
was  born  in  this  county  in  1836.  Henry  Schroll,  residing  on  section 
27,  was  also  born  in  Pennsylvania,  and  came  here  in  same  year. 
Mary  D.  Taylor  was  born  in  Macon  county  in  1839.  David  Hou- 


204 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


ser,  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  came  with  his  wife  in  1845.  W.  H. 
Gepford,  D.  S-  Weigel,  Win.  T.  Grubbs,  John  H.  McKinley,  John 
Weaver,. N.  S.  Batchelder,  Hilleary  Major,  Janies  B.  Good,  and 
Henry  Martin,  may  also  be  mentioned  among  the  early  and  promi- 
nent citizens  of  Hickory  Point. 

The  Supervisors  who  have  represented  this  township  since  its  or- 
ganization may  be  seen  in  the  following  list:  J-  Y.  Braden,  elected 
in  1860,  and  by  re-election  held  this  office  till  1866,  when  W.  P. 
Montgomery  was  elected  and  held  this  office  for  two  consecutive 
years.  H.  S.  Mannon  was  elected  in  1868.  A.  McBride,  elected 
in  1869,  and  re-elected  in  1870,  ’71  and  ’72  ; H.  Lehman,  in  1873  ; 
A.  W.McBride,  re-elected  in  1874,  and  ’75  ; H.  Lehman  re-elected  in 
1876,  ’77,  ’78  and  ’79  ; Volney  Barber  elected  in  1880. 

FORSYTHE, 

is  a pleasant  little  village,  located  on  the  line  of  the  Illinois  Central 


R.  R.  in  section  14  of  this  township.  It  was  laid  out  in  1864,  by 

E.  Smith.  In  1865,  George  Shaffer  erected  the  first  house.  A 
little  later  in  the  same  year  Charles  Ruhcl  opened  the  first  store  in 
this  place.  The  first  school-house  was  built  in  1864.  Rufus  Cross- 
man was  the  first  teacher. 

In  1868,  the  first  church  was  erected,  and  Rev.  Wm.  Nugent  was 
the  first  preacher.  The  post-office  wras  established  in  1868,  and  N. 

F.  Fitch  was  the  first  post-master. 

In  1865,  Dr.  Baxter  located  here  and  was  the  first  to  engage  in 
the  practice  of  medicine.  Hiram  Eppler  opened  the  first  black- 
smith shop  in  the  year  1865.  The  town  has  its  business  houses  re- 
presented in  the  following  list.  General  Stores — Mrs.  E.  Petsch,  E. 
Weilepp,  V.  W.  Benton.  Drug  Store — G.  W.  Drury.  Blacksmith 
shops — Isaac  Hornback,  David  Plank.  Wood  Work  & Repairing — 
Herman  Nicholls. 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES. 


JOHN  HANKS. 

John  Hanks,  whose  name  will  go  down  in  history  as  an  early 
associate  of  Abraham  Lincoln,  was  born  in  Nelson  count}’,  Ken- 
tucky, three  miles  from  Beardstowu,  on  the  9th  of  February,  1802. 
His  father,  William  Hanks,  was  a Virginian  who  came  to  Ken- 
tucky at  an  early  day,  and  settled  on  the  Kentucky  river,  in 
Mercer  county.  His  mother’s  name  was  Elizabeth  Hall.  The 
family  lived  in  Hardin  and  Breckenridge  counties,  Ivy.,  till  the  subject 
of  this  sketch  was  seven  years  of  age,  and  then  moved  to  Grayson 
county.  He  first  became  acquainted  with  Lincoln  in  Hardin 
county.  Mr.  Hanks  was  a first  cousin  to  Lincoln's  mother,  Nancy 
Hanks.  In  the  year  1822,  when  he  was  twenty  years  old,  he  vent 
on  a visit  to  Spencer  county,  Indiana.  He  was  there  two  years, 
and  made  his  home  vTith  the  Lincolns,  who  had  removed  from 
Kentucky  to  that  state.  Abraham  Lincoln  was  seven  years 
younger  than  himself,  and  they  worked  together  for  two  years, 
making  rails,  grubbing  land,  and  performing  the  other  labor 
required  in  the  development  of  a farm  in  a new  country.  Mr. 
Hanks  bought  a piece  of  land  next  to  the  Lincoln  farm,  which  he 
improved,  and  then  went  back  to  Kentucky.  He  afterward  made 
several  trips,  twelve  in  all,  down  the  Ohio  and  Mississippi  rivers  to 
New  Orleans.  The  only  means  of  disposing  of  surplus  farm  pro- 
ducts in  those  days  was  by  floating  them,  on  flat-boats,  down  to 
New  Orleans,  where  a ready  market  was  found.  In  the  year  1826, 
he  married  Susan  Wilson,  a native  of  Grayson  county,  Kentucky. 

In  the  fall  of  1828  he  moved  to  Illinois,  and  settled  on  the  farm 
which  he  now  owns  in  Hickory  Point  township,  four  miles  north- 
west of  Decatur.  On  his  way  from  Kentucky  to  Illinois  he  passed 
through  Spencer  county,  Indiana,  and  stopped  for  a while  with  the 
Lincoln  family,  and  Thomas  Lincoln,  Abe’s  father,  told  Hanks  to 
write  back  when  he  got  to  Illinois,  and  inform  them  what  kind  of 
a country  he  found,  and  if  it  was  better  than  Indiana  the  Lincoln 
family  would  remove  to  Illinois  also.  Mr.  Hanks  wrote  back,  ac- 
cordingly, soon  after  he  settled  in  Macon  county,  that  he  liked  the 


country,  and  considered  it  superior  to  that  part  of  Indiana  in 
which  they  lived.  Consequently,  Thomas  Lincoln  moved  with  his 
family  to  Macon  county,  in  March,  1830.  When  he  first  came  to 
Macon  county,  Mr.  Hanks  had  cut  enough  logs  for  a house  on  the 
Sangamon  river,  but  on  account  of  not  being  able  to  get  any 
prairie  broke,  had  settled  instead  in  Hickory  Point  township.  On 
the  arrival  of  Thomas  Lincoln,  he  told  him  he  might  have  the  logs 
to  build  a cabin  if  he  liked  the  location.  The  offer  was  accepted, 
and  young  Abe  Lincoln  hauled  the  logs  together  with  a yoke  of 
oxen,  and  a cabin  was  built  near  the  Sangamon,  in  Harristown 
township,  in  .which  the  Lincoln  family  lived  while  they  resided  in 
Macon  county.  In  the  summer  of  1830,  he  went  down  to  help  the 
Lincolns  fence  a tract  of  land,  and  he  and  Abe  cut  and  split 
enough  rails  to  fence  fifteen  acres.  From  this  lot  of  rails  was 
taken  those  displayed  at  the  Chicago  convention,  in  1860.  In  the 
spring  of  1831,  he  and  Lincoln  built  a flat-boat  at  Sangamon  town, 
five  miles  from  Springfield.  They  went  there  in  March,  cut  the 
timber,  built  the  boat,  and  in  May  floated  it  out  of  the  Sangamon. 
At  St.  Louis,  Mr.  Hanks  left  the  boat  to  come  home  and  see  his 
family,  and  left  Lincoln  and  the  rest  of  the  crew  to  navigate  it 
down  the  Mississippi  to  New  Orleans. 

In  1832  Mr.  Hanks  was  in  the  Black  Hawk  war,  having  enlisted 
in  a company  commanded  by  Isaac  C.  Pugh.  He  came  back  to 
Macon  county,  and  was  engaged  in  farming  till  1850,  and  then 
went  to  California.  He  was  occupied  three  years  in  mining  within 
sixty  or  seventy  miles  of  Sacramento,  and  came  back  in  1853.  On 
the  breaking  out  of  the  war  of  the  rebellion  he  volunteered,  and 
enlisted  in  Co.  A,  of  the  21st  Illinois  regiment.  This  was  the  regi- 
ment as  colonel  in  command  of  which  Gen.  U.  S.  Grant  entered 
the  war.  Mr.  Hanks  was  fifty-nine  years  old  when  he  enlisted. 
He  served  over  two  years  as  wagon  master.  While  Grant  had 
command  of  his  regiment  he  had  charge  of  his  staff  team.  He 
served  in  Missouri,  Tennessee,  Arkansas,  Kentucky,  Alabama,  and 
Mississippi.  Becoming  incapacitated  from  duty  by  the  rheuma- 


Scenes  on  the  Farm  of  N .S .B  AT C H E LD  E R Sec. 8,  Hickory  Point  Tp.(17)  R. 2, Macon  Co. III. 


. 


. 


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HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


205 


tism,  lie  was  honorably  discharged  at  Winchester,  Tennessee,  after 
two  years’  service. 

Since  the  war,  Mr.  Hanks  has  been  three  times  to  California  and 
Oregon,  and  altogether  has  seen  a considerable  portion  of  this 
country.  He  has  never  held  any  office,  nor  has  cared  to  occupy 
any  public  position.  After  Lincoln  had  been  elected  president  he 
invited  him  to  dinner  at  Springfield,  and  offered  to  do  anything  in 
his  power  for  his  old  comrade,  but  he  declined  to  accept  any 
office,  preferring  to  remain  at  home  with  his  family.  Before  the 
war  he  was  a democrat,  but  always  supported  Lincoln  when  he 
was  a candidate  for  any  office,  and  since  the  rehellion  has  been  a 
strong  republican.  His  wife  died  in  Mai’ch,  1863.  He  has  had 
eight  children,  of  whom  six  are  now  living.  William  resides  near 
Monticello,  in  Piatt  county.  James  Lewis  lives  in  Lake  county, 
Oregon.  Jane  married  Alexander  T.  Medlin,  and  is  now  dead. 
John  Felix  died  at  the  age  of  twenty-one.  Emily  is  the  wife  of 
Elijah  Loomis  of  Hickory  Point  township.  Grayson  lives  in 
north-west  Missouri.  Mary  Ellen  married  John  Manning,  and 
now  lives  in  Humboldt  county,  California,  and  Levi  Hanks,  the 
youngest  son,  lives  near  Moawequa. 


JAMES  R.  BLACK, 

Of  Hickory  Point  township,  is  one  of  the  few  surviving  soldiers 
of  the  Mexican  war,  living  in  Macon  county.  His  father,  James 
B.  Black,  was  a native  of  Humphreys  county,  Tennessee,  and 
when  a young  man  came  to  Caldwell  county,  Kentucky,  where  he 
married  Mary  McCaslin,  who  was  born  in  Caldwell  county.  Her 
father,  whose  name  was  James  McCaslin,  emigrated  to  America 
from  Ireland.  The  oldest  of  the  four  children  of  James  B.  and 
Mary  Black  was  James  R.  Black,  who  was  born  in  Caldwell 
county,  Kentucky,  on  the  fifteenth  of  October,  1825.  In  the  year 
1830,  when  he  was  five  years  old,  the  family  moved  to  Illinois,  and 
settled  on  Beaver  creek,  in  Bond  county,  six  miles  south  of  Green- 
ville. After  living  there  ten  years  they  moved  to  the  southern 
part  of  Montgomery  county,  ten  miles  from  Hillsboro.  In  that 
vicinity  Mr.  Black  grew  to  manhood,  attending  school  as  he 
had  opportunity.  The  schools  were  usually  held  in  summer,  from 
three  to  six  months  in  the  year,  and  he  obtained  a fair  education 
for  that  day. 

In  the  year  1844,  when  nineteen  years  old,  he  left  home  and 
went  to  the  state  of  Arkansas.  He  secured  work  in  a tan  yard,  at 
Morrison’s  Bluffs,  in  Johnson  county.  Arkansas  was  then  a wild 
and  rough  country.  He  was  living  in  that  state  at  the  time  of  the 
breaking  out  of  the  Mexican  war  in  1846,  and  on  the  15th  of  June, 
of  that  year,  enlisted  in  company  C,  of  the  first  Arkansas  cavalry, 
for  service  against  the  Mexicans.  From  Little  Rock,  Arkansas, 
the  regiment  marched  through  a wild  and  uninhabited  region  to 
Texas.  Arriving  at  San  Antonio  on  the  28th  of  July,  they  re- 
mained in  camp  at  that  place  till  the  following  18th  of  September. 
They  then  marched  into  Mexico,  crossing  the  Rio  Grande  at  Pre- 
sidio del  Norte.  The  regiment  went  into  camp  near  Saltillo.  It 
took  part  in  the  battle  of  Buena  Vista,  which  was  fought  on  the 
22d  and  23d  days  of  February,  1847.  The  First  Arkansas  was 
composed  mostly  of  men  used  to  a frontier  life,  and  embraced  good 
fighting  material,  though  ordinarily,  the  men  were  hard  to  disci- 
pline and  keep  in  subjection.  The  regiment  fought  bravely,  was 
in  the  thickest  of  the  fight,  and  did  its  full  share  toward  securing 
a brilliant  victory  over  the  Mexican  General  Santa  Anna  and  his 
forces,  which  greatly  outnumbered  the  Americans.  The  Arkansas 
troops  were  in  General  Wool’s  command.  After  the  battle  of 


Buena  Vista,  they  lay  in  camp,  near  the  battle-ground,  till  June 
the  5th,  when  they  set  out  for  Camargo,  where  they  were  dis- 
charged, their  term  of  enlistment  having  expired.  This  was  the 
only  regiment  which  Arkansas  sent  to  the  war.  From  the  mouth 
of  the  Rio  Grande,  he  sailed  in  a vessel  across  the  Gulf  of  Mexico 
to  New  Orleans,  and  then  came  by  boat  to  St  Louis. 

On  returning  to  Illinois,  he  bought  a tan-yard,  four  miles  north 
of  Greenville,  which  he  carried  on  three  years.  On  the  22d  of 
February,  1848,  he  married  Mary  Jane  White,  who  was  born  and 
raised  in  Bond  county.  After  quitting  the  tanning  business  he  en- 
gaged in  farming.  He  resided  in  Bond  county  till  1866,  and  then 
came  to  Macon  county  and  settled  in  Hickory  Point  township. 
The  death  of  his  first  wife  happened  in  June,  1867.  He  was  mar- 
ried to  his  present  wife  on  the  25th  of  December,  1867.  Her 
maiden  name  was  Rachel  Ritchie,  daughter  of  Samuel  Ritchie. 
She  was  born  in  the  state  of  Pennsylvania.  Mr.  Black  has  nine 
children,  whose  names  are  as  follows  : Henry  C.,  Albert  H.,  Mary 
A.,  William  F.,  Arthur  A.,  Edward  R.,  Ella,  Ida  F.  and  Clara  S. 
All  but  the  last  two  were  children  by  his  first  marriage.  He  has 
lived  on  his  present  farm  of  one  hundred  and  eighty  acres,  in  sec- 
tion 18,  of  Hickory  Point  township,  since  1872.  He  was  at  first  a 
member  of  the  old  whig  party,  and  in  1848,  after  returning  to 
Illinois,  he  had  the  pleasure  of  casting  his  first  vote  for  president, 
for  General  Zachary  Taylor,  the  hero  of  the  Mexican  war.  When 
the  whig  party  went  to  pieces  he  became  a republican,  and  has 
since  voted  that  ticket.  His  name  deserves  a place  in  this  work, 
not  only  as  a good  citizen  of  Macon  county,  but  as  one  of  that  con- 
stantly increasing  number  which  took  part  in  the  most  brilliant 
war  in  which  this  country  was  ever  engaged.  A war  which  added 
much  wealth  to  the  United  States,  extended  its  territory,  and  in 
which  every  battle  was  a victory. 


NATHAN  S.  BATCHELDER. 

Nathan  S.  Batchelder,  a view  of  whose  farm  appears  on  the 
opposite  page,  has  been  a resident  of  Hickory  Pt.  township  since  1857. 
He  is  descended  from  a family  which  has  resided  in  New  England 
for  several  generations.  His  ancestors  were  early  settlers  at  Deer- 
field, New  Hampshire.  His  father,  Edmund  Batchelder,  was  born 
and  raised  at  Deerfield.  His  mother,  Nancy  Smith,  was  a native 
of  Seabrook,  Rockingham  county,  New  Hampshire.  The  subject 
of  this  sketch  was  born  at  Deerfield,  Rockingham  county,  New 
Hampshire,  on  the  nineteenth  of  October,  1830.  He  was  the  second 
of  a family  of  four  children,  of  whom  two  were  sons  and  twro 
daughters. 

He  obtained  a good  education  in  the  common  schools.  His  father 
was  a man  in  comfortable  circumstances,  and  owned  between  two 
and  three  hundred  acres  of  land — a fair-sized  firm  for  New  Eng- 
land. 

On  growing  up,  he  made  up  his  mind  that  New  Hampshire  was 
not  the  place  in  which  he  could  best  make  his  way  in  the  world' and 
concluded  to  go  West. 

In  the  fall  of  1855  he  came  to  Coles  county,  Illinois,  where  he 
remained  till  July,  1856,  when  he  came  to  Decatur.  He  found 
employment  for  some  months  in  Decatur,  and  in  the  spring  of  1857 
assisted  in  building  a house  on  the  Bloomington  road,  about  nine 
miles  north  of  Decatur. 

The  following  summer  he  went  into  the  business  of  breaking 
prairie. 

In  the  autumn  of  1857  he  purchased  eighty  acres  of  land  in  sec- 
tion eight  of  Hickory  Point  township,  which  he  began  improving 


206 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


in  the  spring  of  1858.  For  several  years  he  followed  breaking 
prairie,  also  purchased  ditching  machines,  and  part  of  the  year  was 
engaged  in  ditching.  With  the  money  thus  earned  he  met  the  pay- 
ments on  his  land,  on  which,  in  1862,  he  erected  a dwelling. 

In  October,  1864,  he  married  Mary  Ritchie,  daughter  of  Samuel 
Ritchie.  She  was  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  and  died  in  1872. 
His  second  marriage  took  place  in  the  fall  of  1873,  to  Mrs.  Marga- 
retta  Richards.  Her  maiden  name  was  Margaretta  Corman,  and 
she  too  was  born  in  Pennsylvania. 

He  has  been  engaged  in  farming,  and  owns  two  hundred  and 
sixty-five  acres  of  land,  part  of  which  lies  in  Illini  township.  His 
farm,  which  he  has  kept  in  grass,  is  one  of  the  model  farms  of  the 
township,  and  everything  about  it  is  kept  in  the  best  of  order.  It 
is  amply  supplied  with  fruit  of  all  kinds,  and  the  improvements 
and  buildings  are  of  a substantial  character. 

Beside  managing  his  own  land,  he  leases  an  adjoining  half  section. 
He  has  eight  children,  four  by  each  marriage.  When  he  first  came 
to  Hickory  Point  township,  few  improvements  had  been  made  on 
the  prairie,  which  lay  for  miles  open  and  uncultivated.  Toward 
bringing  it  into  subjection,  and  transforming  it  into  productive 
farms,  Mr.  Batchelder  has  done  his  full  share.  He  began  life  in 
the  West,  with  no  capital  except  his  own  energy,  and  his  success 
illustrates  what  may  be  accomplished  by  well-directed  industry. 

He  has  taken  no  part  in  public  life.  He  is  a republican  in 
politics,  though  he  has  never  been  strictly  attached  to  any  party, 
and  for  local  offices  has  always  supported  the  man  whom  he  con- 
sidered best  fitted  for  the  position. 


W.  J.  MAGEE. 

W.  J.  Magee,  the  present  steward  of  the  county  poor  farm,  is  a 
native  of  Sangamon  county,  Illinois,  and  was  born  about  nine  miles 
north-east  of  Springfield,  on  the  thirty-first  of  May,  1844.  His 
great-grandfather  was  a native  of  Ireland,  who  emigrated  to  this 
country  and  settled  in  the  state  of  Delaware.  His  father,  John 
Magee,  was  born  in  Delaware,  emigrated  to  Ohio  when  eighteen 
years  old,  and  married  Elizabeth  Norris.  He  moved  to  Illinois  in 
1843,  first  settling  in  Moultrie  county,  and  the  next  year  moving  to 
Sangamon,  where  the  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born.  W.  J- 
Magee  was  the  fifth  of  seven  children.  He  lived  in  Sangamon 
county  till  1850,  when  his  father  moved  to  Macon  county,  and  set- 
tled on  a farm  near  Decatur,  and  is  now  living  in  Whitmore  town- 
ship, where  he  has  filled  the  office  of  constable  for  the  last  twenty 
years.  Mr.  Magee  was  living  at  home  till  toward  the  close  of  the 
war  of  the  rebellion,  when  (on  the  fourth  of  February,  1865,)  he 
enlisted  in  Co.  K,  One  Hundred  and  fifty-second  Illinois  Infantry. 
From  Springfield  the  regiment  went  to  Tennessee  and  was  stationed 
at  Nashville  and  Tullahoma;  afterward  at  Louisville,  Kentucky 
and  then' at  Memphis.  It  was  principally  employed  in  guard  duty. 
He  was  mustered  out  of  the  service  at  Memphis,  September  eigh- 
teenth, 1865,  and  returned  to  Macon  county.  September  twenty, 
third,  1866,  he  married  Fannie  Mussel  man,  who  was  born  in  Lan- 
caster county,  Pennsylvania,  and  was  principally  raised  at  Monticello, 
Piatt  county.  In  1871  he  purchased  land  and  now  owns  a farm 
of  one  hundred  and  thirty-four  acres  in  Whitmore  township.  He 
has  had  five  children,  John  J.,  A.  Mary,  Samuel  Iv.,  Marcus  D., 
who  died  in  infancy,  and  Ada  Estella.  For  two  years  he  has  had 
charge  of  the  county  poor  farm,  the  affairs  of  which  under  his  man- 
agement have  been  carried  on  with  great  success.  He  is  one  of  the 
warm  advocates  of  the  cause  of  temperance,  and  is  a member  of  the 
United  Brethren  Church. 


ULYSSES  HUSTON 

Is  one  of  the  old  residents  of  the  county.  His  father,  John 
Huston,  was  a native  of  Virginia,  who  emigrated  to  Ohio  and 
settled  at  Bloomfield.  He  was  married  in  Pickaway  county,  Ohio, 
to  Phcebe  Swisher,  who  was  descended  from  a Maryland  family  of 
Dutch  descent,  who  came  to  Ohio  at  an  early  period.  Ulysses 
Huston  was  the  third  of  a family  of  six  children,  by  this  marriage, 
and  was  born  in  Pickaway  county.  Ohio,  on  the  25th  of  August, 
1824.  He  was  raised  on  a farm.  The  greater  part  of  his  educa- 
tion was  obtained  in  Ohio,  which  the  family  left  in  October,  1836, 
to  come  to  Illinois.  They  struck  the  Sangamon  river  five  miles 
from  Monticello,  on  the  2d  of  November,  just  a month  from  the 
time  they  started.  After  staying  there  a few  weeks  they  settled  in 
what  is  now  Whitmore  township,  near  the  mouth  of  Friend’s 
creek.  He  there  went  to  school  a few  weeks,  one  of  the  teachers 
being  the  Rev.  D.  P.  Bunn.  The  school-house  was  built  of  logs, 
with  greased  paper  for  windows,  puncheon  fioors  and  slab  benches. 
His  father  died  in  1847,  and  the  old  place  on  which  the  family 
settled,  on  coming  to  the  county,  is  now  in  the  possession  of  Mr. 
Huston’s  brother.  In  February,  1858,  he  married  Matilda  McCoy, 
a native  of  Champaign  county,  Ohio,  whose  family  moved  to  In- 
diana when  she  was  small;  settled  in  McLean  county,  of  this  state, 
about  the  year  1844,  and  a couple  of  years  afterward,  moved  to 
Macon  county.  After  his  marriage  he  went  to  farming  for  him- 
self, in  Whitmore  township.  Three  of  his  brothers  were  in  the 
army  during  the  war  of  the  rebellion.  In  1867  he  purchased  his 
present  farm,  situated  on  section  thirty-four,  Hickory  Point  town- 
ship. He  has  seven  children  whose  names  are  as  follows  : Phoebe, 
now  the  wife  of  Robert  McCoy , Robert,  Martha,  now  Mrs.  Marion 
Major ; Orus  B.,  Jane,  William  and  Mary  L.  He  was  first  a 
whig,  voted  for  Taylor  in  1848,  and  afterward  became  a republi- 
can. While  residing  in  Whitmore  township  he  acted  as  justice  of 
the  peace. 


DANIEL  S.  WEIGEL. 

The  Weigel  family  are  among  the  old  settlers  of  Hickory  Point 
township.  Solomon  Weigel,  the  father  of  Daniel  S.  Weigel,  was 
born  in  Cumberland  county,  Pennsylvania,  on  the  third  of  July 
1813.  He  married  Caroline  Hinkel,  who  was  born  in  the  same 
county  on  the  third  of  November,  1828.  In  June,  1849,  the  family 
emigrated  to  Macon  county,  Illinois,  and  in  the  fall  settled  on  eighty 
acres  of  school  land  in  section  sixteen  of  Hickory  Point  township> 
which  Solomon  Weigel  had  purchased  while  on  a visit  to  the  state 
several  years  previous.  At  the  time  the  family  located  here  it  was 
the  furthest  settlement  out  on  the  prairie.  Due  North,  there  was 
no  house  until  Salt  Creek  was  reached.  Solomon  Weigel  died  on 
the  fourth  of  March,  1864.  His  wife,  Caroline,  departed  this  life  on 
the  thirteenth  of  October,  1868.  They  were  parents  of  twelve 
children,  whose  names  are  as  follows:  Daniel  S.  Weigel  ; Henry 
S.  Weigel  ; Mary  C.  Thompson;  Simon  Weigel,  deceased;  Bar- 
bara E Gepord  ; John  F.  Weigel ; Nancy  A.  Schroll  ; Martha  J. 
Reed;  Martin  V.  Weigel ; Solomon  R.  Weigel;  Caroline  Weigel 
deceased  ; and  Carrie  E.  Weigel. 

Daniel  S.  Weigel,  the  oldest  child,  was  born  in  Cumberland 
county,  Pennsylvania,  on  the  tenth  of  August,  1847.  He  was  two 
years  old  when  his  father  moved  to  this  county.  He  attended  the 
common  schools  in  Hickory  Point  township,  and  went  one  term  to 
the  State  Normal  School.  He  learned  the  carpenter’s  trade,  at 
which  he  has  been  engaged  a portion  of  his  time.  For  the  last 
three  years  he  has  been  living  on  the  old  homestead  farm.  He  is  a 
I member  of  the  Church  of  God,  with  which  he  has  been  connected 


S ce n es  on  the  Farm  of  W.  R.  CROSS MA N , S ec . 22  H / chory  Poi nt  Tp.  (77)  R.  2.  E.  Macon  Co . ! ll  . 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


207 


about  fifteen  years.  He  is  a regularly  licensed  minister  of  that 
denomination  ; during  the  last  five  years  has  preached  frequently 
and  is  now  pastor  of  the  Fairview  circuit. 


RUFUS  CROSSMAN. 

This  gentleman,  one  of  the  representative  farmers  of  Hickory 
Point  township,  is  a native  of  the  state  of  New  York.  He  was  born 
in  the  town  of  Cato,  Cayuga  county,  on  the  third  of  June,  1834.  His 
grandfather  had  come  from  Massachusetts  and  made  his  home  in  cen- 
tral New  York  when  it  was  almost  an  entire  wilderness  and  gave  little 
promise  of  developing. into  the  populous  country  it  has  since  become. 
Asa  Crossman,  the  father  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  born  in 
the  town  of  Elbridge,  Onondaga  county,  New  York.  He  married 
Sarah  Baker,  a native  of  the  state  of  Vermont-  Mr.  Crossman’s 
maternal  grandmother  died  at  the  advanced  age  of  ninety-nine 
years.  When  he  was  a child  she  was  accustomed  to  relate  to  him 
many  incidents  of  the  olden  times.  She  had  lived  in  New  England 
during  the  Revolutionary  war  and  heard  the  first  gun  fired  which 
ushered  in  that  momentous  struggle.  She  was  a woman  of  great 
intelligence  and  force  of  character.  Mr.  Crossman’s  father  was  a 
farmer.  He  lived  on  a farm  in  Cayuga  county  till  his  death.  He 
was  a good  citizen,  a deacon  in  the  Baptist  church,  and  a man  of 
benevolent  and  charitable  disposition. 

Rufus  Crossman  was  raised  in  Cayuga  county.  The  neighborhood 
in  which  he  lived  had  good  schools  and  afforded  excellent  educa- 
tional advantages.  For  two  or  three  terms  he  attended  an  acade- 
my at  Jordan,  New  York.  He  taught  school  one  winter  in  the 
town  of  Conquest,  Cayuga  county.  In  the  fall  of  1859  he  went  to 
Michigan.  During  the  winter  of  1859-60  he  taught  school  at  Ann 
Arbor,  aud  then  purchased  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  land, 
covered  with  heavy  timber,  and  entirely  unimproved,  near  Lansing. 


In  1860  he  came  to  Illinois  to  teach  school,  and  thus  obtained  the 
money  with  which  to  meet  the  payments  on  this  land.  He  arrived 
in  Decatur  on  the  first  of  December,  1860,  spent  the  winter  in  the 
vicinity,  and  the  next  spring  began  teaching  a select  school  at 
Decatur.  He  subsequently  worked  on  a farm  in  Hickory  Point 
township,  aud  then  secured  the  school  in  the  Mound  district, 
three  miles  north  of  Decatur.  His  administration  as  a teacher 
proved  so  satisfactory  that  he  taught  this  school  six  winters  in 
succession.  He  also  had  charge  of  the  school  at  Forsythe  two  terms, 
of  the  Hickory  Point  school  one  term,  and  also  taught  another  term 
at  one  of  the  districts  in  the  township,  so  thaL  altogether  he  has  had 
an  extended  experience  as  a teacher.  On  the  first  of  January, 
1863,  he  married  Miss  Mary  Ellen  Muinch,  daughter  of  Jacob 
Muinch  and  his  wife  Frances,  whose  maiden  name  was  Brett.  Her 
father  was  from  Pennsylvania  and  her  mother  from  Virginia.  The 
same  year  he  went  to  farming  on  his  present  farm.  He  afterward 
purchased  forty  acres  of  land  north  of  Forsythe,  and  lived  there 
several  years  In  1878  he  moved  back  to  the  farm  on  which  he 
now  lives.  He  has  three  children,  Frances  Annetta,  McEthelbert, 
and  Harriet  Ann.  The  farm  which  Mr.  Crossman  occupies  is  one 
of  the  oldest  settled  in  the  township.  It  is  composed  of  one  hun- 
dred and  twenty  acres.  The  buildings  occupy  a beautiful  situation. 
An  illustration  of  the  farm  is  shown  on  another  page.  Mr.  Cross- 
man has  carried  on  farming  operations  with  great  exactness  and 
attention  to  detals.  Since  he  has  had  possession  of  the  farm  he  has 
improved  it  greatly,  and  spent  large  sums  of  money  in  tileing  and 
ditching.  The  farm  is  now  in  an  excellent  condition,  and  in  a 
shape  in  which  it  can  be  successfully  and  remuneratively  handled. 
It  is  well  adapted  for  a stock  farm,  being  provided  with  fine  springs 
and  never-failing  water  running  in  close  proximity  to  the  buildings. 
In  politics  he  has  always  been  a republican.  In  1860  he  voted  for 
Lincoln  for  President.  He  is  a thorough  believer  in  the  doctrines 
of  the  republican  party,  considers  that  it  has  done  much  for  the 
country,  and  that  it  deserves  well  of  the  people. 


PLEASANT  VIEW  TOWNSHIP. 


HEN  the  County  Commissioners  met  and  established 
township  organization,  the  name  Pleasant  View  was 
suggested  and  adopted  for  this  township,  for  the  reason 
that  from  the  top  of  the  High  Mound  near  the  east 
line  of  the  township,  there  is  a very  beautiful  view  of  farms 
and  fertile  fields  of  the  surrounding  country,  which  is  indeed 
pleasing  to  the  eye.  This  township  is  situated  in  the  extreme 
south-west  corner  of  the  county,  and  comprises  parts  of  the  con- 
gressional townships,  14  N.  R.  1 E.,  and  15  N.  R.,  1 E.,  and 
contains  thirty  square  miles  or  19,200  acres  of  choice  prairie  laud. 
There  is  but  little  or  no  timber  in  the  township.  It  is  drained  by 
Mosquito  Creek  and  its  tributaries  in  the  northern  and  central 
parts,  and  Dry  Branch  and  Willow  Branch  in  the  south-eastern 
portion.  The  Wabash,  St.  Louis  and  Pacific  railway  enters  it  on 
section  28  of  T.  15  N.  R.  1 E.,  and  runs  in  a south-westerly  direc- 
tion, passing  out  on  section  6,  of  T.  14  N.  R.  1 E. 


The  greater  part  of  the  territory  embraced  within  Pleasant  View, 
remained  uninhabited  in  its  wild  native  state  for  a number  of  years 
after  the  county  was  organized  ; only  here  and  there  could  be  seen 
the  lone  cabin  of  some  hardy  pioneer  who  had  come  to  clear 
the  way  for  the  great  army  of  emigrants.  The  first  settlements  in 
this  township  began  in  the  northern  part,  and  were  made  by  that 
adventurous  class  of  Kentuckians  to  whom  is  due  the  honor  of 
having  done  more  toward  the  early  settlement  and  development  of 
Illinois  than  the  natives  of  any  other  state  in  the  Union.  Some  of 
the  men  emigrated  here  prior  to  1830.  The  individual  to  whom  be- 
longs the  credit  of  having  first  settled  in  Pleasant  View  township, 
was  Valentine  Claywell,  a native  of  Kentucky,  who  located  in  the 
northern  part  of  the  township  in  1828.  John  Reed  was  also  a very 
early  settler  in  the  same  locality.  John  G.  Fletcher,  at  present 
living  near  W.  W.  Auburn  in  Christian  county,  settled  in  this 
township  in  the  early  part  of  its  history.  The  earliest  marriage  which 


208 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


occurred  in  this  township  was  that  of  William  Lewis  to  Miss  Caroline 
Sprouse,  by  the  Rev.  William  Ferguson.  William  Stevens  was  the 
first  child  born.  Elder  A.  D.  Xorthcutt,  a prominent  gentleman, 
now  residing  in  the  adjoining  county,  has  the  honor  of  having  de- 
livered the  first  sermon,  in  this  as  well  as  in  other  townships  of  Macon 
county.  It  was  not  until  the  year  1867,  that  a regularly  located 
preacher  was  secured  for  this  township.  This  gentleman  was  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Hoye,  who  was  located  in  the  town  of  Blue  Mound,  and 
during  the  following  year,  the  first  church  in  Pleasant  View  was 
erected  at  that  place.  As  most  of  the  early  settlements  were  made 
near  the  northern  line  of  the  township,  the  children  attended  the 
schools  of  Blue  Mound  township,  and  for  this  reason,  it  was  not 
until  the  year  1862  that  a school-house  was  erected  in  Pleasant 
View.  During  this  year  a frame  school-house  was  built  on  section 
seven  of  T.  14  X.  R.  1 E.,  and  the  same  year  William  Sterett 
taught  the  same  school.  In  1865,  William  Brookshire  opened  a 
blacksmith  shop  on  section  eight,  which  was  the  earliest  in  the  town- 
ship. There  was  no  mill  of  any  kind  here  until  Mr.  James 
Irwin,  a farmer  living  a short  distance  south-east  from  Blue  Mound, 
erected  a wind-mill  for  the  purpose  of  grinding  corn.  The  first 
land  entered  in  this  township  was  by  David  Simons,  March  15th) 
1836,  forty  acres  in  section  thirteen  ; Samuel  Widick  entered  one 
hundred  and  sixty  acres  also  in  the  same  section.  Both  tracts  were 
in  T.  14  X.  R.  1 E.  The  following  are  the  supervisors,  who  have 
represented  Pleasant  View,  as  taken  from  the  record  books: — D.  D 
Rowles,  elected  in  1869,  and  re-elected  in  1870, 1871  ; John  Hatfield, 
elected  in  1872  ; E.  House,  elected  in  1873,  and  by  re-election  each 
year  has  held  the  office  ever  since.  Prominent  among  some  of  the 
older  settlers  of  the  county,  now  living  in  the  township  are : James 
D.  Smith,  a native  of  this  state,  born  in  the  county  in  1845  ; is  now  re- 
siding in  section  thirteen.  E.  F.  Delbridge,  residing  on  section 
seventeen,  is  a native  of  Prussia,  and  came  to  this  country  in  1858  ; 
Wm  M.  Moss,  his  neighbor,  and  from  the  same  country,  also  resides 
on  section  seventeen.  Wm.  F.  Brookshire,  a native  of  Kentucky, 
came  here  in  1857,  having  lived  twenty-three  years  in  this  town- 
ship. O.  T.  Crow,  living  on  section  three,  is  an  Ohioan,  and  set- 
tled in  the  county  in  1857.  During  the  decade  of  1860  there  was 
a large  influx  of  population,  and  there  has  continued  a steady 
growth  ever  since. 

BLUE  MOUND. 

Like  most  of  the  towns  along  the  line  of  the  Wabash,  St.  Louis 
and  Pacific  railway,  Blue  Mound  was  laid  out,  soon  after  the  com- 
pletion of  the  road,  in  the  year  1870.  The  road  was  then  known 
as  the  Decatur  and  East  St.  Louis  R.  R. 

The  first  house  in  the  town  was  a dwelling-house,  built  by  Wil- 
liam Cummings  in  1861,  before  the  location  of  the  town.  It  after- 
ward became  the  property  of  James  Seiberling.  In  1870,  a store 
was  moved  here  from  about  one  mile  north  of  the  town,  by  O.  Ul- 
rich and  Bros.,  which  was  the  first  one  established.  During  the 
same  vear  the  post-office  was  established,  and  William  Clemens 
was  appointed  the  first  post-master.  A school-house  was  erected  in 


1871,  and  Isaac  Black  was  the  first  person  to  occupy  it  as  a teacher. 
The  first  hotel  was  opened  by  A.  H.  Eicholtz  in  1870.  Albert 
Xicholls,  was  the  first  to  establish  a blacksmith  shop. 

The  first  church  in  the  town  was  moved  from  about  two  miles 
south  of  here  in  1871.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Corley  was  the  first  preacher. 

THE  PRESENT  BUSINESS  HOUSES 

Of  the  town  may  be  seen  in  the  following  list:  The  mill  and 
elevator  now  owned  and  operated  by  J.  Barrick,  was  built  by 
Henry  Kain  and  Edward  Eicholtz,  in  the  year  1870.  In  August, 
1875,  Mr.  Barrick  purchased  an  interest  in  the  business,  and  in 
October,  1877,  he  became  full  proprietor.  The  elevator  is  con- 
structed for  handling  all  kinds  of  grain,  and  has  a capacity  of 

10.000  bushels.  Can  handle  three  to  four  thousand  bushels  of 
grain  per  day.  The  mill  has  but  one  run  of  burrs. 

The  elevator  owned  and  operated  by  Hatfield,  Ellis  and  Daly,  is 
constructed  for  handling  all  kinds  of  grain,  and  has  a capacity  of 

12.000  to  14,000  bushels. 

The  tile  factory  of  E.  E.  Lemen,  was  built  in  1878  by  Scott  and 
Lemen  ; has  a capacity  of  175,000  feet  of  drain  tileing  per  annum. 
C.  E.  Bosworth’s  tile  factory  was  built  in  1877,  by  Williard  and 
Bosworth,  and  has  a capacity  of  150,000  feet  of  drain  tileing  per 
annum. 

There  are  two  hotels  in  the  place  ; Blue  Mound  Hotel,  kept  by 
H.  Scott,  and  the  Ward  House,  by  R.  D.  Ward.  The  leading 
physicians  are  Robert  Toby  and  G.  F.  Waldron.  Dr.  W.  J.  Sane, 
Dentist.  Dry  Goods  and  Groceries. — Dunbar  & Nicholls,  S. 
McKnight  & Co.  Groceries . — William  Stringer,  D.  Seiberling  & 

Bro.,  Geo.  Elliott.  Drugs. — Spooner  & Sprague,  D.  E.  Henshie. 
Clothier. — Joseph  Miller.  Boots  and  Shoes. — Raup  & Chew, 
Jewelry. — Adam  Becker.  Barbers — Marris  & Bro.  Millinery. — 
Mrs.  R.  J-  Guthrie,  Mrs.  Schoolcraft,  Mrs.  J.  Johnson,  Mrs.  Dick- 
inson, and  C.  A.  Shirley.  Hardware  and  Furniture. — Xiles  & 
Bradley.  Hardware  and  Lumber. — W.  B.  Cross.  Agricultural 


Implements. — O.  Ulrich.  Confectionery. — Landon  Bro’s.  Confec- 
tionery and  Hews  Dealer. — D.  O.  Hatfield  Lumber. — C.  S.  Lewis. 

Carpenters ■ — J.  J.  Wilson,  J.  Freeman,  I.  Reemsyder.  Plasterer. — 
J.  W.  Hoffman.  Painters. — Duconig  & Clements,  J.  S.  Reeves,  J. 
C-  Xoe.  Tinware  and  Stoves. — A.  Shieve,  D.  X.  McCluskey. 
Blacksmith  and  Wagon  Makers. — J.  K.  Clure,  Edwards  & Purdy. 


Meat  Market — C.  M.  Spooner-  Hay  Press. — Milhorn  Bro’s.  Liv- 
ery Stables. — J.  D.  Armstrong,  R-  D.  Ward. 


The  list  of  business  houses  above  speaks  well  for  a town  that  has 
only  been  in  existence  ten  years.  For  its  business  men,  Blue 
Mound  has  had  gentlemen  of  energy  and  enterprise,  who  have  used 
their  efforts  to  build  up  the  town,  to  the  flourishing  and  prosperous 
condition  it  can  now  boast  of.  The  place  has  very  creditable  church 
buildings,  and  a good  school-house.  The  town  was  laid  out,  princi- 
pally through  the  influence  of  Doctor  Goltra,  who  at  that  time 
owned  the  land  upon  which  the  town  now  stands.  Her  history  is 
not  yet  made ; the  first  ten  years  of  her  existence  was  laying  the 
foundation,  from  which  history  may  hereafter  be  gathered. 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES. 


Mr.  Barrick  was  born  in  Frederick  county,  Maryland,  Septem- 
ber 8th,  1833.  His  parents,  Cornelius  Barrick  and  Mary  Snook, 
were  natives  of  the  same  county,  where  he  followed  the  calling  of 
carpenter.  Mr.  Barrick  was  brought  up  in  the  same  trade,  and 
laid  the  foundation  of  his  fortune  by  the  use  of  the  saw  and  plane. 
When  about  seventeen,  in  company  with  his  oldest  brother,  William, 
he  directed  his  course  to  Illinois,  in  order  to  find  a larger  field  of 
operation,  and  to  have  an  opportunity  to  grow  up  with  the  country. 
He  made  a location  in  the  old  village  of  Middletown,  Logan  county, 
and  there  completed  an  apprenticeship  under  the  superintendence 
of  his  brother,  who  was  a finished  and  experienced  workman.  He 
followed  the  business  two  years  in  Lincoln,  after  which  he  directed 
his  steps  to  Christian  county.  There,  in  1855,  he  purchased  his 
first  farm,  a tract  of  133  acres,  which  he  reduced  to  cultivation. 
He  afterwards  sold  and  bought  till  he  owned  three  farms  in  that 
county.  He  has  also  owned  as  many  in  this  county  at  different 
dates,  and  has  been  known  for  several  years  as  one  of  the  active 
27 


business  men  of  this  county.  About  three  years  ago  he  located  in 
Blue  Mound,  and  bought  the  homestead  of  John  Armstrong.  His 
object  in  coming  to  this  town  was  to  look  after  the  interests  of  an 
elevator,  in  which  he  had  purchased  an  interest  in  1875.  In  1877, 
he  bought  out  the  other  partners,  and  has  since  conducted  the 
business  alone.  He  has  added  needed  improvements  suitable  to  a 
large  and  increasing  trade,  and  now  does  a business  equal  in  magni- 
tude to  any  of  the  kind  in  the  county,  handling  this  season  200,000 
bushels  of  grain. 

Mr.  Barrick  has  proven  a valuable  acquisition  to  the  trade  and 
commerce  of  his  town  and  community,  and  has  gained  for  himself  a 
reputation  in  business  capability  and  commercial  honor  second  to 
none.  His  private  life  is  also  without  reproach,  and  he  stands 
before  the  people  without  a blemish  on  the  family  escutcheon. 

He  was  married  while  in  Logan  county,  to  Miss  Barbara  A.,  the 
daughter  of  Samuel  Gaver,  formerly  also  of  Frederick  county, 
Maryland.  This  lady  died  in  the  spring  of  1863,  leaving  four 

209 


210 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


children,  three  daughters  still  surviving,  two  of  whom  are  married, 
viz  : Melinda,  the  consort  of  Charles  Wilcox,  a resident  of  Christian 
county,  and  Carrie,  the  wife  of  Win.  Henshie,  of  this  county.  His 
second  and  present  wife  was  formerly  Mrs.  Jane  R.  Leister,  relict 
of  Jno.  Leister,  formerly  of  Bureau  county,  and  native  of  the 
Chesapeake  States.  Five  heirs  constitute  the  fruits  of  this  union, 
a son  and  four  daughters. 

Mr.  Barriek  in  the  multiplicity  of  business  has  not  neglected  the 
greater  concerns  of  the  Christian  religion,  but  for  a number  of 
years  has  tried  in  a humble  manner  to  serve  the  “ King  of  Kings.” 
He  has  maintained  a consistent  and  creditable  standing  in  the 
Methodist  church  for  a quarter  of  a century,  where  his  family  have 
also  found  a spiritual  home. 

He  is  a republican  in  his  political  creed,  and  therefore  a Union 
man  in  the  full  sense  of  the  term.  He  was  not  in  the  late  war  him- 
self, but  his  family  furnished  to  the  LTnion  columns  six  brothers  and 
one  brother-in-law,  who  fought  through  the  war,  which  eventuated 
in  the  integrity  of  the  Republic. 

Mr.  Barriek  is  a firm  believer  in  the  great  future  of  the  American 
nation,  is  an  advocate  of  the  equal  rights  of  all  before  the  bar  of 
civil  law,  and  that  in  social  standing  men  should  be  taken  breast 
high— that  is,  valued  for  their  moral  and  religious  worth  alone,  in- 
dependent of  monetary  considerations. 

He  came  to  this  state  poor  and  with  only  a limited  education,  but 
by  industry  and  good  judgment  he  has  amassed  at  least  an  indepen- 
dence in  property,  and  by  a long  course  of  general  reading  and 
business  calculations  he  has  supplied  what  he  failed  to  acquire  in 
his  early  school  days.  He  has  treated  all  with  fairness  in  trade, 
has  never  taken  the  advantage  in  cases  when  others  have  been  de- 
pendent on  him,  and  to  his  perpetual  credit  it  can  be  said  that  in 
no  instance  has  he  oppressed  the  poor,  and  that  in  all  business  trans- 
actions, however  needy  second  parties  were,  he  has  always  treated 
them  as  if  no  disparagement  in  circumstances  existed. 


JOHN  D.  SEIBERLING. 

Though  still  a young  man,  Mr.  Seiberling  deserves  a passing 
notice,  both  on  account  of  the  services  he  has  rendered  his  country 
and  the  business  relations  he  sustains  to  his  town,  as  well  as  to  pre- 
serve a record  of  a well-known  family. 

His  grandfather,  Jno.  D.  Seiberling  was  a native  of  Lehigh 
county,  Pennsylvania,  where  he  served  as  post-master  fifty-four 
years,  and  was  the  oldest  P.  M.  of  the  Keystone  state.  He  married 
a Miss  Bear,  and  lived  to  the  age  of  ninety-two  years,  and  died 
while  on  a visit  to  Ohio.  James  Seiberling,  now  a well-known 
citizen  of  this  township,  father  of  our  subject,  is  also  a native  of 
Lehigh  county,  Pennsylvania,  was  raised  there  and  also  there 
married  to  Miss  Sarah  Moser.  He  afterwards  settled  in  Summit 
County,  Ohio,  where  he  lived  till  he  moved  here  in  1864.  He  has 
had  a family  of  fourteen  children,  all  now  dead,  save  six,  viz. : 
Catharine  App,  J.  D.,  O.  R.,  P.  M.,  Sarah  Wise  and  Miss  Mary — 
all  of  the  town  of  Blue  Mound. 

John  D.  also  claims  Lehigh  county  as  the  place  of  his  nativity. 
He  tvas  about  ten  years  old  when  his  parents  moved  to  Summit 
county,  Ohio.  There  he  was  raised  and  secured  a good  education, 
and  also  learned  the  harness-making  trade.  He  entered  the  army 
in  1862,  and  fought  in  the  Union  ranks  till  the  close  of  the  war, 
and  was  in  the  battles  of  the  Wilderness,  Gettysburg  and  other 
serious  engagements  of  the  eastern  campaigns.  He  was  seriously 
wounded  at  Gettysburg,  and  came  very  near  being  a sacrifice  on 


the  altar  of  the  country  for  his  devotion  to  the  Union.  He  won  a 
reputation  while  in  the  service,  of  a brave  soldier  and  a true  patriot. 
After  the  close  of  hostilities  he  returned  to  Ohio,  and  worked  at  his 
trade  till  1871,  when  he  came  to  Blue  Mound  and  embarked  in  the 
grocery  trade,  in  which  business  he  represents  the  oldest  house  of 
the  kind  in  the  town.  He  has  a large  and  growing  business,  and 
has  proved  himself  a valuable  acquisition  as  a good  merchant  and 
an  active  promoter  of  general  enterprise.  He  is  democratic  in 
politics,  and  does  not  consider  that  in  any  respect  his  record  as  a 
Union  soldier  is  compromised  thereby.  He  fought  in  the  army 
alone  for  the  integrity  of  the  Union  and  not  for  any  system  of  prin- 
ciples purely  political,  and  now  votes  the  democratic  ticket  as  em- 
bodying the  best  doctrines  for  the  government  of  the  nation. 

He  was  married  in  Ohio,  October  22d,  1868.  His  wife  was 
formerly  Miss  Jennie  Foster,  of  Summit  county.  They  have  one 
child,  a son,  Erl. 


ELEAZER  HOUSE. 

In  giving  historical  sketches  of  the  more  prominent  gentlemen  of 
the  county,  it  would  not  be  right  to  omit  the  popular  supervisor  of 
Pleasant  View  township.  He  is  a Buckeye  by  nativity,  and  was 
born  July  27th,  1822.  His  father,  John  House,  a native  of  the 
Keystone  State,  moved  to  Ohio  in  1814.  He  was  married  in  Penn- 
sylvania to  Miss  Sarah  Nicely,  a short  time  after  his  return  from 
the  war  of  1812.  On  settling  in  Ohio,  a location  was  selected  in 
Jefferson  county,  in  which  he  improved  a neat  farm,  on  which  he 
died  in  1833,  leaving  his  widow  with  six  children.  This  property 
was  afterwards  sold  for  $16,000,  and  the  family  moved  to  Medina 
county,  where  their  mother  died  in  1853.  Mr.  House  was  married 
in  Jefferson  county  in  1851,  the  object  of  matrimonial  alliance  be- 
ing Miss  Nancy  E.  Frazer.  After  a brief  wedded  life,  death  sun- 
dered the  relation,  and  he  buried  this  excellent  companion  in 
Medina  county  in  1855.  She  left  two  children,  one  of  whom, 
(Samuel,  now  residing  in  Arkansas,)  still  survives.  In  the  same 
county  he  married  his  second  wife,  Miss  Flora  A.  Martin,  the 
daughter  of  James  and  Lucretia  Martin.  Within  five  years  he  was 
compelled  to  surrender  this  lady  also  to  the  stern  mandate  of  Na- 
ture, which  consigns  all  to  the  tomb.  She  died  in  1860,  and  also 
left  two  children, — a son,  now  in  business  in  Blue  Mound,  and  an 
unmarried  daughter  at  home.  Mr.  House  bought  his  farm  near 
Blue  Mound  in  1865,  but  did  not  move  to  it  till  the  spring  of  1866, 
and  since  that  time  the  people  have  known  him  as  a husbandman. 
Here  he  has  made  first-class  improvements,  and  though  not  exten- 
sively engaged  in  agriculture,  he  manages  to  make  every  part  of 
his  quarter  section  of  land  pay  good  dividends.  Taste  and  good 
management  are  everywhere  manifest  on  his  premises — unstinted 
hospitality  makes  his  home  not  only  one  of  refinement  aud  elegance, 
but  of  social  and  intellectual  enjoyment. 

He  has  made  himself  generally  useful  in  aiding  measures  looking 
to  the  public  welfare,  and  has  also  borne  a part  in  the  discharge  of 
official  business.  He  is  now  serving  as  supervisor,  for  the  eighth 
term,  besides  being  in  former  years  clerk  and  collector.  He  is  not, 
however,  an  office-seeker,  and  feels  more  disposed  to  evade  than  to 
court  positions  of  public  trust.  In  politics  he  is  a democrat  of  the 
old  Jacksonian  school ; and  therefore,  while  he  holds  that  the  rela- 
tions between  the  General  Government  and  States  cannot  be  peace- 
ably severed,  he  maintains  the  theory  of  strict  construction  as  a 
doctrine  of  the  Federal  Constitution,  and  that  the  States,  the  great 
bulwarks  of  our  freedom,  have  rights  that  the  Congress  of  the  Na- 
tion are  bound  to  respect.  He,  with  all  good  democrats,  denounces 


i m 


Farm  Residence  of  A.  M ICHAUX,  Sec.1 


■>&*>]&£ : 


SPAMS 

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SHSH 

gli  i i 


Poland  chinas 


Plymouth  rock  chickens 


BLUE  MOUND 


ilLLSltiiiiiiMli 

I * Tr-J 

-kj 

| 

lg 

8 ■ll^.f  7 

Stock  Farm  & Res. of  E.HOUSE.Sec.  31.  Pleasant  View.Tp.  ( 15)  R.I.E. Macon  Co. III.  1 Mile  N.  of  BlueMound  Station. 


/ 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS, 


211 


centralization  in  all  its  forms,  and  is  in  favor  of  strangling  its  inci- 
pient tendencies  wherever  found. 

For  the  people  of  the  county,  without  distinction  of  political 
creed,  he  expresses  a high  regard,  and  feels  that  since  he  came  to 
the  county  he  has  been  among  a people  that  have  ^actcd  toward 
him  like  brothers,  and  with  whom  he  expects  to  fraternize,  while 
contributing  his  share  in  the  material,  moral  and  social  develop- 
ment of  the  adopted  county  of  his  home.  In  life  he  can  say,  in 
review  of  the  past,  that  he  has  been  successful,  though  he  may  not 
have  reached  to  the  summit  seen  in  youthful  ambition.  While  he 
has  enjoyed  much,  he  has  also  passed  through  the  deep  waters — 
proved  the  vanity  of  many  fond  allurements,  and  realized  grief 
when  pleasures  seemed  to  predominate,  as  expressed  in  the  beau- 
tiful lines  of  Burns,  that — 

“ Pleasures  are  like  poppies  spread, 

You  seize  the  flower,  the  bloom  is  shed  ; 

Or,  like  snow-flakes  on  the  river, 

One  moment  white,  then  lost  forever.” 


ABEL  S.  FERRE. 

This  gentleman  came  to  this  country  from  the  dominion  of 
Canada.  He  was  born  January  8,  1832,  aud  is  the  son  of  Marshall 
Ferre  and  Nancy  Stephens,  residents  at  the  time  near  the  village 
of  Beverly.  When  about  three  years  old,  his  parents  moved  to 
Western  Illinois,  and  located  in  Adams  county,  where  a farm  was 
purchased,  on  which  the  family  resided  till  1864,  when  another 
change  made  them  residents  of  Shelby  county,  where  his  father 
died,  November  12th,  1865. 

Mr.  Ferre  had  only  such  chances  for  an  education  as  were  com- 
mon to  the  pioneers  of  Illinois,  and  consequently  he  had  few 


did  not  drink  deep  from  the  perennial  springs,  still  a sufficient 
amount  of  education  was  acquired  to  make  him  a fair  business 
calculator,  and  he  has  added  from  time  to  time  by  general  reading 
to  the  original  stock,  till  he  has  reached  a pdane  entitling  him  to 
a position  among  our  best-informed  and  most  intelligent  citizens. 
He  attained  his  legal  majority  in  Adams  county,  and  was  there 
united  in  the  holy  ties  of  wedlock  with  Miss  Sarah  J.,  daughter  of 
Lemuel  Chapman.  Her  mother  was  formerly  Martha  Kansler, 
and  at  the  time  of  her  removal  from  Adams  county,  Tenn.,  was  a 
widow  with  five  children. 

Mr.  Ferre  bought  his  first  farm  in  Adams  county,  but  sold  out 
and  moved  to  Shelby  county  with  his  parents.  He  did  not  pur- 
chase property  in  that  county  on  account  of  the  rumors  of  “ milk 
sickness,’”  once  the  common  terror  in  many  sections  of  the  state. 
He  bought  his  second  farm  in  this  township  in  the  fall  of  1865 — a 
quarter  section,  which  has  since  grown  to  250  acres,  under 
judicious  management.  This  is  in  every  sense  one  of  the  premium 
farms  of  Pleasant  View  township,  and  has  improvements  which 
entitle  it  to  rank  with  other  first-class  estates  of  the  county.  Its 
owner  broke  the  virgin  soil  aud  has  expended  on  its  improvement 
and  cultivation  the  best  energies  of  his  life.  He  has  not  only  been 
doing  a prosperous  business  in  general  agriculture,  but  also  in  the 
general  stock  trade,  for  which  his  premises  are  admirably  fitted. 
He  has  not  only  prospered  in  worldly  interests,  but  has  been  blessed 
in  family  relations.  He  has  one  married  daughter,  Nancy  A. 
Price,  of  Piatt  county,  and  three  children  at  home,  namely  : Abel 
A.,  Marshall,  and  Charles  M. 

Though  not  an  extreme  partisan,  he  is  a republican  in  politics, 
believing  that  the  principles  of  his  party  are  best  adapted  to  the 


general  welfare  of  the  nation  at  large,  and  best  calculated  to  the 
growth  and  expansive  interests  of  the  nation,  especially  those  newer 
features  developed  by  our  increased  population  and  vast  diversity 
of  local  needs.  To  the  people  of  the  county  he  feels,  without  dis- 
tinction of  party  lines,  that  he  lives  among  a noble  and  energetic 
population,  with  whom  he  expects  to  labor  for  such  a period  as 
Providence  may  permit,  for  the  growth,  development  and  upbuild- 
ing of  a still  higher  form  of  civilization,  which  will  put  Macon 
among  the  first  counties  of  Illinois. 

Mr.  Ferre  has  performed  a vast  amount  of  work  with  his  own 
hands,  and  has  shirked  no  duty  either  toward  his  township  or 
county.  He  has  a clear  record,  and  has  so  lived  that  there  is  not 
a stain  to  dishonor  his  name,  and  we  can  say  of  him  in  concluding 
this  notice,  that  he  has  made  life  a success,  and  that  the  lines  have 
fallen  to  him  in  pleasant  places. 


NATHAN  A.  CARR. 

Mr  Carr  represents  one  of  the  oldest  families  in  this  state.  His 
great-grandfather,  Joseph  Carr,  was  a revolutionary  soldier,  a 
native  Virginian,  and  settled  in  the  vicinity  of  Kaskaskia  about 
the  year  1797,  at  which  time  Henry  Carr,  his  grandfather,  was 
about  nine  years  old.  When  he  grew  to  manhood  he  became 
connected  with  the  ranger  service,  and  was  some  time  under  Gene- 
ral Whitesides,  and  it  would  require  a volume  to  properly  relate 
his  adventures  and  the  various  perils  and  battles  with  the  “ wily 
foe.” 

The  family  moved  at  a later  period  near  the  present  site  of  Belle- 
ville, where  George  W.,  Mr.  Carr’s  father  was  born,  in  the  year  1814. 
He  was  married,  in  St.  Clair  county,  to  Miss  Teresa  Garner,  wdien 
twenty-two  years  old,  by  whom  he  raised  five  sons — Matthew  S-, 
George  W.  L.,  James  G.,  Henry  A.,  and  Nathan  A-,  and  one 
daughter,  Mary  B , the  wife  of  Robert  Woods,  of  Cass  county, 
Missouri.  James  and  Henry  are  now  at  Leadville,  Colorado,  and 
Matthew,  an  M.  D.,  is  still  in  St.  Clair  county,  where  our  subject 
was  born,  March  29th,  1838. 

He  was  raised  to  the  life  of  a farmer  and  stock-trader,  and  was 
married  in  his  native  county  to  Melissa  Rittenhouse  in  1860.  He 
came  to  this  county  with  his  father,  in  1865,  and  bought  an  adjoin- 
ing farm,  on  which  he  still  resides.  His  real  estate  possessions  now 
include  the  old  homestead  of  his  parents,  which  makes  a tract  of 
four  hundred  acres,  a property  handsomely  and  suitably  improved 
for  the  purpose  of  general  agriculture  and  the  stock  trade,  in  which 
its  owner  has  been  more  or  less  employed  ever  since  he  settled  in 
the  county. 

He  has  done  considerable  tileing — in  fact  has  his  farm  well  tiled, 
and  his  experience  is,  that  it  is  one  of  the  best  investments  which 
he  has  ever  made  as  an  aid  to  the  interests  of  production  and  the 
supply  of  stock  water  yielded.  It  is  not  only  beneficial  as  a drain- 
age, but  it  is  equally  advantageous  to  the  more  elevated  land  as  a 
fertilizer.  By  it  the  air  is  allowed  to  circulate  and  penetrate  the 
soil,  which  both  mellows  and  fertilizes. 

He  has  a family  of  eight  children — six  sons  and  two  daughters  — 
all  promising,  and  enjoying  the  advantages  which  wealth  brings 
in  educating  them  as  they  grow  up  for  honorable  and  responsible 
positions  in  life. 

In  politics,  Mr.  Carr  is  a democrat,  as  have  been  all  his  prede- 
cessors from  his  illustrious  great-grandfather,  who  aided  in  estab- 
lishing the  independence  of  the  American  people,  his  grandfather, 
who  helped  to  lay  the  social  foundation  of  Illinois,  his  father,  a 


212 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


venerable  pioneer,  in  whose  knowledge  and  history  a wilderness  wTas 
converted  into  fruitful  fields,  and  a territory  to  a state  ranking  nowT 
the  third  in  the  Union. 

With  such  antecedents  and  with  such  examples  it  is  no  marvel 
that  Mr.  Carr  stands  in  the  same  line  of  political  faith.  His  sen- 
timents, though  not  a simple  inheritance,  are  the  result  of  sober 
reflection,  careful  study,  and  a comparison  of  the  effects  of  different 


national  administrations  on  the  material  and  social  well-being  of  the 
country  at  large,  as  well  as  an  analysis  of  various  platforms,  and 
these  tested  by  the  principles  embodied  in  the  federal  constitution 
itself. 

Socially,  Mr.  C.  is  generous,  frank,  and  always  ready  with  his 
means  to  aid  in  every  good  work,  and  takes  an  active  interest  in  all 
matters  affecting  his  township  and  the  county. 


SOUTH  MACON  TOWNSHIP. 


BS  in  the  center  of  the  tier  of  townships  lying  in  the  ex- 
treme southern  part  of  the  county.  It  is  bounded  on 
I the  north  by  South  Wheatland,  on  the  east  by  Mt. 

j Zion  and  Milam,  on  the  south  by  Shelby  county,  audon 

the  west  by  Pleasant  View  and  Blue  Mound  townships  It  is  drained 
by  Dry  Branch,  Willow  Branch  and  Long  Grove  Branch.  There  is 
considerable  timber  to  be  found  along  the  margins  of  these  streams, 
particularly  along  Long  Grove  Branch.  The  soil  is  rich  and  pro- 
ductive, and  in  this  township  may  be  found  many  of  the  best  im- 
proved farms  in  the  county.  The  township  comprises  half  of  each 
of  the  two  congressional  townships  Hand  15  N.,  Range  2 E.,,mak- 
ing  a full  township  with  thirty-six  sections.  The  Illinois  Central 
Railroad  enters  the  township  on  the  north  of  section  21,  and  runs 
in  nearly  a south-west  direction  through  the  township,  passing  out 
on  the  south-west  corner  of  section  17  of  T.  14  N.  R.  2 E.  The  town 
of  Macon,  situated  near  the  centre  of  the  township  is  the  second 
in  population  in  the  county,  and  where  most  of  the  trading  of  the 
farmers  in  the  township  is  done. 

EARLY  SETTLEMENTS. 

In  1835,  William  Morris,  with  his  family,  came  from  Indiana 
and  built  a cabin  on  section  12  of  T.  14  N.,  R.  2 E.,  just  north  of 
what  is  now  known  as  the  Long  Grove.  This  is  a long  strip  of 
timber,  probably  three-fourths  of  a mile  in  width,  running  along 
the  southern  edge  of  the  township.  Mr.  Morris  was  the  first  settler 
in  the  township,  but  he  did  not  live  long  after  he  came.  He  died 
in  1836,  one  year  after  his  arrival  in  the  county.  This  was  the 
first  death.  He  was  buried  near  the  east  end  of  Long  Grove,  in 
what  afterward  became  the  neighborhood  burying-ground,  and  was 
the  first  place  of  the  kind  established  in  South  Macon  township. 

Isaac  Vise  came  from  Kentucky  in  1837  or  ’38,  and  located  fur- 
ther south  in  the  township  than  where  Mr.  Morris  had  settled.  In 
1840  Thomas  Atterberry,  familiarly  known  as  “ Big  Tom  ” Atter- 
berry, now  living  near  the  centre  of  the  township,  was  traveling 
through  the  country  and  lost  his  way  at  night,  and  in  the  morning 
discovered  he  was  only  a short  way  from  a house,  which  proved  to 
be  the  one  occupied  by  William  Morris  and  his  family. 

Thomas  Atterberry,  commonly  called  “Black  Tom,”  built  a 
house  on  section  8,  in  T.  14  N.,  R.  2 E.,  and  moved  his  family  of 
eight  persons  from  Breckinridge  county,  Kentucky,  in  the  year 
1845.  About  the  same  time  Richard  Atterberry  moved  from 
Grayson  county,  Kentucky,  and  settled  on  section  12,  T.  14  N.,  R. 
2 E.  About  1837,  two  brothers,  James  and  Hargus  Stewart,  also 


from  Kentucky,  settled  in  the  south  east  part  of  the  township,  and 
in  1849  William  Portwood,  at  present  living  just  across  the  line  in 
Shelby  county,  came  and  settled  in  South  Macon,  on  section  12,  T. 
14  N.,  R.  2 E.  Here  it  would,  perhaps,  not  be  out  of  place  to  men- 
tion that  in  early  times  there  prevailed  a strange  superstition 
among  the  settlers  of  this  locality.  Some  time  between  1840  and 
'45,  a Mrs.  Stewart,  residing  east  of  Long  Grove,  died  and  wras 
buried  in  the  south-eastern  part  of  the  grove.  The  people  living 
in  that  neighborhood,  or  a great  many  of  them  at  least,  for  a num- 
ber of  years,  believed  and  insisted  that  Mrs.  Stewart’s  ghost  haunted 
that  locality,  and  for  a long  time  they  could  not  be  induced  to  pass 
that  portion  of  the  grove  after  nightfall  for  any  consideration. 

Isaac  Davis,  one  of  the  representative  men  who  now  resides  in 
the  north  part  of  the  township  came  here  and  settled  near  where 
he  lives  in  1853.  There  was  quite  a settlement  at  an  early  date  in 
the  south-west  corner  of  the  township,  composed  chiefly  of  the 
Armstrongs  and  their  relatives  and  the  McHenrys,  many  of  whom 
afterwards  removed  and  still  live  in  various  parts  of  Shelby 
county.  About  the  year  1838,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Stewart,  who  are  pre- 
viously mentioned  as  having  come  from  Kentucky  about  1837,  had 
a child  born  to  them,  which  was  the  first  birth  in  the  township. 

The  settlement  in  the  south-west  part  of  the  township  is 
credited  with  having  had  the  first  school-house.  This  was  built 
on  section  12,  of  T.  14  N.  R.  2 E.,  in  the  year  1854.  The 
first  teacher  was  Bradford  Stuart  who  came  from  Kentucky  to 
Illinois  at  an  early  date.  He  was  a native  of  Indiana.  B.  K. 
Durfee,  now  of  Decatur,  taught  school  at  quite  an  early  day  in  a 
school-house  on  section  8,  T.  14  N.,  R.  2 E.,  about  two  miles  south 
of  Macon. 

The  first  entries  of  Government  land:  On  Nov.  5th,  1835,  James 
Stewart  entered  40  acres  on  section  13;  William  Norris  entered 
80  acres  in  same  section  Nov.  5th,  1835,  and  same  day  he  entered 
40  acres,  also  80  acres  in  same  section,  all  in  T.  14  N.,  R.  2 East  of 
the  3d  P.  M. 

The  following  are  the  supervisors  from  this  township:  W.  D. 
Hamilton,  elected  in  1860;  L.  M-  Clement,  elected  in  1861 ; A.  H. 
Martin,  elected  in  1862;  W.  W.  Dean,  elected  in  1863;  Frank 
Babcock,  elected  in  1864,  and  re-elected  in  1865  ; N.  Failing,  elec- 
ted 1866,  re-elected  1867 ; Joel  T.  Walker,  elected  1867, 
and  re-elected  each  succeeding  year  up  to  1872;  N.  Fail- 
ing, elected  1873;  W.  S.  Gage,  elected  1874,  re-elected  1875; 
R.  H.  Woodcock,  elected  1876,  re-elected  each  succeeding  year,  and 
is  the  present  incumbent. 


Stock  Farm  of  D.W.BRENNEMAN  & EL!  BRENNEMAN  Sec.30J.J5,R.2,  (Macon  Tp.)  Macon  Co, III 


iS'X 


' ■ ■ 


i§|£ 


Mpi 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


213 


THE  TOWN  OF  MACON. 

This  thriving  little  place  is  situated  on  section  thirty-two  ofTp. 
15  N.  R.  2 E.,  and  on  the  line  of  the  Illinois  Central  railroad,  a'oout 
ten  miles  from  the  city  of  Decatur.  It  is  in  the  heart  of  a thickly 
populated  country,  and  commands  the  trade  for  many  miles  around. 
It  was  laid  out  by  the  Illinois  Railroad  Company,  immediately 
after  the  completion  of  the  road  in  1854.  The  first  building  erec- 
ted, was  by  the  railroad  company.  It  was  used  as  a freight  and 
passenger  depot.  C.  H.  Ruby  was  the  first  person  to  settle  in  the 
town.  He  lived  in  this  depot  from  1854  to  1860.  In  1857  the 
company  appointed  J.  S.  Ruby,  their  agent  at  Macon,  who  was 
the  first  regular  agent  of  the  company  at  this  place.  Here  for  a 
number  of~years,  the  company  had  their  land  office  for  the  sale  of 
lands  in  this  portion  of  the  county.  A.  G.  Harris  built  the  first 
residence  in  this  town.  This  was  in  the  year  1858. 

Jas.  Searneus,  who  came  from  Ohio,  in  the  year  1858,  was  the 
first  person  to  open  a store  in  the  town,  for  the  purpose  of  general 
mercantile  business.  James  Wells  taught  the  first  school  in  the 
town.  The  first  school-house  was  erected  in  1858,  and  was  used  for 
years  for  that  purpose,  but  is  now  used  as  a dwelling.  The  Rev.  Mr. 
Wallace  preached  the  first  sermon,  that  was  delivered  by  any  min- 
ister in  the  town  of  Macon.  This  was  in  the  freight  depot  of  the 
Illinois  Central  Railroad,  in  the  year  1860.  It  was  the  custom  for 
the  preacher  going  through  on  the  railroad  to  stop  at  Macon,  and 
deliver  a sermon  in  the  freight  house.  This  practice  was  continued 
uutil  the  erection  of  a church.  The  Methodist  being  the  prevail- 
ing creed  in  this  locality,  in  the  early  days  of  Macon  city,  grew  in 
members  and  wealth  until  in  1865,  they  became  able,  and  built  a 
church,  which  was  the  first  church  of  any  denomination  in  Macon. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Wallace  was  the  first  preacher  regularly  located  in 
the  town. 


The  year  1860  was  marked  by  the  opening  of  a hotel,  by  C.  H. 
Ruby,  who  is  still  engaged  in  the  hotel  business.  In  1857  a post- 
office  was  established,  and  the  present  name  given  it.  J.  S.  Ruby 
was  the  first  person  appointed  to  the  office  of  post-master.  The  first 
death  was  that  of  James  Gahretty,  who  was  employed  in  the  con- 
struction of  the  freight  depot,  and  while  at  work  on  that  building, 
fell  from  the  roof  and  received  fatal  injuries,  from  which  he  died- 
This  sad  event  occurred  in  the  year  1855. 

The  wedding  of  Joseph  and  Mrs.  Louisa  De  Vere,  was  the  earliest 
in  the  history  of  Macon.  The  ceremony  was  performed  by  a Rev- 
erend Father  of  the  Catholic  church,  who  happened  to  stop  over  at 
this  station.  The  event  took  place  in  the  year  1857,  at  the  home 
of  Mr.  C.  H.  Ruby,  who  was  then  living  in  the  passenger  depot. 

Charles  Crow  was  the  first  person  to  establish  a general  black- 
smithing  business  in  the  town,  in  the  year  1857.  Dr.  Geo.  S.  Gray, 
a physician  still  practising  in  this  place,  was  the  first  physician, 
who  came  to  locate  permanently  in  Macon.  He  came  in  I860- 
The  town  does  a prosperous  business,  and  is  the  third  city  in  the 
county  in  point  of  population.  The  present  business  houses  are: 
Dry  Goods  and  Groceries. — Roscow  & Hemphill,  J.  Frick,  N. 
Cazalett,  S.  G.  Washburn,  W.  R.  Whittaker.  Boots  and  Shoes. — 

B.  F.  Weeks,  J.  J.  Swatz.  Drugs  and  Groceries. — J.  Allinson,  T. 

C.  Drinkall.  Banks. — Hight  Bros.,  1878,  N.  Failing,  1880.  Hotel. 

— Ruby  House,  by  C.  H.  Ruby.  Restaurants. — Roush  & Young. 
J.  A.  Cook.  Elevators. — Failing  and  Nebinger,  L.  F.  Webb. 
Livery  Stables ■ — Thos.  Whittaker,  J.  L.  Gray.  Wagons. — D.  Ka- 
lips,  H.  S.  Cook.  Blacksmiths. — Joseph  Amoek,  Anton  Beschel, 
G.  W.  Cook.  Undertaker. — J.  C.  Baldridge.  Furniture. — George 

Glenn.  Barber  Shop. — Jean  Young.  Clothing. — Samuel  Johnson. 
Meat  Markets. — E.  E.  Pennypacker,  Hudson  A Co.  Carpenter. — 
Eli  Stoffer. 


1 

BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES. 


JAMES  HOPSON,  ESQ. 

Mr.  Hopson  properly  falls  into  that  class  of  husbandmen  whose 
services  as  a citizen  and  an  agriculturist,  render  necessary  honor- 
able notice.  He  was  born  in  Herkimer  county,  N.  Y.  Oct.  lltli, 
1819.  He  received  a liberal  education  while  in  his  native  state. 
Hard  study  and  the  confinement  to  the  school-room  impaired  his 
health,  and  he  determined  to  spend  a short  time  in  recuperation  on 
the  sea,  and  he  consequently  spent  the  winter  of ’40  and  the  ensuing 
summer  on  the  ocean.  Mr.  H.  then  devoted  about  a year  in  teach- 
ing and  reading  law.  He  next  moved  to  the  West  and  located  in 
Macoupin  county,  this  state,  of  which  he  remained  an  honored  ci- 
tizen till  1857,  when  he  removed  to  this  county,  on  the  farm  where 
he  now  lives,  and  which  he  purchased  in  1855.  While  in  that 
county  he  was  employed  principally  in  farming,  though  he  at  first 
taught  several  terms  and  gained  considerable  credit  as  an  educator. 
He  also  paid  some  attention  to  the  legal  profession,  but  finding 
his  physical  organization  utterly  incompatible  with  the  sedentary 
requirements  of  either  the  law  office  or  the  school-room,  he 
abandoned  all  ideas  of  professional  life  in  favor  of  the  healthier 


exercise  of  farm  duties.  He  owned  two  farms  in  Macoupin  county. 
The  first  purchase  was  made  in  1843,  nearChesterfield,  and  the  second 
nearer  the  county  seat-  He  made  money,  and  proved  by  his  success 
that  he  had  adopted  a calling  for  which  he  was  well  qualified. 

On  locating  in  this  county,  he  began  the  work  of  improvement  on 
a raw  quarter  section.  Within  two  years  he  had  it  all  fenced  and 
broken,  performing  all  the  required  labor  with  his  own  hands, 
hauling  his  rails  about  eight  miles.  There  was  not  at  the 
time  a dwelling-house  in  the  town  of  Macon,  and  only  a few  small 
farm-houses  in  sight  of  his  premises.  The  country  soon  however 
began  to  settle  up,  and  in  the  summer  of  57  Mr.  Hopson  counted  as 
many  as  thirty  two-prairie  [ox]  teams  engaged  in  turning  over  the 
sod,  most  of  which  were  in  sight  of  his  house.  Under  careful 
management  and  skillful  cultivation  the  original  “ one  hundred  and 
sixty”  has  grown  into  the  dimensions  of  a three  hundred  and  sixty 
acre  tract,  all  in  a fine  state  of  tillage  ; and  is  now  one  of  the 
first  class  homesteads  of  Macon  County,  where  old-fashioned  hospi- 
tality is  still  extended  to  all,  such  as  was  common  in  the  earlier  and 
pioneer  days  of  the  county. 


214 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


He  lias  been  twice  married.  His  first  wife  was  Miss  Martha 
Richmond,  daughter  of  Elkanah  Richmond.  This  marriage  occur- 
red in  1848,  while  Mr.  H.  was  enjoying  a visit  in  his  native  state. 
She  died  in  1855,  leaving  a son,  Chas.  R.  now  engaged  in  the  prac- 
tice of  law  at  Elgin.  He  was  married  the  second  time  in  1859,  his 
wife,  being  formerly  Miss  Sarah  A.  Fish,  daughter  of  Win.  L.  Fish, 
still  living,  at  the  advanced  age  of  ninety  years.  The  nuptials  were 
celebrated,  June  23d,  in  the  passenger  depot,  at  Macon,  which  was 
likely  the  first  marriage  celebrated  within  the  limits  of  the  township. 
The  issue  of  this  union  has  been  eight  children,  four  survivors,  viz  , 
Edward  F.,  Otho  R and  Misses  Ethel  and  Lucy. 

The  remote  ancestry  were  residents  of  Northumberland  county, 
England.  Five  brothers  came  to  this  country  together,  three  of 
whom  died  in  the  continental  army.  From  one  of  the  three  survivors, 
Mr  H.  counts  his  descent.  The  given  name  of  his  grandfather 
was  Alvarus.  He  was  a native  of  Conn.,  where  also  James,  Mr. 
Hopson’s  father,  was  born,  who  was  only  seven  years  old  when 
the  family  settled  in  Herkimer  county,  N.  Y.  Miss  Lucy  Tuttle, 
whom  he  afterwards  married,  was  also  a native  of  the  same  state,  and 
her  parents  settled  in  the  same  county  at  about  the  same  date.  They 
raised  seven  children,  four  of  whom  are  still  surviving  the  subject 
of  this  sketch,  Mrs.  Cramp  and  Mrs.  Osborn  of  this  township,  and 
S.  T.  Hopson,  a well  known  farmer  of  Macoupin  county.  Mr. 
Hopson  was  originally  an  old-line  Whig,  and  cast  his  first  vote  for 
Genl.  Harrison.  He  supported  Douglas  in  1860.  He  supported 
Lincoln  in  his  second  and  Grant  in  his  first  term,  and  has  since 
acted  with  what  has  been  known  as  the  Greenback  party,  in  which 
his  name  is  well  known.  He  has  been  appointed  several  times,  but 
has  attended  only  one  state  and  two  national  conventions.  He  is 
notan  office-seeker,  and  since  settling  in  this  county  has  only  officia- 
ted in  township  positions  and  the  office  of  Justice  of  the  Peace. 


THOMAS  DAVIS 

Is  another  old  settler  who  has  figured  prominently  in  the  affairs 
of  the  county,  and  who  has  done  much  to  add  both  to  its  business  and 
its  wealth,  and  we  therefore  with  pleasure  add  a brief  notice  of  his 
life. 

He  is  a native  of  the  Keystone  state,  and  was  born  in  Washing- 
ton county,  September  12th,  1819,  and  is  the  son  of  George  Davis 
and  Hester  Whiteman,  natives  of  the  same  county.  After  attaining 
the  age  of  manhood  he  went  to  Licking  couaty,  Ohio,  where  he 
served  as  a farm  hand  about  five  years,  then  spent  some  two  years 
in  farming  and  trading  on  his  own  account  in  Muskingum  county. 

He  next  directed  his  course  westward,  and  located  in  Mt.  Zion 
township,  this  county,  in  1848.  He  purchased  a farm  in  company 
with  Philo  Buckingham,  another  well-known  business  gentleman, 
and  began  trading  in  sheep  and  cattle.  He  soon  purchased  other 
lands  in  that  township,  and  became  well-known  throughout  this 
section  of  the  state,  both  as  a prominent  farmer  and  an  active, 
trader,  and  has  maintained  a business  reputation  from  that  day  to 
this,  which  places  him  prominently  before  the  people.  For  the  last 
four  years  he  has  made  a specialty  in  shipping  horses  and  mules  to 
the  West,  principally  to  Nebraska.  Some  of  his  investments  have 
been  very  profitable,  while  others  have  involved  heavy  losses,  and 
he  has  therefore  had  about  the  usual  luck  of  all  large  traders.  His 
object  though,  it  seems,  has  not  been  so  much  to  save  money  as  to 
make  it.  His  motto  has  been  to  create  business,  whether  it  prom- 
ises large  personal  gains  or  not.  He  naturally  loves  to  see  business 
and  trade  active,  the  country  prosper,  even  independent  of  his  owm 
immediate  interests,  and  no  man  in  his  section  of  the  county  should  1 


have  more  credit  than  he  for  stirring  up  the  active  energies  of 
general  commerce. 

He  has  been  twice  married.  His  first  wife  was  Miss  Elizabeth 
Rogers,  whom  he  married  while  on  a visit  to  his  old  home  in  Penn- 
sylvania. This  companion  he  buried  while  a resident  of  Mt.  Zion 
township.  She  was  the  mother  of  one  child,  which  only  lived  a 
short  time. 

He  was  married  to  his  present  companion  in  1856.  Her  given 
name  is  Margaret,  sister  to  his  first  wife.  She  has  had  three  chil- 
dren, all  dead. 

With  respect  to  family  history,  the  following  items  are  gathered. 
His  grandfather  Davis  was  a native  of  Wales.  He  arrived  in  this 
country  about  the  time  of  the  Revolutionary  war.  He  settled  in 
Washington  county,  Pennsylvania,  where  he  died.  Mr.  Davis’  fa- 
ther was  there  born  and  raised  and  became  a farmer  and  brick-ma- 
son. He  then  married  the  lady  already  mentioned,  and  raised  seven 
children — six  still  living:  Thomas,  Eliza  Hatfield,  of  native  county, 
Isaac,  a well-known  farmer  of  this  township,  Joseph,  a farmer  of 
Borie  county  and  Martha  and  Mary  J. 

In  politics  Mr.  Davis  is  an  independent  thinker,  and  votes  as  he 
thinks  best  for  the  general  welfare  of  the  country.  He  was  a 
Unionist  during  the  late  war,  and  is  in  favor  of  the  equal  rights  of 
all  in  civic  privileges. 

In  physical  constitution  he  has  been  endowed  in  a remarkable 
degree.  He  has  had  an  iron  constitution,  and  has  performed  a vast 
amount  of  manual  labor.  He  is  still  robust  and  strong,  and 
is  yet  blessed  with  unimpaired  energies,  and  the  prospect  is  that  he 
will  yet  serve  the  county  for  many  years  in  the  work  of  material 
and  social  development. 


DAVID  P.  KELLER. 

When  Mr.  Keller  came  to  the  county  in  1869,  he  purchased  the 
tract  where  he  now  lives,  240  acres,  then  entirely  in  a state  of 
nature,  and  for  which  he  paid  $31.00  per  acre.  He  at  once  began 
to  improve,  and  has  since  added  another  40  acre  tract,  to  what  is 
now7  one  of  the  finest  homesteads  of  the  county.  It  is  high,  rolling, 
rich,  and  healthy,  and  includes  a fine  grove  of  timber,  known  to 
old  settlers  as  Hickory  Bunch.  He  has  pursued  what  is  often 
styled  as  a mixed  system  of  husbandry,  raising  all  the  cereals  com- 
mon and  usual  to  the  country,  and  does  a business  in  the  line  of 
live  stock.  He  is  therefore  ready  for  the  market  in  its  different 
variations.  He  is  a close  calculator,  a neat  workman,  and  spends 
money  liberally,  and  every  part  of  his  possessions  bears  the  impress 
of  these  characteristics.  He  has  not  only  added  a superb  estate  to 
the  county’s  wealth,  but  has  built  uj>  a beautiful  and  refined  home 
for  his  family,  which  will  stand  as  a monument  to  his  skill,  taste 
and  industry,  when  his  remains  find  a resting-place  with  his 
fathers  who  have  gone  before. 

Mr.  Keller  was  born  in  Fairfield  county,  Ohio,  July  10th,  1834. 
He  was  raised  to  manhood  on  his  father’s  farm,  and  was  well  edu- 
cated in  letters  and  all  branches  of  practical  business.  He  was 
first  married,  Jan.  1st,  1856,  to  Miss  Mary  Hampson,  who  died  the 
same  year  without  issue.  Was  married  again  Sept.  20th,  1859,  to 
his  present  wife,  formerly  Miss  Rebecca  McFarland,  daughter  of 
Walter  and  Julia  (Wideler)  McFarland,  early  settlers  of  Fairfield 
county.  Her  grandfather  McFarland,  was  from  Scotland,  and  was 
accompanied  to  this  country  by  a brother,  who  became  a soldier  in 
the  continental  army.  Her  father  served  his  country  as  a soldier, 
during  the  war  of  1812.  He  settled  in  Fairfield  county  about  the 
year  1800,  when  Ohio  was  a new  country. 

When  the  late  civil  war  broke  out  Mr.  Keller  volunteered,  but 


idence: , Stock  & Grain  Farm  of  FRED * BAILEY  Sec.1  6,T.1 5,R.  1 ,( Blue  Mound  Tp)  Macon  CoJll 


. ■'¥fra'Si 


R esidence , Stock  SGrai  n Farm  of  J.  W.WALKER  Sec.S,T  1 4-,R.2t  ( Macon  Tp J Macon  Co. I ll. 


HIS  TORY  OF  MACON  COUNT  Y,  1L  L IN  0 IS. 


215 


only  remained  in  the  army  about  a year,  when  it  became  his  imper- 
ative duty  to  return  home,  which  he  did  in  1864.  The  following 
autumn  he  came  to  Shelby  county,  this  state,  but  not  liking  the 
soil  so  well  as  that  of  this  county,  he  sold  his  farm  and  moved  here. 

Mr.  Keller’s  ancestors  date  back  to  that  great  “ bee-hive  of  na- 
tions”— Germany.  His  grandfather,  Henry,  was  a native  of  York 
county,  Pa.,  and  married  Miss  Catharine  Seitz.  They  raised 
numerous  children  who  afterward  scattered  over  the  West  and 
South.  Daniel,  Mr.  Keller’s  father,  was  the  sixth  and  youngest 
son.  He  located  in  Fairfield  county,  in  1802.  His  wife  was 
Susanna  Ruffuer,  and  they  are  both  still  living  in  their  old  county, 
where  their  parents  settled  on  coming  to  the  state.  They  raised 
eleven  children,  six  sons  and  five  daughters,  and  have  three  sons 
and  all  their  daughters  still  living.  Their  residences  are  as  fol- 
lows : Emanuel  of  Pettes  county,  Mo.,  Augustus  R.,  Indian  Agent 
in  Montana  Ter.,  Mrs.  Lovina  (Jonas)  Hite,  Mrs.  Sophia  (Jno.) 
Caldwell,  Mrs.  Catharine  (W.  L ) Rigby,  and  Mrs.  Susan  (Wm.) 


Medill,  reside  in  their  native  county  ; Mrs.  Catharine  It.  (Jackson) 
Shaver  is  a resident  of  Lasalle  county,  this  state.  They  are  all 
well  circumstanced,  and  all  have  the  highest  social  standing. 

Of  Mr.  Keller  it  is  not  necessary  to  speak,  as  he  is  one  of  the 
“best  acquainted  men”  of  the  county,  one  that  is  not  only  known, 
but  also  knows  everybody.  The  writer’s  opinion  is  that  he  is  a 
whole-souled,  enthusiastic,  and  high-minded  gentleman,  not  only  of 
high  and  meritorious  standing,  but  also  clear-headed,  not  only  in 
business  matters,  but  on  the  great  national  topic  of  the  age — the 
currency  question.  It  is  needless  to  say  that  he  is  a greenbacker 
of  the  first  water,  and  an  uncompromising  friend  of  popular  gov- 
ernment and  popular  rights. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  K.  have  been  highly  blessed  in  their  family  rela- 
tinos, and  are  conferring  on  their  children  a good  education. 
Names  as  follows:  Walter  S.,  Augustus  R.,  Ada  D.,  Grace,  and 
Julia  A.  Two  of  the  daughters  are  now  in  attendance  at  the 
school  at  Valparaiso,  Ind. 


ILL  INI  TOWNSHIP. 


HIS  township,  lying  on  the  west  side  of  the  county,  is 
bounded  on  the  north  by  Austin,  on  the  east  by  Hickory 
Point,  on  the  south  by  Harristown,  and  on  the  west  by 
Niantic  township  and  Logan  county.  The  surface  is  a level 
prairie.  The  soil,  like  the  adjoining  townships,  is  rich  and  product- 
ive. It  is  well  drained  by  Jones’  Creek  in  the  north-west  corner,  Ditch 
Branch  in  the  central  part  and  Willow  Branch  which  heads  in  sec- 
tion 35,  and  runs  in  a westerly  direction  and  leaves  the  township 
in  section  31 . The  Pekin  and  Decatur  Railroad  enters  it  on  section 
6,  and  runs  diagonally  across  the  township,  leaving  it  on  section  24. 
The  name  lllini,  is  an  Indian  name,  and  means  “ real  men  ” or 
“superior  men.”  Some  of  the  earl)r  explorers  wrote  the  name  of 
this  tribe  lllini,  and  others  Illinois. 

There  were  no  settlements  made  in  lllini  until  the  year  1850, 
when  Walter  Turner  emigrated  from  Ohio,  and  settled  on  or  near 
what  is  now  section  31,  where  he  erected  a frame  dwelling-house 
and  began  farming.  Mr.  Turner  is  still  residing  in  the  township, 
having  moved,  however,  to  the  north-western  part,  where  he  is  en- 
gaged in  farming. 

Later  in  the  same  year,  William  Peed,  from  Morgan  county, 
Illinois,  and  Humphrey  Scroggins,  from  Logan  county,  Illinois, 
settled  near  Walter  Turner.  These  families  formed  a nucleus 
around  which  the  settlements  rapidly  increased  with  families  from 
the  east,  principally  from  the  granite  state. 

In  the  autumn  of  1857,  a pay  school  was  opened  by  a Miss  Dud- 
ley, who  continued  to  teach  in  one  of  the  farm-houses,  until  the 
spring  of  the  year  following,  when  a frame  school-house  was  erected 
on  section  34.  Miss  Dudley  then  taught  a public  school  in  this 
building  on  its  completion. 

The  first  sermon  preached  in  this  township  was  by  a Methodist 
circuit  rider,  from  Illiopolis,  in  the  year  1856.  Rev.  John  Hughes 
was  the  first  resident  preacher.  lllini  remained  destitute  of  a house 
of  worship  until  the  year  1875. 


John  Peed  and  Jemimiah  Hensen  were  the  first  couple  married. 
Carter  Scroggins,  a son  of  Humphrey  Scroggins,  was  the  first_ child 
born.  This  occurred  in  1851  or  ’52. 

In  1853,  occurred  the  death  of  a lady  named  Sarah  Eyman,  who 
was  a member  of  the  family  of  Mr.  Eyman,  who  came  from  St. 
Clair  county,  Illinois,  at  an  early  date.  This  was  the  first  death. 
The  first  Justice  of  the  Peace  was  Lewis  Eyman.  Mr.  Rodgers 
was  the  first  to  open  a shop  and  do  general  blacksmithing. 

In  1871,  occurred  the  establishment  of  a post-office  at  Warrens- 
burg,  with  R.  Schrader,  as  first  post-master.  Dr.  Holbrook,  who 
located  in  Warrensburg,  was  the  first  physician. 

The  first  entry  of  land  dates  back  to  July  18th,  1849,  when 
Walter  Turner  entered  80  acres  in  section  33,  and  two  tracts  in 
section  34,  of  80  acres  each.  And  on  the  same  day  Humphrey 
Scroggins  entered  S.W.  I of  section  34,  160  acres,  all  in  T.  No.  17 
N.  R.  1 east  of  the  3d  P.  M.  1 

The  first  introduction  of  fine  stock  was  made  by  Skillman  Allen. 
In  1855,  he  brought  a herd  of -short-horn  ‘ cattle  from  Kentucky; 
also  in  the  same  year  he  had  imported  from  Kentucky  a lot  of 
Cotswold  sheep.  In  1857,  J.  H.  Pickerell  bought  and  introduced 
the  first  fine  hogs.  These  were  the  Berkshire  breed.  In  1862,  he 
brought  some  fine  south  down  sheep  from  Kentucky.  During  the 
same  year,  Samuel  Batchelder  brought  into  the  township  some  Mor- 
gan and  St.  Lawrence  horses,  which  were  the  first  well-bred  horses. 

Following  is  a list  of  the  supervisors  since  township  organization  : 

J.  H.  Pickerell,  elected  in  1864 ; John  S.  Childs,  elected  in  1865, 
and  re-elected  in  ’66  and  ’67  ; J.  C.  Tucker,  elected  in  1868 ; J.  J. 
Bachelder,  elected  in  1869,  and  re-elected  in  ’70 ; J.  C.  Tucker, 
elected  in  1871,  and  re-elected  in  ’72 ; L.  R.  Moi’se,  elected  in  1873, 
and  re-elected  each  succeeding  year  up  to  ’76;  E.  J.  Roberts, 
elected  in  1877,  and  re-elected  each  year,  and  is  the  present  incum- 
bent. 

Peter  Wise,  a Pennsylvanian,  who  came  to  the  county  in  1850, 


21G 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


now  lives  on  section  11  ; M.  E.  Batchelder,  on  section  19,  came 
from  New  Hampshire  in  1854  ; C.  F.  Demsey,  a resident  of  War- 
rensburg,  is  an  Ohioan,  and  came  in  1853  ; J.  T.  Clough,  living  on 
section  32,  is  a native  of  New  Hampshire,  and  emigrated  in  1861 ; 
these  are  a few  of  the  prominent  men  now  residing  in  the  town- 
ship. 

The  town  of  Warrensburg  is  beautifully  situated  on  section  14, 
on  the  line  of  the  Pekin  and  Decatur  Railroad,  about  nine  miles 
north-west  of  Decatur.  It  was  laid  out  by  Messrs.  Warren  and 
Durfee,  soon  after  the  construction  of  the  railroad.  The  town  was 
named  in  honor  of  Mr.  Warren,  one  of  the  original  proprietors. 
John  Ritchie  erected  the  first  dwelling-house.  The  first  store  was 
kept  by  Samuel  Ritchie,  just  north  of  the  present  limits.  The  post- 
office  was  established  in  1871,  with  R.  Schrader  as  post- master. 
Jonas  Hawood  kept  the  first  hotel.  Samuel  Ritchie  was  also  the 
first  blacksmith. 

The  Husman  Brothers  were  the  first  persons  to  erect  a mill.  It 
was  a very  old  and  odd  pattern,  and  presents  a very  strange  appear- 
ance. It  is  a wind-mill  of  the  old  New  England  style,  and  was 


1 

built  for  grinding  corn  meal  and  buck-wheat  flour.  It  is  still  stand- 
ing and  in  operation. 

The  wagon-shop  of  Messrs.  Workman  & Binkley  was  the  first 
establishment  of  the  kind  in  the  town.  Dr.  Holbrook  was  the  first 
physician.  In  1874,  the  Methodist  denomination  erected  the  first 
church.  Rev.  Mr.  Morland  delivered  the  first  sermon  in  the  town, 
and  Rev.  Mr  Simmons  was  the  first  local  preacher. 

Miss  Harman  taught  the  first  school.  The  school-house  was 
built  in  1874. 

Messrs.  Bauglm  & Kepler  built  the  first  tile  works. 

The  present  business  of  Warrensburg  is  : — 

General  Stores. — Ritchie  & Bro.  ; A.  W.  Leavitt ; Shaw  & Six. 
Elevators. — Wm.  Ritchie,  capacity  12,000  bushels ; D.  N.  Dunlap, 
capacity  12,000  bushels.  Drugs. — C.  F.  Demsey.  Meat  Market. — 
C.  M.  Dillinger.  Physicians. — C.  F.  Demsey,  J.  N.  Randle. 
Harness,  Boot  and  Shoe  Store  — M.  R.  Schrader.  Grange  Store. — 
G.  W.  Thompson.  Blacksmith — Edward  Weekly.  Blacksmiths  and 
Wagon-makers. — AVorkman  and  Binkley.  Tile  Works. — Kepler  & 
Helsebus,  capacity  150,000  per  annum. 


■ • -OO--* ■ 

BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES. 


MARTIN  ALBERT. 

Martin  Albert,  a view  of  whose  farm  in  Illini  township 
appears  on  another  page,  was  born  near  Springfield,  Clark  county, 
Ohio,  March  28th,  1839.  His  father,  Henry  Albert,  was  born  at 
Hagerstown,  Maryland,  and  his  mother,  Louisa  Lehman,  at  Read- 
ing, Pa. 

He  was  the  oldest  of  nine  children,  and  when  he  was  fifteen  the 
family  moved  to  Hardin  county,  Ohio. 

June  3d,  1861,  Mr.  Albert  enlisted  in  Co.  “G  ” of  the  4th  Ohio 
regiment.  He  first  served  in  West  Virginia,  under  McClellan,  and 
was  in  the  battles  of  Rich  Mountain,  Philippi,  and  Romney.  The 
4th  Ohio  belonged  to  the  2d  army  corps,  and  was  with  the  army 
of  the  Potomac  till  the  close  of  the  war. 

Mr.  Albert  took  part  in  the  various  movements  of  the  army, 
and  was  engaged  in  all  the  principal  battles  in  Northern  Virginia. 
May  3d,  1863,  at  the  battle  of  Chancellorsville,  he  was  shot  through 
the  hip  and  lower  part  of  the  body.  He  was  in  the  hospital  at  Pt. 
Lookout  for  six  months,  and  was  then  transferred  to  Camp  Den- 
nison, Ohio,  where  he  was  mustered  out  at  the  expiration  of  his 
three  years  term  of  service,  June  8th,  1864,  with  his  wound  not  yet 
healed. 

In  1866  he  came  to  Macon  county  and  engaged  in  farming.  In 
1880  he  moved  on  his  present  farm  in  section  twelve,  Illini  town- 
ship. He  has  a fine  farm  of  two  hundred  and  forty  acres,  with  an 
abundance  of  running  water  and  excellent  natural  advantages.  The 
buildings  have  an  admirable  location. 

July  7th,  1864,  he  married  Ella  Norman,  who  was  born  near 
Wheeling,  A^a.  He  has  had  nine  children,  of  whom  eight  are 
living.  He  occupies  an  independent  position  in  politics,  but  gene- 
rally votes  the  democratic  ticket. 


He  served  one  term  as  justice  of  the  peace  in  Illini  township,  was 
re-elected,  and  was  serving  a second  term,  when  he  removed  to 
Maroa  township,  where  he  resided  four  years,  and  then  returned  to 
Illini. 


J.  T.  CLOUGH 

AVas  born  in  Merrimac  county,  New  Hampshire,  February  third, 
1814.  His  father  was  a farmer  in  good  circumstances.  He  obtained 
a good  education,  and  in  1843  took  charge  of  a school  at  Pembrook, 
and  subsequently  taught  elsewhere  in  New  Hampshire.  In  1855, 
President  Pierce,  who  was  a native  of  the  same  county,  appointed 
him  to  a position  in  the  postal  service.  He  had  charge  of  the  mails 
between  Boston  and  New  York.  On  the  accession  of  a republican 
administration  he  resigned.  In  November,  1859,  he  married  Abbie 
J.  Batchelder,  daughter  of  Col.  Nathaniel  Batchelder,  of  Pittsfield, 
New  Hampshire.  In  August,  1861,  he  came  west  and  settled  in 
Illini  township,  where  he  has  since  been  engaged  in  farming.  Of 
the  four  children  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Clough,  three  are  deceased. 
Charles  Henry  died  in  1865,  at  the  age  of  sixteen  months  ; and 
Frank  Pierce  at  the  age  of  six  ; and  Isabella,  at  the  age  of  fou^ 
died  of  diphtheria,  in  1872,  within  a period  of  ten  days.  Ella  R.  is 
the  oldest  child.  He  has  taken  an  active  part  in  politics,  has  held 
several  offices  in  the  township,  and  his  friends  have  prominently 
mentioned  his  name  as  a candidate  for  the  legislature.  He  is  a 
member  of  Illini  Congregational  Church.  He  has  carried  on 
farming,  and  has  paid  special  attention  to  the  breeding  of  fine 
horses. 


Blue  Mound  Elevator  . Blue  Mound, NaconCo.  III.  Residence  of  J.  BARRICK 

FLOUR , FEED  Sc  MEAL,  COAL  CO  NSTA  NTLY  O N HA  N 0 . SACHS  FURNISHED  F R E E . J . B A R R! C K/  Pro  PR. . BLUE  MOUND,  MACON  CO-ILL. 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


217 


Who  is  now  engaged  in  the  practice  of  his  profession  at  Warrens- 
burg,  was  born  at  Portsmouth,  Scioto  county,  Ohio,  on  the  13th  of 
April,  1839.  The  family  from  which  he  is  descended  was  of  Irish 
origin.  It  is  said  that  his  great-great-grandfather  lived  in  Ireland 
and  was  educated  for  the  Catholic  priesthood.  Renouncing  the 
Romish  faith  he  left  Ireland  and  came  to  Jamestown,  Virginia. 
The  family  name  had  been  “ McDempsey,”  which  he  changed  to 
the  present  form  of  Demsey.  Dr.  Demsey’s  grandfather,  whose 
name  was  Samson  Demsey,  moved  to  Ohio  shortly  after  the  open- 
ing of  the  present  century.  He  was  then  young  and  unmarried. 
He  taught  school  for  several  years.  He  married  Sarah  Nevin, 
who  was  also  of  Irish  descent.  She  was  born  in  Virginia,  but 
when  six  or  eight  years  old  had  come  to  Ohio  with  her  father,  who 
was  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  the  state.  Samson  Demsey  was  a 
man  who  stood  well  in  the  community  in  which  he  lived.  He  was 
a democrat,  and  took  an  active  part  in  politics.  He  was  chosen  to 
several  positions  of  trust  and  honor.  He  served  as  circuit  clerk, 
and  for  a number  of  terms  was  a member  of  the  Ohio  legislature. 
He  had  five  sons.  The  oldest,  C.  P.  Demsey,  practiced  law  at 
Cincinnati  for  a long  number  of  years.  The  youngest,  Adam 
Demsey,  was  a soldier  in  the  Mexican  war  and  settled  in  Indiana, 
where  he  died.  The  second  wras  John  N.  Demsey,  father  of  the 
subject  of  this  biography. 

John  N.  Demsey  was  born  in  Fayette  county,  Ohio,  in  the  year 
1813.  About  the  year  1832,  he  was  married  at  Chillicothe,  Ohio, 
to  Tabitha  Duncan,  a native  of  Jackson  county,  Ohio,  and  a 
daughter  of  General  John  Duncan.  General  Duncan  was  born  in 
Tennessee,  and  was  connected  with  the  family  of  that  name  who 
settled  in  Middle  Tennessee,  where  a considerable  number  of  the 
descendants  still  reside.  During  the  Indian  troubles,  connected 
with  the  war  of  1812,  he  raised  a regiment  in  Tennessee,  with 
28 


which  to  fight  the  Indians,  and  after  having  served  in  Ohio 
settled  at  the  Salt  Springs,  in  Jackson  county,  of  that  state,  where 
he  lived  for  many  years.  John  N.  and  Tabitha  Demsey,  were  the 
parents  of  eight  children,  of  whom  Dr.  Cyrus  F.  Demsey  was  the 
second.  In  the  year  1853,  the  family  moved  from  Ohio  to  Illinois. 
After  spending  the  winter  of  1853-4  at  Woodburn  in  Macoupin 
county,  the  following  spring  they  came  to  Decatur.  In  January, 
1855,  they  went  to  Clinton,  De  Witt  county,  and  in  the  spring  of 
1856  moved  on  a tract  of  five  hundred  acres  of  land,  in  Austin 
township,  of  this  county.  Dr.  Demsey’s  father  improved  all  of 
this  land  and  began  the  business  of  raising  wheat.  Wheat  growing 
in  Macon  county  with  the  farmers  was  at  that  time  an  experiment. 
Several  crops  were  raised  with  considerable  profit,  but  the  business 
in  the  end  proved  unremunerative,  and  many  farmers  lost  large 
sums  by  successive  bad  yields.  This  was  the  case  with  Dr.  Dem- 
sey’s father.  The  enterprise  proved  disastrous,  and  swept  away 
almost  his  entire  means.  While  living  in  Ohio  he  had  studied 
medicine,  and  he  began  again  the  practice  of  his  profession  ; moving 
to  Hickory  Point  township,  seven  miles  north-west  of  Decatur. 
In  those  days  when  the  settlements  away  from  the  timber,  were  few 
and  far  between,  the  physician  practicing  in  the  country,  led  by  no 
means  an  easy  life.  He  was  obliged  to  undergo  hard  travel,  much 
discomfort,  and  had  little  opportunity  for  leisui’e.  He  was  a suc- 
cessful physician,  and  remained  in  active  practice  till  his  death, 
which  occurred  in  March,  1874. 

Dr.  C.  F.  Demsey  was  about  fourteen  years  old,  when  he  came 
to  this  state.  He  had  laid  the  foundation  of  a good  English  edu- 
cation in  the  schools  of  Portsmouth,  Ohio,  previous  to  his  removal 
from  that  place.  After  coming  to  Illinois  he  attended  school  at 
Woodburn,  Decatur,  and  Clinton.  At  the  last  place  he  went  to  a 
high-school,  kept  by  a Dr.  Haskell.  He  left  home  in  the  year 


218 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


1858  and  began  life  on  his  own  account.  In  the  spring  of  1859 
he  went  to  California,  sailing  from  New  York,  and  reaching  Sau 
Francisco  by  way  of  the  Isthmus  of  Panama.  He  was  in  the  navy 
on  the  Pacific  Coast.  He  was  in  California  at  the  commencement 
of  the  war  of  the  Rebellion,  and  in  the  fall  of  1862  enlisted  in  a 
private  company  raised  in  California,  consisting  of  a hundred  men, 
and  known  as  the  “ California  Hundred.”  This  was  an  indepen- 
dent cavalry  company  ; the  men  furnished  their  own  horses  and 
equipments  ; and  it  was  their  intention  to  take  part  in  the  war 
without  regularly  entering  the  United  States  service.  On  reaching 
the  East  they  found  the  government  unwilling  to  receive  them  as 
an  independent  organization,  and  accordingly,  the  company  (which 
was  said  to  be  one  of  the  finest  that  at  any  period  of  the  war  en- 
tered the  service)  was  consolidated  with  the  second  Massachusetts 
cavalry.  In  the  spring  of  1863  the  regiment  was  sent  to  the 
Peninsula,  and  placed  under  General  Stoneman’s  command.  It 
formed  part  of  the  force  which  made  the  celebrated  raid  around 
Richmond.  The  regiment  was  called  to  Washington  at  the  time 
Lee  made  his  movement  through  Maryland  and  Pennsylvania, 
and  reached  Gettysburg  iu  time  to  take  jiart  under  General 
Custer’s  command  in  that  decisive  battle.  The  regiment  followed 
the  Confederate  forces  into  Virginia,  and  at  Fairfax  Court-House 
Dr.  Demsey  was  made  a prisoner  by  the  rebel  General  Mosby.  He 
had  a long  experience  of  confinement  in  Southern  prisons.  He 
was  captured  August  the  23d,  1863.  He  was  taken  to  Richmond 
and  confined  in  Libby  prison  till  October,  and  then  at  Belle  Island 
till  February,  1864,  when  he  was  moved  to  Andersonville  ; the 
following  September  he  was  sent  to  Savannah,  and  from  there  to 
Milan,  Georgia.  In  December,  1864,  he  was  exchanged  and  sent 
from  Savannah  to  Annapolis,  Maryland.  He  was  subsequently  on 
detached  service  at  Washington,  Harper’s  Ferry,  Port  Tobacco  and 
Baltimore,  till  the  close  of  the  war. 

He  returned  to  Macon  county  in  1865,  and  began  the  study  of 
medicine  at  Decatur,  with  Drs.  W.  J.  Chenoweth  and  S.  T.  Trow- 
bridge. In  the  fall  of  1866  he  entered  Rush  Medical  College,  at 
Chicago,  at  which  he  subsequently  attended  a second  course  of  lec- 
tures,. and  from  which  he  graduated.  He  began  practice  with  his 
father  in  1867.  In  January,  1868,  he  went  to  Cass  county,  Mis- 
souri, where  he  practiced  his  professsion  till  1875,  when  he  came 
back  to  Macon  county,  located  at  Warrensburg,  and  has  since  been 
engaged  in  active  practice  as  a physician.  He  has  also  carried  on 
the  drug  business,  since  1876.  His  first  marriage  was  in  January, 
1868,  to  Eliza  A.  Gouge,  a native  of  Macon  county.  She  died  on 
the  31st  of  May,  1872.  His  second  marriage  took  place  in  March, 
1873,  to  Clarinda  Gates,  who  was  born  in  Monroe  county,  Ohio. 
She  was  then  a resident  of  Cass  county,  Missouri,  to  which  place 
her  father  had  moved  from  Ohio.  He  has  three  children,  one  by 
his  first  and  two  by  his  second  marriage.  He  is  a republican  in 
politics.  

MOSES  EMORY  BATCHELDER 

Was  born  at  Hampton  Falls,  Rockingham  county,  New  Hamp- 
shire, July  12th,  1823.  His  ancestor,  the  Rev.  Stephen  Batchelder, 
or  “Bachiler”  as  the  name  was  then  spelled,  came  over  from  Lon- 
don, and  became  pastor  of  the  church  at  Hampton  before  1638, 
having  previously  preached  at  Lynn  ; he  returned  to  England  in 
1656 ; he  had  a son,  a minister,  in  London,  who  never  came  to  this 
country  ; but  his  grandson,  Nathaniel  Batchelder,  settled  at  Hamp- 
ton, whose  son,  Nathaniel,  born  1659,  was  the  first  settler  of  Hampton 
Falls.  The  farm  at  Hampton  Falls  on  which  he  settled  has  been 
in  the  possession  of  the  family  since  for  five  successive  generations, 
and  on  it  the  subject  of  this  biography  was  born.  His  great-great- 


grandfather  was  Nathaniel  Batchelder,  first  settler  of  Hampton 
Falls,  who  married  Elizabeth  Foss;  his  great-grandfather  was  Jo- 
siah  Batchelder,  who  married  Sarah  Page  ; his  grandfather  was 
David  Batchelder,  whose  second  wife  was  Mary  Emory  ; his  parents 
were  Moses  Batchelder  and  Abigail  Drake.  His  grandmother> 
Mary  Emory,  had  three  brothers  in  the  Revolutionary  war.  Moses 
Emory  was  the  sixth  of  eight  children  ; he  was  raised  at  Hampton 
Falls.  Jan.  22,  1852,  he  married  Sarah  A.  L.  Batchelder,  of  Pitts- 
field, New  Hampshire.  In  1864  he  came  to  Macon  county,  and 
the  next  spring  settled  in  lllini  township.  He  owns  305  acres  of 
land.  He  is  a republican.  His  children  are  Fred.  J.,  Natt.  C , 
Frank,  Edward  and  Clarence.  Since  1843  he  has  been  a member 
of  the  Congregational  church.  The  Batchelders  have  been  noted 
for  their  long  lives,  Mr.  Batchelder’s  ancestors  having  died,  some  of 
them,  at  an  extreme  old  age. 


D.  N.  DUNLAP. 

This  gentleman,  who  has  been  in  the  grain  business  at  Warrens- 
burg since  1873,  is  a native  of  this  state,  and  was  born  in  Sangamon 
county,  eight  miles  north  of  Springfield,  on  November  17th,  1839. 
The  Dunlap  family  is  of  Scotch  origin.  His  father,  Tennessee 
Dunlap,  was  born  in  Tennessee,  and  came  with  his  father  to  Illinois, 
some  years  previous  to  1 830. 

The  family  settled  in  Sangamon  county,  on  Fancy  creek.  His 
mother,  Elizabeth  Cartright,  was  born  in  Bourbon  county,  Ky.,  and 
belonged  to  a family  of  English  descent.  D.  N.  Dunlap  was  the 
oldest  of  a family  of  three  children,  and  was  raised  in  Sangamon 
county,  obtained  his  education  in  the  common  schools,  and  on  grow- 
ing up  engaged  in  farming. 

On  the  breaking  out  of  the  rebellion  he  volunteered,  enlisting  in 
August,  1862,  in  Co.  B of  the  130th  Illinois  regiment.  From  Camp 
Butler,  Springfield,  the  regiment  proceeded  to  Memphis,  Tenu., 
where  it  passed  the  winter,  and  then  went  to  Milliken’s  Bend,  and 
afterward  took  part  in  the  battles  of  Grand  Gulf,  Port  Gibson, 
Champion  Hill,  and  Black  River.  It  also  participated  in  the  siege 
of  Vicksburg. 

Mr.  Dunlap  had  been  placed  on  the  roll  of  honor  at  Memphis. 
After  Vicksburg  was  captured,  he  took  part  in  the  siege  of  Jack- 
son,  Miss.,  and  was  then  detailed  in  recruiting  service.  He  went 
to  New  Orleans,  and  assisted  in  recruiting  the  First  New  Orleans 
regiment,  in  which  he  was  mustered  in  as  2d  lieut.  of  Co.  B,  and  in 
which  he  served  till  June,  1866.  This  regiment  was  composed  of 
white  Union  soldiers  principally  from  Louisiana. 

He  served  in  the  commands  of  Gens.  Banks,  Sherman,  Canby, 
and  Sheridan,  and  most  of  the  time  under  Canby.  He  was  sta- 
tioned at  New  Orleans,  and  various  points  along  the  Mississippi,  and 
was  engaged  several  times  on  detached  duty,  and  sent  to  Havana, 
Dry  Tortugas,  and  other  points;  was  promoted  to  be  1st  lieut.,  and 
was  afterward  commissioned  as  captain.  His  regiment  was  the  last 
white  volunteer  regiment  mustered  out  of  the  service. 

He  returned  to  Sangamon  county,  and  engaged  iu  farming.  Iu 
1867  he  married  Mary  A.  Shannon,  a native  of  New  York.  He 
came  to  Macon  county  in  the  fall  of  1867,  and  began  farming  in 
Niantic  township,  and  afterward  iu  lllini  township. 

Since  1873  he  has  been  engaged  in  the  grain  business  at  Warrens- 
burg. He  lias  been  a democrat  in  politics,  though  he  has  never 
been  a strict  party  man,  and  on  local  issues  has  voted  for  the  man 
whom  he  considered  best  fitted  for  the  office. 

He  has  three  children — Gertie,  Flora  B-,  and  Daniel  Lee  Dunlap. 
He  is  a member  of  the  masonic  order,  and  belongs  to  Beaumauoii 
Commandery,  knights  templar,  of  Decatur. 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


219 


A.  W.  LEAVITT. 

A.  W.  Leavitt,  post-master  and  merchant  at  Warrensburg,  is  a 
native  of  Rew  Hampshire,  and  was  born  at  Wenham,  in  that  state, 
on  the  sixteenth  of  August,  1842.  His  ancestors  were  early  resi- 
dents of  New  Hampshire.  His  father,  Joseph  Leavitt,  was  born  at 
Meredith,  New  Hampshire,  and  his  mother,  Elizabeth  Fogg,  at 
Pittsfield,  in  the  same  state.  A.  W.  Leavitt  was  the  second  of  five 
children.  When  he  was  six  or  eight  years  old  his  father  moved  to 
Salem,  New  Hampshire,  and  afterward  to  Manchester.  When  he 
was  about  fifteen  the  family  moved  to  Newburyport,  Massachusetts. 
In  the  common  schools  of  New  Hampshire  and  Massachusetts  Mr. 
Leavitt  laid  the  foundation  of  a substantial  education.  At  the  age 
of  eighteen  he  left  school  and  became  a clerk  in  a dry  goods  store 
at  Newburyport.  Two  years  afterward  he  became  book-keeper  in 


a hat  manufacturing  establishment  in  the  same  place.  When  about 
twenty-three  or  twenty-four  he  formed  a partnership  with  his  brother 
Charles  Leavitt,  and  went  into  the  grocery  business  at  Newbury- 
port which  was  carried  on  till  1867,  when  the  family  came  to  Illinois 
and  settled  on  a farm  in  Illini  township,  where  one  hundred  and 
sixty  acres  of  land  were  purchased.  Mr.  Leavitt  was  engaged  in 
farming  till  1876,  when,  in  connection  with  his  brother,  he  engaged 
in  the  general  mercantile  business  at  Warrensburg.  Since  1877  he 
has  acted  as  post-master.  He  has  carried  on  a prosperous  business 
and  has  built  up  an  excellent  trade.  He  is  a member  of  the  Illini 
Congregational  Church.  He  was  married  on  the  third  of  March, 
1869,  to  Harriet  P.  Questrom,  of  Newburyport,  Massachusetts. 
He  is  known  as  an  excellent  business  man,  and  a gentleman  of  high 
personal  character. 


OAKLEY  TOWNSHIP. 


OUNDED  on  the  north  by  Whitmore,  east  by  Piatt 
county,  south  by  Long  Creek,  west  by  Decatur  and 
Whitmore  townships.  It  is  composed  of  fractional  por- 
tions of  the  Congressional  township  of  16,  Range  3-4 
and  Tp.  17,  Range  3-4  East.  The  township  is  well  drained  by  the 
Sangamon  river,  and  its  tributaries,  Badger  branch  Morris  branch 
and  Jeff  branch.  The  Sangamon  enters  the  township  on  the  north- 
east corner,  and  traverses  the  northern  and  western  borders,  leav- 
ing it  on  the  corner  of  section  9,  Tp.  16-3.  There  is  considerable 
timber  skirting  the  banks  of  the  stream.  The  lands  are  very  fertile- 
and  produce  large  quantities  of  corn,  wheat,  oats,  rye,  flax,  barley 
hay,  fruit  and  vegetables. 

EARLY  SETTLEMENTS. 

The  first  settler,  as  a land-owner,  was  James  Howell,  who  was  a 
native  of  Galiia  county,  Ohio,  he  located  with  his  family  on  section 
30,  Tp.  17,  Range  4,  in  the  spring  of  1825.  Soon  after  his  son  Wil- 
liam Howell  and  family  settled  on  the  same  section. 

John  Rea,  a Virginian  by  birth,  came  to  Macon  county  with  his 
family  in  1830,  and  settled  on  section  35,  Tp.  17-3.  Guy  Helm 
and  family  located  in  the  same  township  on  section  26,  in  1830. 
He  is  a native  of  the  “Old  Dominion,”  and  when  quite  young 
moved  with  his  parents  to  Gallia  county,  Ohio,  where  his  youth  and 
early  manhood  were  passed.  Mr.  Helm  is  an  old  style  Virginia 
gentleman,  hospitable  and  generous.  In  1835  came  three  brothers 
with  their  families  from  Virginia,  viz.,  William,  David  and 
Achilles  Morris  ; each  improved  a farm.  Other  early  settlers  were 
Garland  Wheeler  and  Arch.  Walton,  who  came  in  1836. 

Another  old  settler  is  W.  T.  Howell,  a grand  son  of  James 
Howell,  the  pioneer  of  Oakley.  The  first  marriage  was  that  of 
Caleb  Warfield  and  Nancy  Rea,  in  1835.  Elizabeth  Helm,  the 
daughter  of  Guy  and  Anna  Helm,  was  the  first  child  born  in  the 
present  limits  of  Oakley.  First  death  was  that  of  Mrs.  Morris, 
mother  of  William,  David,  and  Achilles  Morris. 

A log  school-house,  16  x 18  feet,  was  erected  in  the  fall  of  1830, 


on  section  26,  Tp.  17,  R.  3 E.  It  was  built  of  rough  unhewen  logs, 
with  puncheon  floor,  benches,  and  mud  chimney.  The  house  was 
lighted  by  means  of  oiled  paper  windows.  Alexander  Patton  taught 
the  first  school  in  this  building  in  the  winter  of  1830-31.  The  first 
sermon  was  preached  at  the  house  of  one  of  the  old  settlers  in  1835,  by 
Mr.  Lapham,  a minister  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  Other 
early  preachers  were  Rev.  Bird,  of  the  M.  E.  Church,  Rev.  James 
Wilson.  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church,  Rev.  Carpenter,  Baptist^ 
and  Rev.  David  Bunn,  Universalist.  The  first  blacksmith  shop 
was  established  by  John  Hawkins.  The  first  saw-mill  was  built  by 
Rhodes  and  Wheeler  in  1840.  Guy  Helm  erected  the  first  grist- 
mill in  1844.  Early  justices  of  the  peace  were  William  Howell, 
and  Andrew  Froman.  First  physicians  who  practiced  here  were 
G.  H.  Young,  and  Dr.  J.  G.  H.  Smith.  The  first  post-office  was  at  the 
house  of  John  Rickett,  on  section  35,  Tp.  17-3,  with  Mr.  R.  as 
post-master. 

The  first  thorough-bred  Durham  bull  was  brought  into  the  town- 
ship, by  Joseph  Howell.  And  the  first  blooded  horse  was  introduced 
by  Guy  Helm.  It  was  the  celebrated  race  horse,  Black  John. 

SANGAMON  STATION 

Is  located  on  section  3,  Tp.  16  R 3,  on  the  line  of  the  Wabash,  St. 
Louis  and  Pacific  railway.  In  1857,  a general  store  was  opened 
here  by  William  Harmon,  and  Benjamin  Wheeler.  Silas  Chappel 
was  the  first  ]Dost-master.  He  also  established  and  carried  on  a 
cooper  shop  here  in  1857.  A blacksmith  shop  was  erected  in  1867 
by  J.  B.  Spangler.  At  the  present,  J.  B.  Lichtenberger  is  post- 
master, and  also  engaged  in  general  merchandizing  and  grain  buy- 
ing. He  has  also  a grain  warehouse  with  a capacity  of  5,000 
bushels. 

VILLAG  E OF  OAKLEY 

is  pleasantly  situated  and  is  the  principal  shipping  and  trading 
point  in  the  township,  situated  on  section  1,  Tp.  16-3,  on  the  line 
of  the  Wabash,  St.  Louis,  and  Pacific  railway.  It  is  surrounded  by 
a rich  agricultural  district  and  bids  fair  to  become  a prosperous 


220 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


village ; it  was  laid  out  by  William  Rea,  in  1856.  The  same 
year  Mr.  R.  erected  the  first  house.  A post-office  was  established 
here  iu  1856,  and  D.  B.  Landis  was  the  first  post-master.  He 
was  also  the  first  justice  of  the  peace.  G.  M.  Everline  opened  and 
carried  on  a general  store  here  the  same  year.  The  first  hotel  was 
kept  by  John  Nickey,  and  E.  Rhodes  was  the  first  blacksmith. 
The  first  physician  was  Dr.  Samuel  Cooper.  In  1S60  a substan- 
tial school  edifice  was  erected. 

PRESENT  BUSINESS. 

Holcomb  & Turner,  general  merchants  and  stock  dealers.  There 
are  also  two  grain  warehouses,  with  storing  capacity  of  45,000 
bushels,  the  business  interests  of  the  village  are  growing,  and  it  is 
quite  a shipping  and  trading  point  for  the  inhabitants  of  the  town- 
ship, and  is  the  most  important  station  in  Macon  county,  on  the 
line  of  the  Wabash  R.  R.,  east  of  Decatur. 

Topography,  Timber,  etc. — The  land  surface  of  this  township  is 
mostly  an  undulating  prairie.  Originally  about  one  fourth  of  the 
area  was  covered  with  a thrifty  growth  of  timber,  comprising  hard 
and  soft  maple,  walnut,  hickory,  ash,  white,  red,  and  black  elm> 
and  the  several  sj>ecies  of  oak.  As  the  early  settlements  were  prin- 
pally  made  along  the  water  courses,  the  timber  afforded  the  set- 
tler the  means  to  build  his  cabin,  and  to  manufacture  the  rude  im- 
plements of  agriculture  used  during  that  period  ; also  for  fuel, 
fencing,  and  other  purposes. 

Game  of  various  kinds,  such  as  deer,  w’olves,  wild  turkeys,  and 
prairie-chickens  were  plentiful,  at  the  first  settlement  of  this  part 
of  the  county,  and  wild-honey  and  the  skins  of  wild  animals  were 
used  by  the  early  settlers,  for  purpose  of  trade  and  barter. 


Railroads. — The  Wabash,  St.  Louis  and  Pacific  railroad  enters 
this  township  on  section  nine,  Tp.  16-3,  and  the  line  of  the  road 
is  on  a north-easterly  direction.  It  leaves  .the  boundaries  of  Oakley 
on  section  33,  Tp.  17-4.  This  road  furnishes  excellent  transporta- 
tion and  shipping  facilities  for  the  residents  of  the  township. 

FIRST  LAND  ENTRIES. 

I he  following  are  the  first  land  entries  from  the  general  govern- 
ment. William  Howell  entered  March  19th,  1830,  80  acres,  in 
section  25,  Ip.  17  N.,  R.  3 East.  G.  Helm,  entered  November 
14th,  1832,  80  acres  in  section  30,  Tp.  17  N.  R.  4 east.  James 
Howell,  entered  November  13,  1832,  north  A of  lot  2,  of  the  south- 
west 1 of  section  30,  Tp.  17  N.,  R.  4 East,  containing  46.68  acres. 

On  the  adoption  of  township  organization,  by  the  legal  voters  of 
Macon  county,  the  territory  now  comprised  within  the  boundaries 
of  Oakley,  was  erected  into  a voting  precinct,  and  the  following  are 
a list  of  supervisors. 

SUPERVISORS. 

G.  W.  Forest,  elected  in  1860.  G.  W.  Forest,  re-elected  in  1861. 
L.  Chambers,  elected  in  1862.  H.  McCoy,  elected  in  1863.  H. 
McCoy,  re-elected  in  1864.  O.  J.  Doyle,  elected  in  1865.  .0.  J. 
Doyle,  re-elected  in  1866.  E.  Rhodes,  elected  iu  1867.  E.  Rhodes, 
re-elected  in  1868.  R.  Spencer,  elected  in  1869.  R.  Spencer,  re- 
elected in  1870.  E.  Rhodes,  re-elected  in  1871.  R.  Spencer, 
re-elected  in  1872.  Dr.  S.  Cooper,  elected  in  1873.  Dr.  S.  Cooper, 
re-elected  in  1874.  Wm.  Grason,  elected  in  1875.  Wm.  Grason, 
re-elected  in  1876.  Wm.  Grason,  re-elected  in  1877.  H.  J. 
Manecke,  elected  in  1878.  H.  J.  Manecke,  re-elected  in  1879.  H. 
J.  Manecke,  re-elected  in  1880. 




BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES. 


JOHN  HISER. 

The  subject  of  the  following  sketch  is  a native  of  Cumberland 
county,  Pennsylvania.  He  was  born  near  Carlisle  on  the  3d  of 
May,  1822.  George  Hiser,  his  father,  was  also  a native  of  the 
same  county  and  state.  John  Hiser,  the  paternal  grandfather, 
was  a native  of  Germany.  He  came  to  America  and  settled 
in  the  county  and  state  above  named,  and  married  there,  and 
remained  in  the  county  until  his  death.  George  Hiser,  the  father, 
came  west  to  Illinois  in  1850,  and  stopped  with  his  son  John 
until  his  death  in  1858.  He  married  Mary  Wolfe.  She  is 
still  living  with  her  son  John,  in  Oakley  township.  There  were 
born  to  George  and  Mary  Hiser  ten  children,  eight  of  whom  are  still 
living — six  boys  and  two  girls;  John  is  the  second  in  the  family. 
His  advantages  for  an  education  in  his  youth  were  exceedingly 
meagre  ; his  father  was  poor  and  had  a large  family  to  support,  so 
that  John  was  at  an  early  age  forced  to  become  a help  and  support 
of  the  family.  He  remained  at  home  until  his  twenty -fourth  year, 
when  he  hired  out  and  commenced  doing  for  himself.  In  the  fall 
of  1849  he  concluded  to  come  west.  Being  possessed  of  little  means 
and  unable  to  pay  his  passage,  he  started  out  on  foot  and  walked 


the  entire  distance  from  Pennsylvania  to  Macon,  Illinois.  When 
he  got  here  he  found  that  there  were  better  chances  for  a poor  man 
than  in  Pennsylvania,  and  here  he  determined  to  stay.  He  first 
stopped  in  Decatur  and  worked  at  making  rails  during  the  winter. 
The  next  spring  he  hired  to  work  on  a farm,  and  soon  after  went 
into  Spangler’s  flouring  and  grist  mill,  and  six  months  later  leased 
the  mill  and  operated  for  one  year  and  a half.  He  then  went  back 
to  farming  and  making  rails  until  1858,  when  he  ^mrchased  one 
hundred  acres  of  raw  land  in  Sec.  27,  T.  17,  R.  3 E.,  and  com- 
menced its  improvement.  There  he  has  lived  up  to  the  present 
time,  and  now  has  a fine  farm,  well-improved  and  stocked.  A view 
of  his  farm  and  residence  can  be  seen  on  another  page  of  this  work. 
On  the  17th  of  September,  1853,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to 
Miss  Sarah  Hess.  She  was  also  born  and  raised  in  Cumberland 
county,  Pa.  Her  parents,  Caleb  and  Barbara  Hess,  came  to  Illinois 
in  1850,  and  settled  in  Oakley  township.  Eleven  children  have 
been  born  to  John  and  Sarah  Hiser,  nine  of  whom  are  living. 
Their  names  are:  Elizabeth,  wife  of  Daniel  Seitz,  a farmer  living 
in  Oakley  township;  Jane,  wife  of  Levi  Kniseley,  a resident  of 
Summer  county,  Kansas ; Mary  Jane,  died  at  the  age  of  twenty-one 


Farm  Residence  ofJ0HN.HISER,Sec.34. T.  17. R. 3. E.( Oakley Tp.)  Macon  Co . I ll. 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


221 


years  ; George,  farmer,  now  farming  the  home  place ; William  ; 
John  F.,  who  died  in  infancy;  Lida,  Albert,  Jacob,  Henry  and 
Sylvester  Hiser.  Both  he  and  his  estimable  wife  are  members  of 
the  United  Brethren  church.  Politically  he  is  a democrat,  and 
cast  his  first  vote  for  James  Iv.  Polk  in  1844,  and  from  that  time  to 
the  present  has  given  his  adhesion  to  the  party  of  his  early  and 
first  choice.  In  the  business  of  life  Mr.  Hiser  has  been  reasonably 
successful.  He  started  poor  and  unaided.  What  he  has  has  been 
accumulated  by  hard  toil  and  the  practice  of  rigid  economy.  Every 
cent  of  it  has  also  been  gotten  in  an  honest  and  honorable  way. 
Among  his  neighbors  he  is  regarded  as  a man  of  strict  propriety  of 
character,  a kind  friend  and  good  neighbor. 


SIMON  P.  NICKEY. 

The  Nickey  family  are  of  German  ancestry.  The  paternal 
grandfather  was  a native  of  Germany.  He  came  to  America  and 
settled  in  Lancaster  county,  Pennsylvania.  He  afterward  removed 
to  Cumberland  county,  in  the  same  state,  where  he  remained  until 
his  death.  David  Nickey,  his  son,  was  born  in  Cumberland  coun- 
ty ; he  was  a shoemaker  by  trade,  but  subsequently  engaged  in 
farming.  He  married  Mary  Ann  Max.  She  was  born  in  Perry 
county,  Pa  She  died  in  1830.  By  this  marriage  there  were  four- 
teen children — eight  boys  and  six  girls — eight  of  whom  are  still 
living.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  is  the  youngest  in  the  family. 
He  was  born  in  Cumberland  county,  Pa.,  November  16th,  1832. 
He  received  the  rudiments  of  a common-school  education  in  the 
private  schools  of  his  native  county.  Feeling  the  necessity  and 
importance' of  a more  thorough  education  than  the  common  schools 
afforded,  he  went  to  work  at  four  dollars  per  month,  and  earned 
money ; and  with  money  thus  earned  he  paid  his  tuition  and  sup- 
ported himself  for  three  years  in  the  Plainfield  Academy  in  Cum- 
berland county.  A portion  of  the  time  he  taught  school  in  the  win- 
ter season  and  attended  the  academy  during  the  summer  months. 
In  this  way  he  prepared  himself  to  enter  Dickinson  College,  at 
Carlisle,  Pa.  He  entered  that  institution  in  1853,  with  the  inten- 
tion of  taking  a full  course  and  graduating  and  preparing  himself 
for  the  ministry  ; but  he  remained  there  but  two  years,  when  he 
came  west  on  a visit,  and  has  remained  here  to  the  present. 

He  taught  school  in  the  winter  of  1855  in  Sangamon,  and  in 
Newburg  in  1857  and  1858.  In  the  spring  of  1858  he  embarked 
in  mercantile  business  in  the  village  of  Oakley,  and  at  about  the 
same  time  was  appointed  station  agent  for  the  Great  Western  Rail- 
road Company  of  1859.  He  continued  in  their  employ  until  1864. 
He  was  also  appointed  post-master  in  1859,  and  held  the  office  until 
1862. 

In  the  fall  of  1864  he  rented  land  in  sec.  5,  T.  16,  R.  4 E,  and 
in  1870  purchased  the  farm  upon  which  he  at  present  resides.  Mr. 
Nickey  taught  school  eleven  winters  altogether  in  Macon  county. 
On  the  9th  of  October,  1860,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Mary  K.  McCoy.  She  was  born  in  Greenbrier  county,  Virginia, 
March  31st,  1825.  Her  parents,  John  and  Sarah  McCoy,  moved 
to  Urbana,  Ohio,  in  1832.  Mrs.  McCoy  was  a resident  of  that 
state  at  the  time  of  her  marriage.  By  this  union  there  has  been 
one  son,  named  John  McCoy  Nickey.  Mr.  Nickey’s  occupation, 
since  his  residence  in  Illinois,  has  been  for  the  greater  part  of  the 
time  that  of  a farmer  and  school-teacher.  In  1873  his  interest  and 
zeal  in  educational  matters  received  suitable  recognition.  He  was 
elected  county  superintendent  of  schools  ; he  occupied  the  office 
from  1873  to  1877.  His  term  was  characterized  throughout  by 
efficiency  and  zeal  that  aided  very  much  in  bringing  up  the  com- 


mon schools  of  Macon  county  to  their  present  high  standard  of  ex- 
cellence. Politically,  he  is  a member  of  the  democratic  party.  He 
cast  his  first  presidential  vote  in  1856  for  James  Buchanan,  and 
from  that  time  to  the  present,  in  all  national  and  state  elections, 
has  uniformly  voted  the  ticket  of  his  first  choice.  He  has  held 
various  offices  in  his  township,  such  as  assessor,  collector  and  school 
director,  and  in  all  has  discharged  the  duties  imposed  upon  him  in 
a faithful  and  conscientious  manner.  In  the  summer  of  1880  he 
received  the  nomination  from  the  democratic  party  in  convention 
assembled  for  the  office  of  circuit  clerk,  and  if  elected  will  make  an 
efficient  and  competent  officer.  He  is  a respected  member  of  the 
ancient  and  honorable  Order  of  Freemasonry,  and  is  a member  of 
Cerro-Gordo  Lodge  No.  600,  Piatt  county,  Illinois. 

This,  in  short,  is  a brief  biographical  sketch  of  one  of  Macon 
county’s  most  worthy  citizens.  In  his  home  he  is  a kind,  hospita- 
ble gentleman,  and,  among  his  neighbors  and  friends  who  know 
him  best,  is  regarded  as  an  upright,  honorable  and  honest  man. 


CAPTAIN  WILLIAM  GRASON. 

The  subject  of  the  following  biographical  sketch  is  a native  of 
Ireland,  and  was  born  December  27th,  1832.  His  father,  Robert 
Grason,  emigrated  to  America  in  1835.  He  settled  in  Cincinnati, 
Ohio,  where  he  remained  a few  years,  then  removed  to  St.  Louis, 
from  there  to  Peoria,  Illinois,  and  then  back  to  St.  Louis.  He 
afterward  went  to  New  Orleans,  when  all  trace  of  him  was  lost. 
He  was  in  Ireland  a shop-keeper.  After  he  came  to  America  he 
worked  at  the  carpenter  trade.  He  married  Jane  Glenn.  She 
was  of  Scotch  parentage.  Her  parents  removed  to  the  north  part 
of  Ireland  to  escape  religious  persecution.  They  were  Episcopalians 
in  faith.  By  this  marriage  there  were  ten  children.  William  left 
home  at  the  age  of  twelve  years,  and  went  to  work  on  a farm. 
When  at  the  age  of  sixteen  years  he  saw  the  necessity  of  getting  an 
education.  He  therefore  went  to  a school  and  learned  rapidly,  and 
soon  mastered  the  rudimentary  principles  and  advanced  to  and 
became  proficient  in  the  higher  grades,  particularly  in  language 
and  mathematics.  He  afterwards  went  on  the  river  and  learned 
ship  and  house  carpentering.  He  worked  at  the  trade  until  he  was 
in  his  twenty-second  year,  when  he  came  to  Macon  county,  Illinois, 
and  stopped  in  Oakley  township  and  worked  at  his  trade,  and  in 
the  spring  of  1855  he  purchased  land  in  section  9,  T.  16,  R.  4 E., 
and  improved  it,  and  here  he  remained  until  the  sixth  of  September, 
1862,  when  he  enlisted  as  a private  in  Co.  “A,”  116th  Regiment 
Illinois  Volunteers.  On  the  formation  of  the  company  he  was 
elected  firstsergeant.  The  regiment  was  organized  in  Decatur,  and 
was  ordered  to  Cairo  and  from  there  to  Memphis,  where  it  was  bri- 
gaded with  the  1st  Battalion,  8th  Regulars,  6th  and  8th  Missouri 
regiments,  Morgan  L.  Smith  Brigade  commander.  It  formed  a 
part  of  the  2d  Division,  15th  Army  Corps,  under  command  of  Gen. 
AV.  T.  Sherman.  The  first  service  in  which  the  regiment  and  bri- 
gade participated  was  the  Tallehatchie  march,  after  which  they 
returned  to  Memphis,  took  boats  and  went  down  the  river  and 
made  the  first  attack  on  Vicksburg,  then  fell  back  to  Helena,  Ar- 
kansas, and  went  up  the  AVhite  river,  cut  oft’  and  attacked  and 
captured  Arkansas  Post,  then  returned  to  the  Mississippi  again, 
where  they  were  joined  by  Gen.  McClernand,  and  participated  in 
the  siege  and  capture  of  Vicksburg.  On  the  22d  of  May,  1863,  in 
the  charge  of  Fort  Hill  Capt.  Grason  was  shot  through  the  lungs. 
He  was  sent  home,  where  he  remained  until  he  recovered  his  health, 
after  which  he  rejoined  his  command  at  Jacksonville,  Alabama,  and 
there  on  the  15th  of  February,  1864,  had  the  ball  extracted.  He 


222 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


was  also  in  the  disastrous  charge  upon  the  works  at  Vicksburg  on 
the  19th  of  May,  1863,  when  Co.  A of  the  116th  regiment  entered 
with  thirty-one  men,  and  after  the  charge  stacked  arms  with  but 
thirteen  left. 

He  after  joining  his  regiment  participated  with  it  in  the  siege  and 
capture  of  Atlanta,  and  went  with  Sherman  on  his  famous  march 
to  the  sea,  then  to  Savannah,  where  the  116th  regiment  took  part  in 
the  assault  upon  Fort  McAllister,  and  were  the  first  inside  of  the 
works,  closely  followed  by  the  6th  Missouri,  then, on  to  Washington, 
where  they  participated  in  the  Grand  Review.  Capt.  Grason  was 
promoted  1st  Lieutenant,  April  28th,  1863,  and  then  to  the  cap- 
taincy of  the  company,  and  was  mustered  out  as  captain,  June  7th, 
’65.  He  returned  home,  went  to  Scott  co.,  Illinois,  where  his  family 
was,  and  remained  there  two  years',  working  at  his  trade  ; then 
returned  to  Oakley  township  and  re-engaged  in  cultivating  his  farm, 
at  which  he  has  continued  to  the  present.  On  the  22d  of  April, 

1855,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Helen  E.  Burrows, a native 
of  Morgan  county,  Illinois,  but  a resident  of  Scott  county  at  the 
time  of  her  marriage.  This  marriage  has  been  hallowed  and  blessed 
by  eight  children,  six  of  whom  are  still  liviug,  five  sons  and  one 
daughter.  Their  names  are  Charles  Fremont,  William  Carlton, 
Robert  Emmett,  Franklin  Glenn,  Thomas  Addis  and  Ida  Belle. 
Charles  F.  is  now  in  Oregon ; the  rest  are  residents  of  Macon  county. 
Politically  Capt.  Grason  was  one  of  the  original  republicans.  He 
was  among  the  few  who  gave  their  support  to  John  C.  Fremont,  in 

1856.  He  remained  an  active  member  of  the  party  until  1876, 
when  he  espoused  the  independent  or  greenback  movement,  and 
supported  Peter 'Cooper  for  the  presidency.  He  has  now  returned 
to  his  first  love,  and  is,  as  of  old,  an  ardent  and  active  supporter  of 
republican  principles.  He  takes  great  interest  in  all  public  affairs 
connected  with  his  township  or  county,  and  has  served  upon  the 
board  of  supervisors  for  four  terms.  While  a member  of  that  body 
he  exercised  great  influence,  and  bore  the  reputation  of  being  a 
careful  and  prudent  officer,  looking  carefully  after  the  interests  of 
his  constituents  not  only  in  his  township,  but  in  the  entire  county. 
During  the  year  1880  he  was  appointed  census  enumerator  for  his 
township.  Capt.  Grason  is  universally  respected  by  his  neighbors. 
He  is  a man  of  large  heart  and  most  generous  impulses,  genial  and 
sociable,  hospitable  at  his  home,  and  possessed  of  much  general  and 
varied  information ; we  found  him  a man  whose  acquaintance  it  was 
a genuine  pleasure  to  make. 


W.  F.  COULTER. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  is  a native  of  Illinois.  He  was  born 
in  St.  Clair  county,  June  fifteenth,  1848.  Archibald  Coulter,  his 
father  was  a native  of  South  Carolina.  He  removed  to  Tennessee, 
then  to  Kentucky,  and  came  to  Illinois  between  the  years  1825 
and  1830.  He  remained  in  St.  Clair  county  until  1866,  when  he 
removed  to  De  Witt  county,  in  this  state,  and  was  a resident  of 
that  county  at  the  time  of  his  death.  His  death  occurred  in  the 
winter  of  1875,  and  in  the  following  manner  : He  had  been  to  New 
York  on  a visit,  and  on  his  return  home,  while  the  train  was  stop- 
ping at  Danville  junction,  he  stepped  off  the  cars  and  walked  out 
upon  the  track.  His  absence  from  the  cars  was  not  noticed  until 
after  the  train  started,  when  his  body  was  found  on  the  track,  the 
cars  having  passed  over  him,  killing  him  instantly.  During  his 
life  he  was  engaged  in  farming,  milling  and  general  merchandiz- 
ing. He  was  twice  married,  and  was  the  father  of  eight  children. 
The  subject  of  this  sketch  is  the  youngest  of  the  family.  He  re- 
mained at  home,  and  in  his  youthful  days  attended  the  public 
schools  of  his  native  county.  He  received  a fair  education  therein, 


which  has  been  in  later  years  improved  by  extensive  reading  and 
close  observation  of  men  and  things. 

When  in  his  twenty-second  year  he  went  to  De  Witt  county  with 
his  father,  and  worked  two  years  in  his  mill  on  Salt  Creek,  and 
then  got  married  and  went  on  a farm,  and  remained  so  engaged 
for  four  years.  In  the  winter  of  1874  he  came  to  Oakley  township 
and  bought  his  present  mill  property,  and  here  he  has  remained 
actively  engaged  up  to  the  present.  On  the  8th  of  September, 
1868,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Elizabeth  Stone.  She  is  a 
native  of  Tennessee,  but  was  a resident  of  De  Witt  county,  Illinois, 
at  the  time  of  her  marriage.  This  union  has  been  blessed  with 
three  children  living  ; their  names  are — Lillie,  Minnie,  and  Della 
Coulter. 

Politically,  Mr.  Coulter  is  a member  of  the  republican  party. 
He  cast  his  first  presidential  vote  for  U.  S.  Grant  in  1872,  and  since 
that  time  has  seen  no  reason  to  change  his  political  principles.  He 
is  not  a politician,  nor  does  he  take  any  more  interest  than  to  cast 
his  vote  as  becomes  the  right  and  duty  of  every  American  citizen. 
Mr.  Coulter  is  yet  a young  man  just  entering  upon  the  threshold 
of  business  life  as  it  were;  but  from  the  progress  made  thus  far, 
and  from  the  industry  and  activity  displayed,  it  requires  no  pro- 
phetic mind  to  cast  with  unerring  certainty  and  predict  the  future 
success  of  him  who  is  the  possessor  of  these  traits  of  character. 

In  the  neighborhood  and  among  those  with  whom  he  has  done 
business,  he  is  regarded  as  a correct  business  man,  honorable  in  all 
his  dealings,  a good  neighbor  and  a kind  friend. 


JACOB  SEITZ,  ESQ. 

The  ancestors  of  the  Seitz  family  came  to  America  from  Germany 
before  the  Revolutionary  war.  They  afterward  removed  to  Canada, 
but  before  the  war  of  1812  returned  to  Pennsylvania.  John  Seitz, 
the  father  of  Jacob,  was  born  in  Manheim,  Lancaster  county, 
Pennsylvania.  He  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812.  He  removed 
to  Cumberland  county,  in  the  same  state,  where  he  remained  until 
his  death  in  1856.  He  was  a tailor  by  trade,  and  worked  at  the 
business  the  greater  part  of  his  life.  He  was  three  times  married. 
The  last  wife  was  named  Elizabeth  Kline.  She  wTas  born  in  Cum- 
berland county,  Pennsylvania.  She  came  west  and  died  in  this 
county,  in  1873.  There  were  twelve  children,  seven  by  the  last 
wife,  five  sons  and  two  daughters.  Jacob  is  the  oldest  of  the  latter 
family.  He  was  born  in  Cumberland  county,  Pennsylvania,  Octo- 
ber 15th,  1814.  He  worked  on  the  farm  and  attended  the  subscrip- 
tion school  in  the  winter  season.  When  he  was  nineteen  years  of 
age  he  learned  the  tailor  trade  in  Dover,  York  county,  Pennsylva- 
nia. He  worked  at  the  business  sixteen  years,  then  quit  it  and 
engaged  in  farming,  and  still  continues  in  that  occupation. 

Mr.  Seitz  remained  in  the  land  of  his  birth  until  May,  1857,  when 
he  came  west  and  settled  in  Oakley  township,  Macon  county, 
Illinois.  Here  he  purchased  eighty  acres  of  land  in  section  26,  T. 
17,  R.  3,  of  the  Illinois  Ceutral  Railroad  company.  It  was  new 
land,  and  all  the  improvements  have  been  made  by  him.  A .fine 
view  of  his  farm  and  residence  can  be  seen  on  another  page  of  this 
work. 

On  the  21st  of  June,  1836,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Barbara  Nickey.  She  was  born  in  Cumberland  county,  Pennsyl- 
vania, in  1815.  She  died  September  4th,  1874.  By  this  union 
there  were  ten  children,  seven  sons  and  three  daughters.  Two  of 
the  daughters  died.  Their  names  are  Mary  Ann,  wife  of  William 
Hiser;  Elizabeth  Jane,  the  wife  of  Conrad  Enterline;  David  Wes- 
ley, farmer  in  Piatt  county,  Illinois;  Jeremiah  L.,  now  a resident 


Stock  and  Grain  Farm  of  M.L.O  ECK,  Sec.  33.(0akley  Tp.)  17.  R.4.  E.  Macon  Co.  III.  200Acres 


- 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


223 


of  McPherson  county,  Kansas ; Daniel  Alexander,  a farmer  and 
resident  of  this  county  ; James  Thompson,  also  of  Macon  county  ; 
William  Wilson,  living  at  Lightner  Station  ; and  Jacob  Anderson, 
a resident  of  McPherson  county,  Kansas. 

On  the  15th  of  August,  1878,  Mr.  Seitz  married  Mrs.  Mary  Ann 
Baker,  nee  Kiser.  She  had  by  her  first  husband  seven  children, 
five  boys  and  two  girls.  Mrs.  Seitz  was  born  in  Clark  county,  Ohio. 
In  politics  Mr.  Seitz  was  originally  a democrat.  He  cast  his  first 
presidential  vote  for  Martin  Van  Buren  in  183(3.  In  1852  hejoined 
the  whig  party  and  voted  for  Winfield  Scott.  In  1860  hevotedfor 
Lincoln,  and  since  that  time  has  been  a member  of  the  republican 
party.  In  1878  he  was  elected  justice  of  the  peace  for  his  township, 
an  office  he  still  holds  and  fills  to  the  satisfaction  of  those  who 
placed  the  scales  of  justice  in  his  hands.  In  the  neighborhood 
where  Mr.  Seitz  has  long  lived,  he  is  regarded  as  the  best  of  neigh- 
bors  and  an  honest  man.  This  is  the  verdict  of  those  who  have 
known  him  the  longest  and  best;  socially  he  is  of  pleasant  and 
agreeable  manners,  kind  and  considerate  for  the  wants  of  others, 
and  always  trying  to  do  unto  others  as  he  would  have  others  do 
unto  him. 


THOMAS  CHAMBERS 

Was  born  in  Bourbon  county,  Kentucky,  May  15th,  1827. 
James  Chambers,  his  father,  was  also  a native  of  the  same  state. 
He  was  a soldier  in  the  war  under  the  command  of  General  Wil- 
liam H.  Harrison.  In  1835  he  moved  to  Indiana,  where  he  lived 
eighteen  months;  then  came  to  Illinois  and  settled  in  Vermilion 
county,  and  remained  there  six  years,  then  came  to  Macon  county, 
and  settled  permanently  in  Oakley  township.  He  here  entered  for- 
ty acres  of  land,  and  purchased  forty  acres  of  school  land  in  section 
26,  T.  17,  R.  4 E.  He  remained  in  Oakley  township  until  his 
death,  which  took  place,  August  25th,  1877,  in  the  seventy-fifth 
year  of  his  age.  He  married  Nancy  Buoy.  She  was  also  a native 
of  Kentucky.  She  died  about  the  year  1855.  By  this  marriage 
there  were  five  children,  three  sons  and  two  daughters  ; all  living 
except  Mary,  who  was  married  to  Daniel  Dickey.  Laban  is  the 
eldest  son.  He  was  a soldier  in  the  war  with  Mexico,  and  was 
wounded  at  the  battle  of  Cerro  Gordo,  and  suffered  the  ampu- 
tation of  his  right  arm.  Thomas  is  the  youngest  son  and  fourth  in 
the  family.  He  received  but  an  indifferent  education  in  his  youth. 
Confinement  in  school-houses  was  irksome  to  his  naturally  bouyant 
disposition.  He  never  could  bear  confinement.  (He  wanted  to  roam 
around  and  enjoy  the  fine  free  air.  This  is  his  disposition  yet. 
After  the  family  removed  to  Macon  county,  Thomas  purchased  land 
in  section  21,  Town  17,  Range  4.  It  was  unimproved.  Here  he 
has  resided  up  to  the  present  time,  and  now  has  one  of  the  best  farms 
in  the  township.  He  married  Miss  Mary,  daughter  of  Robert  and 
Jennie  Gates.  Mr.  Gates  was  a native  of  Kentucky,  and  his  wife 
of  Tennessee.  He  died  while  on  a trip  to  California  in  1849,  and 
Mrs.  Gates  died  in  Missouri. 

There  have  been  born  to  Thomas  and  Mary  Chambers  six  chil- 
dren, five  of  whom  are  living.  Their  names  are  Margaret  Ellen, 
wife  of  James  Iv.  Peck,  Effie,  Jane,  Elizabeth  Emma,  and  William 
R.  Chambers.  Politically  Mr.  Chambers  is  a republican.  Before 
the  formation  of  the  Republican  party  he  was  an  old-line  whig,  and 
cast  his  first  presidential  vote  for  General  Taylor  in  1848. 

Mr.  Chambers  has  always  followed  the  occupation  of  farming 
and  stock  raising  and  stock  trading,  in  all  of  which  he  has  been 
very  successful.  He  started  in  life  poor ; and  what  he  has,  has  been 
the  accumulation  of  patient  toil,  the  practice  of  economical  habits. 
In  his  manners  he  is  pleasant  and  agreeable,  and  iu  his  home  a hos- 
pitable gentleman. 


T.  O.  HOLCOMB. 

The  subject  of  the  following  biographical  sketch  is  a native  of 
Illinois.  He  was  born  in  St.  Clair  county.  May  19th,  1842.  1 1 is 

grandfather,  William  Holcomb,  was  a native  of  North  Carolina. 
He  emigrated  at  an  early  age  and  settled  in  Tennessee,  and  from 
there  came  to  St.  Clair  county,  Illinois,  in  the  year  181 1.  He  was 
one  of  the  rangers  in  the  Indian  wars  and  drew  a pension  from 
the  government  for  services  rendered  as  a soldier.  He  died  at  the 
advanced  age  of  ninety-three  years.  He  married  Polly  Ruther- 
ford ; John  T.  his  son,  and  father  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was 
born  in  St.  Clair  county.  He  remained  there  until  his  death,  the 
date  of  which  was  August  25th,  1855.  He  married  Livina  Potter, 
Sbe  was  also  born  in  St.  Clair  county,  Illinois,  where  she  still  re- 
sides. By  this  marriage  there  were  six  children,  three  of  whom 
are  living.  T.  O.  is  eldest  of  the  family.  He  remained  at  home 
i until  the  breaking  out  of  the  late  war.  On  the  8th  of  August, 
1862,  he  enlisted  for  three  years  as  a private  in  Company  “ H,” 
117th  regiment,  Illinois  volunteers.  The  regiment  was  organized 
at  camp  Butler,  Illinois.  On  the  organization  of  the  company  Mr. 
Holcomb  was  elected  sergeant.  The  regiment  was  brigaded  at 
Memphis,  Tennessee,  and  was  attached,  and  known  as  the  2d 
brigade,  2d  division,  16th  army  corps.  Sergeant  Holcomb  par- 
ticipated with  his  regiment  iu  all  the  battles  in  which  it  was 
engaged,  and  was  mustered  out  and  honorably  discharged  August 
5th,  1865,  at  the  close  of  the  war.  He  returned  home,  worked  on 
a farm  in  the  summer  months,  and  taught  school  in  the  winter. 
He  engaged  in  general  merchandizing  in  Freeburg,  Illinois,  and  on 
the  1st  of  June,  1879,  came  to  Oakley,  Macon  county,  where  he 
engaged  in  general  merchandizing  and  grain  business,  in  which  he 
still  continues.  On  the  14th  of  September,  1869,  he  was  married 
to  Miss  Clarinda  J.  Smith,  of  St.  Clair  county.  By  this  union 
there  have  been  five  children  ; three  living,  two  boys  and  one  girl. 
Their  names  are,  Cassius,  Bessie  and  T.  O.  Holcomb.  His  wife  is 
a member  of  the  Baptist  Church.  He  is  a member  of  the  A.  F. 
and  A.  M.  Lodge,  and  also  a member  of  Belleville  Chapter  R.  A. 
M.  No.  106.  Politically  he  is  a republican. 


JAMES  BURLEY. 

The  Burley  family  is  an  old  one  in  the  history  of  Pennsylvania. 
They  came  over  with  William  Penn,  and  like  him  were  Quakers. 
They  settled  in  Bucks  county,  Pa.,  where  John  Burley,  the  father 
of  James,  was  born.  David  Burley,  the  grandfather,  was  also  a 
native  of  the  same  county.  He  was  a soldier  of  the  Revolutionary 
War,  and  was  connected  during  that  memorable  struggle  with  the 
quartermaster’s  department.  His  brother  was  also  a captain  in 
that  war.  David  Burley  married  Sarah  Shoemaker,  a native  of 
Pennsylvania,  and  removed  with  his  family  to  Ohio  in  1800,  set- 
ling  in  what  is  now  known  as  Adams  county,  near  Marysville;  he 
died  in  1834.  John  Burley,  his  son,  was  born  in  1788,  and  married 
Nancy  Anderson,  who  was  born  in  1791.  Her  father  was  a native 
of  Ireland.  He  indentured  himself  on  board  a vessel  to  pay  pas- 
sage to  America;  settled  and  married  in  New  Jersey,  where  Mrs. 
Burley  was  born.  John  Burley  remained  in  Ohio  until  1834,  when 
he  came  to  Illinois  and  settled  in  Greene  county,  and  remained 
where  he  first  settled  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in  1846.  His 
wife  and  mother  of  James  died  in  the  same  place  March  31st 
1875. 

James  Burley,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  born  iu  Adams 
' county,  Ohio,  October  17th,  1812,  and  remained  in  his  native  state 


224 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS, 


until  1830,  when  he  came  west  with  a family  that  were  moving  to 
Illinois.  He  stopped  first  in  Marshall  county,  where  he  lived  one 
year,  and  then  went  to  the  lead  mines  at  Galena,  111.  The  same 
year  he  enlisted  as  a soldier  for  service  in  the  Black  Hawk  war 
under  Captain  De  Long,  in  Colonel  Dodge’s  regiment,  and  remained 
in  the  service  until  the  war  closed,  when  he  went  back  to  the  mines 
and  stayed  there  five  years,  when  he  returned  to  Greene  county  and 
engaged  in  farming.  He  farmed  in  Greene  county  until  1852, 
when  he  moved  to  Madison,  and  remained  there  until  1865,  when 
he  came  to  Macon  county.  In  1871  he  purchased  land  in  section 
31,  T.  17,  R.  4 E.,  and  there  he  has  remained  and  continued  culti- 
vating the  soil  to  the  present. 

On  the  22d  of  October,  1843,  he  married  Miss  Mary  Crull,  who 
was  born  in  Scioto  county,  Ohio.  Her  parents,  Charles  and  Eliza- 
beth Crull,  emigrated  to  Illinois  in  1840,  and  settled  in  Jersey 
county.  By  this  marriage  there  have  been  six  children,  three  of 
whom  are  living.  The  names  of  the  children  living  and  dead,  are : 
Elizabeth,  who  died  in  her  thirtieth  year ; Geo.  N.,  photographic 
artist,  now  a resident  of  Taylorville  ; William  C.,  a farmer  and 
resident  of  Oakley  township  ; Sarah  died  in  infancy  ; James 


died  in  his  sixteenth  year  ; and  D.  J.  Burley  is  still  beneath  the 
parental  roof.  Politically,  Mr.  Burley  was  originally  an  old-line 
whig,  and  cast  his  first  vote  for  Hugh  L.  White.  In  1852  he  voted 
for  John  P.  Hale,  abolition  candidate.  He  was  one  of  the  original 
free  soilers,  and  was  opposed  to  the  extension  of  slavery  in  the 
territories.  In  1856  he  voted  for  John  C.  Fremont.  He  continued 
to  vote  for  republican  candidates  for  national  and  state  offices 
until  1876,  when  he  voted  for  the  prohibition  candidate  for  presi- 
dent. He  has  been  an  advocate  of  temperance  for  over  forty 
years.  Farming  has  been  Mr.  Burley’s  occupation  through  life. 
It  is  not  necessary  to  say  that  in  this  industry,  he  has  been  very 
successful.  He  started  in  life  poor,  and  under  adverse  circum- 
stances, but  he  is  a man  of  firm  will-power,  and  great  industry. 
Being  possessed  of  these  necessary  requisites,  success  was  assured  at 
the  very  outset  of  life.  He  is  now  the  proud  possessor  of  a good 
farm,  finely  improved,  and  under  the  best  cultivation.  He  is  one 
of  the  pioneers  of  the  state.  Fifty  years  have  fled  by  since  he  be- 
came a citizen  of  Illinois,  and  during  that  time  he  has  lived  to 
see  and  help  make  the  state  the  foremost  in  the  great  valley  of  the 
Mississippi. 


AUSTIN  TOWNSHIP. 


IES  in  the  extreme  north-west  corner  of  the  county,  and 
is  bounded  on  the  north  by  De  Witt  county,  on  the  east 
by  Maroa  township,  on  the  south  by  Illini  township,  on 
the  west  by  Logan  county.  It  is  drained  by  the  lake 
fork  of  Salt  creek  and  Jones’  fork  and  their  tributaries. 

The  surface  is  level  prairie,  and  the  soil  is  rich  and  productive  ; 
it  comprises  an  area  of  36  square  miles,  or  23,040  acres. 

This  township  is  one  of  the  youngest  in  the  county — notwithstand- 
ing this  fact,  it  is  as  flourishing  and  almost  as  far  advanced  in  im- 
provement as  many  of  those  older  settled. 

The  first  settlement  began  in  the  year  1845,  and  Amos  Wright, 
who  came  from  Pennsylvania  and  located  on  what  is  now  section 
one,  in  that  year,  was  the  first  settler.  Here  Mr.  Wright  built  the 
first  house  in  the  township,  immediately  on  his  arrival. 

John  Story  was  another  early  settler,  locating  on  the  same  section 
in  1850. 

Samuel  Lowe,  who  came  from  Ross  county,  Ohio,  settled  on  sec- 
tion 14  in  the  year  1854. 

James  S.  Parker  came  from  Butler  county,  Ohio,  in  1855,  and 
settled  where  his  son,  Wm.  H.  Parker,  now  resides. 

The  first  school  was  taught  by  a Mr.  Burns,  at  the  residence  of 
Samuel  Brayden,  in  section  one  in  the  year  1856  The  following 
year  the  first  school-house  was  built  on  section  eleven.  It  was  a 
frame  building. 

The  first  sermon  preached  in  the  township  was  by  the  Rev.  John 
Moore,  in  1857.  C.  R.  Robinson  began  preaching  in  1857,  and  con- 
tinued regular  preaching  for  several  years. 

In  1877*a  school-house,  which  was  built  in  1868,  was  converted 
into  a church,  which  was  the  first  one  in  the  township. 


Richard  Ross  was  the  first  justice  of  the  peace.  The  first  resident 
physician  was  Dr.  John  Demsey. 

Mr.  Maguire  erected  a blacksmith  shop  in  section  fourteen  in 
18  57,  and  did  the  first  blacksmithing. 

The  introduction  of  improved  stock  was  first  made  by  Edward 
and  James  Jones  in  1859,  by  the  purchasing  of  thoroughbred  short 
horns.  The  first  blooded  hogs  were  Poland  Magee  stock,  and  were 
brought  from  Butler  county,  Ohio,  in  1856. 

The  first  land  entries  are  as  follows  : — Charles  G.  Draper  entered 
March  4th,  1850,  40  acres  in  section  No.  1,  40  acres  in  section  No. 
5,  and  80  acres  in  section  No.  6.  On  the  same  day  Jacob  Miller 
entered  155.43  acres  in  section  No.  1 — all  in  township  No.  18,  north 
of  range  1,  east  of  the  third  P.  M. 

The  following  is  a list  of  the  supervisors  since  township  organiza- 
tion. 

SUPERVISORS. 

James  Parker,  elected  in  1860;  re-elected  in  1861.  A.  Emery, 
elected  in  1862;  J.  S.  Parkei,  elected  in  1863;  re-elected  in  1864 
and  1865.  C.  F.  Emery,  elected  in  1866,  and  re-elected  in  1867. 
T.  B.  Campbell,  elected  in  1868.  Robert  T.  Morris,  elected  in 
1869.  Peter  Bennett,  elected  in  1870.  C-  F.  Emery,  elected  in 
1871-  D.  Patterson,  elected  in  1872,  and  re-elected  in  1873.  Robert 
Morris,  elected  in  1874,  and  re-elected  in  1875.  Andrew  Hawk- 
yard,  elected  in  1876,  re-elected  each  succeeding  year,  and  is  the 
present  incumbent. 

Austin  township  has  no  railroads,  but  there  are  railroads  on  three 
sides  of  it,  which  make  the  shipping  facilities  excellent. 

In  1855  there  was  not  more  than  three  hundred  acres  of  soil  in 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


225 


cultivation  in  the  township,  while  at  present  almost  every  foot  is 
cultivated  or  used  for  pasturage. 

The  school  system  is  in  a most  prosperous  condition.  This  is  one 
of  the  few  counties  in  the  state  that  still  holds  its  “school  section,” 
and  from  which  it  derives  a revenue  of  thirteen  or  fourteen  hundred 
dollars  annually,  making  the  school-tax  less  than  any  other  town- 


ship in  the  county.  There  are  at  present  seven  first-class  schools, 
all  well  attended,  and  each  district  free  from  debt.  The  township 
was  named  in  honor  of  Benj.  R.  Austin,  who  was  a prominent  man 
in  the  early  history  of  the  county. 

Among  the  well-improved  farms  may  be  mentioned  those  of  Win. 
II.  Parker  and  Mrs.  L.  A.  Toland. 


BIO  GRAPHICS 


Among  the  early  settlers  of  Austin  township  was  the  Parker 
family,  who  came  here  in  the  fall  of  the  year  1855.  According  to 
family  tradition  the  Parkers  came  from  Ireland,  and  settled  in 
Monmouth  county,  New  Jersey,  at  a period  early  in  the  history  of 
that  state.  The  great-great-grandfather  of  W.  H.  Parker,  was  the 
first  to  emigrate  to  America.  The  lady  whom  he  married  was 
stolen  from  her  home  when  a girl,  and  nothing  was  known  of  her 
origin,  though  she  is  supposed  to  have  been  of  Scotch  descent.  She 
was  of  large  frame  and  light  complexion,  and  for  several  generations 
afterward  the  family  partook  of  those  characteristics.  William 
Parker,  grandfather  of  W.  H.  Parker,  married  a woman  of  English 
descent,  named  Shepherd,  of  low  stature  and  heavy  build,  and  the 
Parkers  have  since  mostly  been  of  smaller  size.  Intermarriages 
with  other  families  of  low-statured  and  dark-complexioned  people 
have  contributed  to  vary  the  original  type.  The  great-grandfather 
of  W.  H.  Parker  lived  and  died  in  New  Jersey.  From  his  first  mar- 
riage this  branch  of  the  family  is  descended,  and  by  his  second 
29 


wife  came  the  Parker  family,  of  which  Joel  Parker,  ex-governor  of 
New  Jersey,  is  a member.  William  Parker,  grandfather  of  W.  H. 
Parker,  was  born  in  Monmouth  county,  New  Jersey,  in  1769,  and 
died  of  paralysis  in  the  year  1820.  Sarah  Shepherd,  his  wife,  was 
born  in  1780,  and  died  in  1859. 

James  Shepherd  Parker,  father  of  W.  H.  Parker,  was  born  near 
Freehold,  in  Monmouth  county,  New  Jersey,  on  the  12th  of  May, 
1815.  He  was  the  eighth  of  a family  of  ten  children.  The  school 
which  he  attended  was  a subscription  school,  two  or  three  miles 
distant  from  his  home.  He  was  naturally  quick  at  figures,  and  ob- 
tained a good  business  education.  In  the  year  1835,  when  he  was 
twenty  years  old,  the  family  moved  to  Ohio,  settling  in  Butler 
county.  For  four  years  he  worked  by  the  month  in  Butler  and 
Warren  counties,  most  of  the  time  on  a farm,  though  he  was  also 
employed  on  the  Big  Miami  Canal.  On  the  11th  of  March,  1840, 
he  was  married  near  Franklin,  in  Warren  county,  to  Rachel  Han- 
kinson,  who  was  born  in  Warren  county,  Ohio,  on  the  24th  of 


226 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS 


September,  1820.  The  Hankinson  family  came  from  Monmouth 
county,  New  Jersey,  to  Franklin  township,  in  Warren  county,  Ohio, 
in  the  year  1818,  when  the  Indians  were  yet  plentiful  in  that  part 
of  the  state.  They  traveled  through  Pennsylvania  over  the  moun- 
tains to  Pittsburg,  and  thence  came  on  a raft  down  the  Ohio  to 
Cincinnati,  and  from  there  to  Butler  county.  James  Hankinson, 
father  of  Rachel  Hankinson,  was  born  in  New  Jersey,  in  1787,  and 
died  in  Ohio,  at  the  age  of  ninety-one.  His  wife,  Sarah  Cheeseman, 
was  born  in  1796,  and  died  at  the  age  of  seventy-one;  she  was  the 
daughter  of  William  and  Lydia  Cheeseman.  Rachel  Hankinson 
Parker  was  the  fourth  of  seven  children.  When  James  Hankinson 
came  to  Ohio  he  worked  for  a bushel  of  corn  a day,  worth  twenty- 
five  cents,  and  for  the  same  wages  cut  wood  by  the  cord  or  split  rails 
by  the  hundred.  He  accumulated  considerable  monev,  and  died 
well-off. 

A few  days  after  his  marriage,  James  S.  Parker  moved  on  a farm 
in  Preble  county,  Ohio.  His  capital  at  that  time  consisted  of  about 
nine  hundred  dollars.  After  living  on  a rented  farm  two  years  he 
purchased  land,  and  became  the  owner  of  a farm  of  three  hundred 
and  twenty  acres.  In  February,  1853,  having  sold  his  farm  in 
Preble  county  for  twelve  thousand  dollars,  he  moved  to  Franklin, 
Warren  county,  Ohio.  In  the  fall  of  1854,  he  emigrated  to  Illinois. 
He  first  settled  in  De  Witt  county,  near  the  present  town  of  Ivenuey, 
where  he  resided  till  September,  1855,  when  he  moved  to  Macon 
county,  settling  on  section  1,  of  Austin  township.  Here  he  pur- 
chased two  hundred  and  forty  acres  of  land,  of  which  eighty  were 
improved.  Seven  or  eight  years  afterward  he  built  a new  house  on 
the  same  section,  in  which  he  resided  as  long  as  he  lived  in  Austin 
township.  He  increased  the  amount  of  his  land,  and  owned,  bought, 
and  paid  for  altogether  nearly  two  thousand  acres,  eight  hundred 
in  Austin  township  and  the  balance  in  Maroa  township.  Part  of 
this  land  he  set  apart  in  his  lifetime  to  his  children.  He  was  a 
man  of  great  industry  and  energy,  worked  hard,  possessed  good 
business  capacity,  prompt  habits,  and  each  year  increased  his 
wealth.  He  finally  concluded  to  quit  farming  and  retire  from 
active  business  life,  and  in  February,  1877,  he  moved  to  Maroa, 
where  he  lived  till  his  death  on  the  8th  of  May,  1880.  He  had  five 
children,  all  of  whom  are  living.  Their  names  are  as  follows  : 
William  H.  Parker,  born  May  the  1st,  1841 ; Sarah  Jane,  now  Mrs. 
Anthony  Sloutenborough,  born  November  10th,  1843;  James 
Hankinson  Parker,  born  November  12th,  1846,  farming  on  the  old 
homestead  in  Austin  township;  John  P.  Parker,  born  March  14th, 
1853,  farming  in  Maroa  township  ; Lydia  Eleanor,  born  May  25th, 
1858,  now  the  wife  of  Abraham  H.  Bates,  of  Maroa. 

The  portrait  of  James  S.  Parker  appears  at  the  head  of  this 
sketch.  He  was  about  five  feet  five  andj  a half  inches  in  height, 
dark  complexion,  black  hair  and  light  blue  eyes.  His  weight  was 
about  one  hundred  and  sixty  pounds.  He  was  a man  well  thought 
of  in  Macon  county.  He  filled  several  public  positions  in  Austin 
township  ; from  1860  to  1872  he  was  treasurer  of  the  township, 
and  for  eight  successive  years  represented  it  on  the  board 
of  supervisors,  being  the  first  to  fill  that  office  after  the  adoption  of 
township  organization,  as  he  was  also  the  first  treasurer.  He  was 
also  assessor.  He  was,  however,  a man  who  paid  close  attention  to 
his  own  business  affairs,  and  cared  little  about  holding  public  posi- 
tion. He  was  honest  and  honorable  in  all  his  transactions,  and 
though  he  was  ambitious  to  acquire  wealth,  it  never  came  to  his 
hands  by  any  other  means  than  that  which  was  strictly  honest  and 
creditable.  He  possessed  a high  moral  character.  About  twelve 
years  before  his  death  he  joined  the  Methodist  Protestant  Church. 
He  was  charitable  to  any  one  whom  he  thought  deserving,  and  con- 
tributed frequently  to  the  necessities  of  the  unfortunate.  He  had 


been  blessed  with  a strong  constitution,  which  during  his  life  with- 
stood an  immense  amount  of  hard  labor.  His  energy,  perseverance 
and  careful  attention  to  business,  were  the  secrets  of  his  success. 
His  disposition  was  cheerful  and  lively.  His  first  vote  for  president 
was  cast  for  Van  Buren,  the  democratic  candidate  in  1836,  but  in 

1840,  he  supported  Gen.  Harrison,  the  whig  candidate,  and  was 
afterward  connected  with  the  whig  party  till  its  dissolution.  He 
then  became  a republican,  voted  for  Abraham  Lincoln  in  1860, 
and  during  the  rebellion  was  an  earnest  republican  and  a strong 
Union  man.  His  death  was  lamented  by  a large  circle  of  friends, 
and  his  remains  now  repose  in  the  grave-yard  belonging  to  Wright’s 
Grove  church,  adjoining  the  farm  on  which  he  spent  so  many  years 
of  his  busy  life. 

WILLIAM  H.  PARKER, 

the  oldest  son,  was  born  in  Preble  county,  Ohio,  on  the  1st  of  May, 

1841.  He  was  thirteen  years  old  when  he  came  to  Illinois.  The 
most  of  his  education  he  received  before  leaving  Ohio.  He  only 
went  to  school  sixty  days  after  coming  to  Macon  county,  on  account 
of  the  inconvenience  of  attending  school.  No  schools  had  been  es- 
tablished when  the  family  first  came  to  Austin  township.  He  lived 
at  home  till  his  marriage,  which  occurred  on  the  28th  of  December, 
1864,  to  Eliza  C.  Shaw,  daughter  of  William  G.  Shaw,  who  resided 
near  Clinton,  De  Witt  county.  She  was  born  near  Loveland, 
Claremont  county,  Ohio,  on  the  8th  of  April,  1844.  Her  father 
emigrated  to  Illinois  in  1853.  In  March,  1865,  Mr.  Parker  moved 
on  his  present  farm,  in  section  11  of  Austin  township.  His  first 
wife  died  on  the  12th  of  August,  1869.  On  the  28th  of  June,  1871, 
he  was  married  to  Frances  M.  Cornwell,  who  was  born  near  Darby- 
ville,  Pickaway  county,  Ohio,  on  the  27th  of  January,  1847,  and 
came  to  this  state  in  1855.  He  owns  a fine  farm  of  four  hundred 
and  eighty  acres  of  land,  a double  page  illustration  of  which 
appears  elsewhere.  He  has  four  children  living,  one  by  his  first, 
and  three  by  his  second  marriage : Florence,  born  October  25th, 
1865  ; James  Elliott,  born  October  4th,  1872  ; Rachel  Eleanor, 
born  April  30th,  1875  ; Thomas  William,  born  March  1st,  1878. 

One  child,  Lawrence,  by  his  first  marriage,  died  at  the  age  of 
twenty-four  days,  sixteen  days  after  its  mother’s  death.  In  his 
politics,  Mr.  Parker  was  formerly  a republican,  casting  his  first 
vote  for  President  for  Lincoln  in  1864.  He  was  one  of  the  first  to 
take  an  interest  in  the  Farmers’  movement,  and  assisted  in  organiz- 
ing the  first  Farmers’  Club  in  Austin  township,  and  the  first  county 
Farmers’  Club  in  Macon  county.  On  the  formation  of  the  National 
party  he  was  among  the  foremost  in  giving  his  adhesion  to  the 
principles  of  the  Greenback  organization,  believing  that  both  the 
old  parties  were  wrong  in  their  theories  about  the  currency,  and  that 
the  finances  of  the  country  were  managed  in  the  interest  of  a class 
rather  than  the  mass  of  the  people.  He  is  a man  of  liberal  and  en- 
terprising disposition,  and  stands  well  among  the  representative 
farmers  of  Macon  county. 


ANDREW  HAWKYARD, 

Wiio  has  been  supervisor  of  Austin  township  since  1876,  was  born 
at  Saddleworth,  Yorkshire,  England,  February  28th,  1833.  His 
grandfather,  Robert  Hawkyard,  was  a woolen  manufacturer.  His 
father,  William  B.  Hawkyard,  followed  several  occupations,  among 
which  were  those  of  a gardener  and  stone-mason.  His  mother’s 
maiden  name  was  Maria  Broadbent.  The  subject  of  this  sketch 
was  the  fifth  of  eight  children.  He  was  raised  in  Yorkshire.  He 
had  but  little  chance  to  go  to  school,  and  the  most  of  his  education 
was  obtained  by  his  own  efforts  after  he  was  grown  and  had  come 
to  America.  When  eight  years  old  he  went  into  the  cotton  mills, 


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HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


227 


at  Mosley  Bottoms,  Lancashire,  and  was  so  employed  till  he  was 
seventeen.  He  then  worked  for  a doctor  four  years.  In  January, 
1855,  he  married,  Hannah,  daughter  of  Thomas  Bottomly,  a 
native  of  Yorkshire.  In  1856  he  borrowed  the  money  to  pay  his 
passage,  and  came  to  America.  It  took  eight  weeks  and  five  days 
to  make  the  voyage.  Landing  at  New  York,  he  went  at  once  to 
Manayunk,  above  Philadelphia,  and  found  employment  in  the 
carpet  mills,  where  he  worked  two  years.  In  1858  he  came  to  De- 
catur, Illinois,  and  was  employed  by  William  F.  Montgomery  to 
build  a fence  around  sections  eight  and  nine,  in  Austin  township, 
which  Mr.  Montgomery  owned.  Mr.  Hawkyard  has  lived  in 
Austin  township  ever  since.  In  the  spring  of  1859  Montgomery 
rented  him  land  and  furnished  a team,  and  he  began  farming  for 
himself.  In  1863  he  purchased  forty  acres  of  land,  from  the 
Illinois  Central  Railroad  company,  which  he  still  owns,  and  on 
which  his  present  residence  stands.  He  improved  this  tract,  made 
some  money  by  grazing  cattle,  in  1867  bought  one  hundred  and 
twenty  acres  additional,  on  four  years  time,  and  met  the  payments 
as  they  became  due.  He  owns  two  hundred  and  eighty  acres  of 
land  in  sections  four  and  ten,  of  Austin  township.  His  farm  is 
well-improved.  He  erected  a fine  barn  iu  1877.  He  has  been  one 
of  the  prosperous  citizens  of  the  township.  He  began  life  without 
any  means,  and  all  that  he  has  accumulated  has  been  the  result  of 
his  own  efforts.  His  children  are  John  Thomas,  Frederick  L., 
William  H.,  Henrietta,  George  E.,  Eva  and  Eva  May.  The  two 
last  are  deceased.  He  has  filled  the  offices  of  school  director  and 
township  collector.  He  was  appointed  supervisor  in  1876,  to  fill 
the  unexpired  term  of  J.  S.  Parker.  He  was  elected  to  this  posi- 
tion in  1877,  and  has  been  re-elected  every  term  in  succession  since. 
The  first  .vote  he  cast  was  as  a democrat.  When  the  national 
greenback  party  came  into  existence  he  believed  its  views  on  the 
finances  to  be  correct,  and  for  a time  supported  that  party,  and 
voted  for  Peter  Cooper  for  President  in  1876.  He  now  believes 
the  issues  between  the  democrats  and  republicans,  to  be  paramount 
to  all  others,  and  he  is  a democrat. 


AQUILLA  TOLAND,  (deceased.) 

Aquilla  Toland,  a former  resident  of  Austin  township,  was  a native 
of  Ohio.  His  father,  Dr.  Toland,  was  born  in  the  state  of  Maryland, 
emigrated  to  Ohio  at  an  early  day  and  settled  in  Madison  county, 
where  he  resided  for  a number  of  years  until  his  death  in  De- 
cember, 1866.  He  practiced  medicine  nearly  half  a century  in  that 
part  of  Ohio.  He  was  a man  of  great  enterprise  and  public  spirit, 
and  contributed  greatly  to  the  development  and  improvement  of 
the  locality  in  which  he  lived.  Elizabeth  Lewis,  Mr.  Toland’s 
mother,  was  of  Irish  descent,  and  born  in  Madison  county,  Ohio,  and 
belonged  to  one  of  the  pioneer  families  of  that  state.  Aquilla  Toland 
was  born  at  London,  Madison  county,  Ohio,  on  the  fourth  day  of  July, 
1840.  He  was  the  youngest  of  a family  of  four  children.  His  boyhood 
was  spent  in  his  native  county.  He  had  excellent  opportunities  for  ac- 
quiring an  education,  and  attended  the  common  schools  and  an  aca- 
demy at  London.  His  father  desired  that  he  should  enter  one  of  the 
professions,  but  he  preferred  an  out-door  life.  His  inclinations  ran 
in  the  direction  of  farming  and  stock-raising. 

On  the  breaking  out  of  the  war  of  the  rebellion  he  was  one  of  the 
first  men  to  offer  his  services  to  the  government  in  Madison  county. 
He  was  then  not  yet  twenty-one  years  of  age.  On  the  19th  of  April, 
1861,  he  enlisted  under  the  three  months  call  for  troops  in  Co.  C. 
Seventeenth  regiment  Ohio  Volunteers  He  was  chosen  orderly 
sergeant  of  his  company.  His  term  of  service  having  expired  he 


re-enlisted  in  Co.  A.  One  Hundred  and  Thirteenth  Ohio  regiment. 
On  the  fifth  of  February,  1863,  Gov.  Tod  commissioned  him  second 
lieutenant.  During  the  sickness  of  the  captain  of  the  company, 
who  was  his  brother-in-law,  he  commanded  the  company  for  nearly 
a year.  While  a member  of  the  Seventeenth  Ohio  regiment  he 
served  in  West  Virginia,  and  while  with  the  One  Hundred  and 
Thirteenth  Ohio,  in  Kentucky,  Tennessee  and  Georgia,  taking 
part  in  several  battles  among  which  were  those  of  Mission 
Ridge,  Shiloh,  and  the  siege  of  Vicksburg. 

After  the  close  of  his  service  in  the  army  he  returned  to  Ohio. 
In  1865  he  came  to  Macon  county  with  the  purpose  of  improving 
a large  track  of  land  in  Austin  township.  At  that  time  few  im- 
provements had  been  made  on  the  prairie  of  that  part  of  the 
county.  He  was  married  on  the  fourth  of  November,  1868,  to 
Lydia  A.  Smith,  daughter  of  Edward  O.  Smith,  one  of  the  old 
residents  of  Decatur.  In  1870  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Toland  took  up  their 
residence  in  Austin  township  on  the  farm,  which  consists  of  thirteen 
hundred  and  fifty  [1350]  acres,  and  lies  iu  sections  thirty-one  and 
thirty-two.  Since  her  husband’s  death,  which  occurred  on  the  15th  of 
February,  1878,  the  farm,  an  illustration  of  which  appears  on 
another  page,  has  been  under  Mrs.  Toland’s  management.  Mr. 
Toland  was  a republican  in  politics.  He  possessed  strong  convictions 
on  all  subjects,  was  charitable  and  generous  in  his  disposition,  and 
steadfast  and  devoted  in  his  attachments.  He  was  a man  of  the 
highest  personal  honor,  and  his  word  could  always  be  relied  on.  He 
had  excellent  business  capacity,  was  active  and  energetic,  and 
among  the  foremost  to  lead  in  public  improvements  in  his  part  of 
the  county. 


DAVID  PATTERSON. 

David  Patterson,  one  of  the  representative  citizens  of  Austin 
township,  is  a native  of  Scotland,  and  was  born  at  Hightae  in 
Dumfriesshire,  April,  1835.  When  he  was  six  years  old  his  father, 
whose  name  was  George  Patterson,  died ; and  when  he  was  eight 
he  was  left  alone  in  the  world  by  the  death  of  his  mother,  and 
then  went  to  live  with  an  aunt,  with  whom  he  had  his  home  three 
years.  He  received  small  wages  one  year  for  herding  a cow,  and 
when  he  was  eleven,  hired  on  a farm,  and  received  some  pay  for  his 
labor  during  the  summer,  and  in  the  winter-time  went  to  school 
three  months,  working  night  and  morning  to  pay  his  way.  He 
afterward  found  employment  in  herding  sheep  on  the  mountains 
till  he  was  about  fifteen,  when  he  bound  himself  as  an  apprentice  to 
the  carpenter’s  trade  in  Dumfriesshire,  the  man  by  whom  he  had 
previously  been  employed  going  as  security  on  the  apprenticeship 
bond. 

While  serving  this  apprenticeship  he  went  to  school  another 
quarter,  which  completed  his  opportunities  for  obtaining  an  educa- 
tion. He  had  attended  school  altogether  only  about  a year.  Most 
of  his  education  he  obtained  by  his  own  efforts  in  later  life.  He 
served  an  apprenticeship  of  four  years,  and  learned  the  trade  of  a 
carpenter  thoroughly,  and  worked  as  a journeyman  about  a year, 
and  then  made  up  his  mind  to  come  to  America.  He  was  without 
means,  and  borrowed  the  money  with  which  to  pay  his  passage 
across  the  ocean.  The  voyage  was  a long  one,  occupying  seven 
weeks  and  three  days.  He  was  about  twenty  when  he  emigrated  to 
America. 

He  at  once  proceeded  to  Sangamon  county,  in  this  state,  where 
he  had  some  relatives  living,  and  found  employment  at  his  trade 
at  Atlanta,  in  Logan  county,  and  after  working  there  a couple  of 
weeks,  went  to  Buffalo  Heart  Grove  in  Sangamon  county,  and  sub- 
sequently went  to  Missouri,  and  lived  in  Benton  and  St.  Clair 


228 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


counties  of  that  state  six  years,  and  became  the  owner  of  a farm 
of  three  hundred  and  ten  acres  in  St.  Clair  county. 

In  partnership  with  a cousin,  he  bought  four  hundred  head  of 
cattle  in  Missouri,  with  the  intention  of  bringing  them  to  Illinois, 
and  disposing  of  them  at  an  advanced  price.  This  was  toward  the 
close  of  the  war.  The  speculation  proved  unfortunate,  and  swept 
away  almost  entirely  the  means  he  had  previously  accumulated. 
On  returning  to  Illinois,  he  worked  at  his  trade  at  Mt.  Pulaski  in 
Logan  county,  but  subsequently  went  back  to  Missouri,  and  worked 
for  a year  and  a-half  at  Sedalia,  and  disposed  of  his  farm  in  St. 
Clair  county,  when  he  came  back  to  Illinois. 

In  addition  to  carrying  on  his  trade  he  managed  a farm,  which 
he  had  rented  in  Logan  county,  and  by  this  means  managed  to 
get  a start  iq  the  world.  He  accumulated  sufficient  to  purchase 
fifty-six  acres  of  land  in  Sec.  18,  T.  18,  R.  1 E.,  on  which  he  has 
resided  ever  since.  He  then  began  to  devote  his  entire  attention  to 
farming,  and  has  been  one  of  the  successful  and  representative  agri- 
culturists of  Austin  township,  owning  three  hundred  and  sixty- 
eight  acres  of  land  in  Macon  county  and  eighty  in  Logan  county. 
His  residence  is  one  of  the  best  in  the  township.  The  house  and 
porches  cover  about  fourteen  hundred  square  feet  of  ground. 

He  was  married  in  1868  to  Elizabeth  Wright,  a native  of  Scot- 
land, by  whom  he  had  three  children,  of  whom  one  is  deceased. 
She  died  in  September,  1875.  His  present  wife,  whom  he  married 
in  October,  1876,  was  Mrs.  Fannie  Parks.  Her  maiden  name  was 
Fannie  Smith,  and  she  was  born  in  Effingham  county  in  this  state. 

Mr.  Patterson  has  been  a democrat  in  politics.  On  financial  sub- 
jects his  belief  coincides  with  that  of  the  national  greenback  party, 
whose  candidates  he  has  sometimes  supported.  He  has  enjdyed  the 
confidence  of  the  people  of  his  part  of  the  county,  and  has  served  a 
number  of  terms  as  school  director.  For  six  years  he  was  township 
trustee,  and  represented  his  township  on  the  board  of  supervisors 
for  two  years. 

As  a self-made  man,  one  who  has  worked  his  way  up  from 
poverty  to  independence  by  his  own  energies,  his  name  deserves  a 
place  in  this  work. 


JOSEPH  W.  EMERY. 

Joseph  W.  E.wery,  one  of  the  old  residents  of  Austin  township 
is  a native  of  Canterbury,  Merrimac  county,  New  Hampshire,  and 
was  born  on  the  fifteenth  of  January,  1813.  The  Emery  family, 
which  was  of  English  origin, settled  at  an  early  period  at  West  New- 
bury, Massachusetts.  The  old  homestead— home  of  the  early  mem- 
bers of  the  family — has  been  in  the  possession  of  the  Emerys  for  sev- 
eral generations.  Josiah  Emery,  the  grandfather  of  the  subject  of 
this  biography,  moved  from  Massachusetts  to  New  Hampshire,  and 
settled  in  the  town  of  Sanbornton,  now  Tilden.  Nathan  Emery, 
Mr.  Emery’s  father,  was  born  and  raised  in  Sanbornton.  He  mar- 
ried Betsey  McCrillis,  who  was  of  Scotch-Irish  descent,  and  a native 
of  Canterbury.  Both  the  Emery  and  McCrillis  families  have  been 
remarkable  for  their  vigor  and  long  life.  They  show  a noticeable 
freedom  from  disease,  and  the  tendency  towards  longevity  has  been 
marked  for  several  generations.  Among  the  ancestors  many  intances 
of  death  at  an  advanced  age  have  occurred  ; very  few  passed  away 


before  reaching  seventy  years.  Joseph  W.  Emery  was  the  ninth 
of  a family  of  sixteen  children,  of  whom  fourteen  grew  to  maturity, 
and  thirteen  married.  His  father  owned  a farm,  and  was  a carpen- 
ter by  trade.  He  was  a man  of  considerable  intelligence,  was  well 
versed  in  surveying  and  civil  engineering,  and  was  very  fond  of 
reading — a habit  which  he  transmitted  to  most  of  his  children. 
His  children  all  attained  good  substantial  English  educations.  He 
believed  in  education,  and  gave  his  children  ample  opportunity  to 
attend  school.  Mr.  Emery  has  one  brother,  Josiah,  who  graduated 
at  Union  College,  New  York,  and  is  now  engaged  in  the  practice 
of  the  law  at  Williamsport,  Pennsylvania.  Another  brother  came 
to  Illinois,  and  is  editor  of  the  Peoria  Transcript ; another  brother 
settled  in  Indiana,  and  the  others  remained  in  New  England.  Mr. 
Emery  made  that  part  of  New  Hampshire  in  which  he  was  born  his 
home  till  he  was  seventeen. 

In  the  year  1835,  he  left  home  and  went  to  Rhode  Island  and 
found  employment  on  the  canal,  running  from  Providence  to  Wor- 
cester, Massachusetts.  He  subsequently  workqd  at  Worcester.  In 
the  month  of  February,  1840,  he  was  married  at  Upton,  Worcester 
county,  Massachusetts,  to  Frances  R.  Leland,  a member  of  an  old 
New  England  family.  After  he  was  married  he  engaged  in  farm- 
ing at  Upton,  and  resided  there  till  1850,  when  he  moved  back  to 
Canterbury,  New  Hampshire.  He  formed  a partnership  with  his 
brother  Nathan,  and  undertook  running  a saw-mill  at  Canterbury, 
which  he  carried  on  six  years.  His  first  wife  died  on  the  seven- 
teenth of  September,  1853.  Frances  A.  Sanborn,  a native  of  San- 
bornton, New  Hampshire,  became  his  second  wife  on  the  sixteenth 
of  February,  1854.  She  was  a daughter  of  Simon  D.  Sanborn. 
Her  ancestors  had  settled  there  at  an  early  period,  and  the  town  re- 
ceived its  name  in  their  honor.  The  saw-mill  busiiless  not  proving 
renumerative,  he  determined  to  emigrate  to  the  West.  Illinois  was 
at  that  time  attracting  settlers  by  the  thousand  from  the  Eastern 
states.  Many  purchased  land  from  the  Illinois  Central  Railroad 
company.  In  the  fall  of  1866,  he  reached  Macon  county  and 
bought  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  railroad  land,  the  same 
track  on  which  he  now  lives,  in  section  eight  of  Austin  township. 
After  spending  the  winter  at  Clinton,  he  brought  his  family  to  the 
township  the  following  spring.  Few  settlements  had  at  that  time  been 
made.  Almost  the  entire  township  was  unoccupied  prairie  land, 
and  he  had  little  expectation  that  it  would  ever  reach  its  present 
state  of  cultivation  and  improvement.  There  is  now  only  one  other 
person  besides  himself  living  in  the  township,  who  was  the  head  of 
a family,  at  the  time  he  took  up  his  residence  in  it.  He  has  had 
eleven  children,  of  whom  four  are  now  living  ; Ellen,  Betsy,  Charles 
and  Clarence.  The  three  oldest  are  by  his  first,  and  the  last  by  his 
second  marriage. 

He  has  taken  an  active  interest  in  jiolitics,  and  has  filled  several 
offices  in  the  township.  He  was  originally  a whig,  and  supported 
that  party  in  opposition  to  the  democracy.  He  was  one  of  the 
first  to  ally  himself  with  the  republican  organization,  of  which  he 
has  since  been  a steadfast  supporter.  For  four  years  he  served  as 
treasurer  of  Austin  township,  and  has  also  filled  the  office  of  asses- 
sor four  times.  He  is  a man  of  positive  convictions.  He  is  now 
one  of  the  oldest  citizens  of  the  township,  and  is  well-known  to  the 
older  settlers  of  Macon  county. 


Stock  and  Grain  Farm  of  Mrs.  L.A.FOLAND , SccfS/ & <32.,  7T/ 8 , /p/.  Aust// v Tp.  Macon  Co. Ill 


' 


* 


MT.  ZION  TOWNSHIP. 


IS  township  as  organized  comprises  an  area  of  thirty- 
nine  square  miles,  or  twenty-four  thousand  nine  hundred 
and  sixty  acres.  It  is  situated  south  of  Long  Creek, 
west  of  Moultrie  county,  north  of  Milam,  and  east  of 
South  Wheatland  aud  South  Macon  townships.  Mt.  Zion  is  well 
drained  by  Finley,  Big  and  Sandy  Creeks  and  their  affluents. 
The  streams  all  run  in  a northerly  aud  westerly  direction,  and 
through  Long  Creek  their  waters  flow  into  the  Sangamon  river. 

Timber. — There  are  many  beautiful  natural  groves  in  this  town- 
ship, principally  along  the  water  courses,  which  even  to  this  day  are 
fringed  along  their  banks  with  elm,  maple,  oak,  hickory,  walnut 
and  other  forest  trees.  Originally  the  surface  was  covered  with  about 
one-third  timber,  the  balance  being  prairie  land  of  the  richest 
quality. 

Productions,  etc.  — This  township  is  particularly  adapted  to 
grazing,  and  yields  large  quantities  of  corn,  oats,  hay,  wheat,  rye, 
flax,  and  cereals  of  all  kinds  grow  in  abundance.  It  is  also  noted  for 
its  prolific  crops  of  fruits  and  vegetables. 

Land  Entries.— The  following  ar  the  first  lands  entered  ; Henry 
Traughber  entered  June  4th,  1829,  the  east  half  of  the  north-east 
quarter  of  section  No.  eight,  containing  eighty  acres.  Elisha 
Moore  entered  same  year  80  acres  in  section  No.  9.  The  following 
lands  are  in  same  Precinct  but  in  Range  4 east.  Robert  Wilson 
entered  January  8th,  1833,  55.59  acres  in  section  No.  6.  William 
Lacy  entered  July  15th.  1836,  33  97  acres  in  same  section. 

Early  Settlers. — James  Finley  is  regarded  by  most  of  the  old  re- 
sidents as  being  the  first  settler  in  the  territory  now  comprised 
within  what  are  now  the  limits  of  Mt.  Zion.  In  the  spring  of  1827, 
he  located  with  his  family  on  section  10,  Tp.  15 — 3.  He  was  a Ken- 
tuckian by  birth.  His  cabin  was  built  near  a little  grove  of  timber 
of  rough  unhewn  logs.  In  1829  Alexander  W.  Bell  settled  on  sec- 
tion 4 about  one  mile  north-west  of  Finley’s  place. 

Another  early  settler  was  “Benjamin  Wilson,”  who  was 
among  the  early  and  prominent  citizens  of  Macon  county,  and  came 
iiH827  and  was  one  of  the  county,  commissioners  who  assisted  in 
the  county  organization.  He  held  the  position  for  a great  many 
years.  He  was  born  at  Guilford  Court  House,  in  North  Carolina, 
and  removed  thence  to  Tennessee,  and  afterward  to  Illinois.  He 
married  Jane  Warnick  in  the  state  of  Tennessee,  who  was  a sister 
of  “ Uncle  Billy”  Warnick,  the  first  sheriff  of  the  county.  Their 
children  were,  Polly,  (see  Sanders.)  Rachel,  (see  Hill,)  Peggy 
Smith,  (see  John  Smith,)  Robert,  Nancy,  Hannah,  (see  Blanken- 
ship,) and — 

John  Wilson  was  born  in  Rutherford  county,  Tennessee,  in 
1813,  came  to  Illinois  in  1828,  and  was  married  to  Nancy  Wilson, 
March  1,  1832,  who  was  born  July  6, 1813,  in  Greene  county,  Ten- 
nessee, and  became  a resident  of  Macon  county  about  1830.  Of 
their  children — 


Benjamin  T.  was  born  August  19,  1836;  died  February  5, 1854. 
Mary  A.  was  born  October  23, 1833,  and  married  Joseph  M.  Daw- 
son, who  was  born  April  5,  1828.  Of  their  children — 

John  A.  was  born  July  8,  1853.  Thomas  M.  was  born  April  6, 
1855.  Nancy  A.  was  born  January  19,  1857  ; died  December  29, 
1857.  Luella  B.  was  born  August  4,  1859.  C.  E.  was  born  Janu- 
ary 18,  1863.  Edwin  P.  was  born  December  17,  1864.  Oscar  W. 
was  born  April  26,  1867. 

Andrew  Wilson  was  born  March  3,  1785,  and  was  mar- 
ried to  Mary  Ann  Wilson,  who  was  born  January  30,  1788. 
They  removed  from  East  Tennessee  to  Macon  county  about  1830. 
Mr.  W.  died  August  10, ’44,  and  Mrs.  W.,  September  17,  ’72.  Of 
their  children — 

Thomas  B.  was  born  July  26,  1807  ; died  July,  ’73.  Alexan- 
der M.  was  born  May  6,  1809.  Eliza  D.  was  born  April  15, 

1811 ; died  September  13,  T5.  Catharine  was  born 21, 

1816;  died  January  7,  ’55.  John  A.  was  born  January  9,  1819; 
died  December  18,  ’21.  James  J.  was  born  November  12,  1822; 
died  April  28,  ’54. 

John  Smith  settled  on  section  9 in  1829,  a little  west  of  Finley’s 
residence.  He  moved  from  Rutherford  county,  Tennessee,  to  this 
county.  In  March,  1829,  Allen  Travis  settled  on  section  3 (Tp.  15 
— 3)  he  was  born  May  18,  1789,  in  York  district,  South  Carolina 
In  1805  his  father  removed  with  the  family  to  Livingston  county, 
Ky.,  where  Allen  was  married,  October  5, 1820,  to  Margaret  Camp- 
bell, who  was  born  March  5,  1801.  The  Travis  family  were  early 
residents  of  Illinois,  having  settled  in  Wayne  county  in  1821,  and 
came  to  this  county  as  above  stated.  Allen  came  here  with  his 
brothers,  Finis  and  Thomas,  and  James  D.  Campbell,  Andrew  and 
John  Davidson. 

Thomas  Travis  was  born  iii  South  Carolina,  and  was  married  be- 
fore removing  to  Illinois,  to  Sarah  Davidson,  and  settled  one  mile 
and  a half  north-west  of  Mt.  Zion.  Finis  Travis  was  born  in  Ken- 
tucky, in  1810,  in  what  is  now  Crittenden  county,  and  was  married 
in  1840  to  Nancy  J.  Foster,  who  was  then  the  widow  of  William 
Foster ; her  maideu  name  was  Bell.  She  died,  and  he  married 
Nancy  Mahollen ; both  are  now  deceased.  Harvey  Travis  was  born 
in  Wayne  county,  111.  in  1823,  and  is  now  a resident  of  Decatur, 
but  came  when  a lad  to  Mt.  Zion  with  the  balance  of  his  family. 
Another  prominent  family  in  early  times  were  the  Traughbers. 

Henry  Traughber  was  born  January  9,  1803,  in  Logan 
county,  Ky.;  came  to  Illinois  in  November,  1825  ; stayed  there  until 
1829 ; then  came  to  Macon  county,  and  was  married  to  Nancy 
Smith,  who  was  born  in  Tennessee  and  died  in  August,  1863.  Of 
their  children — 

RobertS.,  born  September  2,  1830;  died  February  8,  1863; 
married  Elizabeth  Bell.  David,  born  September  2,  1832  ; died  in 
infancy.  A.  C.,  born  April  3,  1833 ; married  V.  C.  Whitehouse 

229 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY , ILLINOIS. 


230 


E.  M.  E.,  born  about  1843;  married  Wm.  Cox;  dead.  M.  J.  C. 
married  D.  P.  During.  M.  R.  died  in  1868.  Caroline  married 
Kitt ; died  in  1874. 

Rev.  Daniel  Tratjghber  was  born  in  Logan  county, 
Ky.,  in  May,  1800,  and  came  to  Illinois  in  1837  or  ’8,  and  settled  on 
Big  Creek,  in  Mt.  Zion  township.  He  married  Mary  Banks,  in 
Kentucky,  by  whom  he  had  four  children  — 

Elizabeth  married  Robert  Lansden,  Wilson  county,  Kansas. 
Gabrella  married  Robert  Foster,  Wilson  county,  Kansas.  Henry 
married  in  Wilson  county,  Kansas. 

Mr.  T.  married  a second  time  to  Elizabeth  Foster,  by  whom  the 
following  children  were  born — 

Cyrus  lives  at  Ottawa,  Kansas. 

Mr.  T.  married  a third  time  to  Eliza  Smalley,  by  whom  the  fol- 
lowing children  were  born — 

Mary  A.  married  John  Edwards  ; lives  in  Wilson  county,  Kan. 
Daniel  B. ; dead.  Harris  lives  in  Wilson  county,  Kan. 

Mr.  T.  moved  to  Fredonia,  Ivan.,  in  1872,  and  now  resides  there. 

Another  noted  family  were  the  Wheelers — in  “ Smith’s  History  ” 
we  find  the  following  in  reference  to  them  : — 

“ William  Wheeler,  Sr.,  was  born  in  Virginia  about  1790,  and 
married  Elizabeth  Hays,  who  was  born  in  the  same  state.  Mrs.  W- 
died  about  1836,  and  Mr.  W.  in  1866.  Their  children  were — James, 
Stacy,  Henry,  William,  Jr.,  Elizabeth,  Raleigh,  Burton,  Larkin, 
and  Nathaniel.  Mr.  Wheeler  and  family  removed  to  Illinois,  and 
settled  in  Macon  county  in  1828. 

“James  Wheeler  was  born  in  South  Carolina  in  1799,  and  died  in 
1867.  His  wife  was  Margaret  Mayberry. 

“Stacy  Wheeler  was  born  about  1800,  and  married  William 
Christopher,  and  died  about  1831. 

“Henry  Wheeler  was  born  in  1801,  in  Teunessee,  and  Avas  married 
in  Tennessee  to  Mary  Y.  Braden,  who  was  born  January  4th,  1800. 
Of  their  five  children — 

“Elizabeth  E.  was  born  May  7th,  1826;  married  David  Brett  ; 
died  1864.  Samuel  R.  was  born  Aug.  16,  1827  ; married  Jemima 
Abrams,  who  was  born  in  1828,  in  Illinois.  Wm.  E.  was  born  Oct. 
23d,  1868  ; married  Ellen  Frazee;  he  died  1875.  Nancy  J.  was 
born  Jan.  8th,  1830 ; married  Samuel  Woodward,  first  husband; 
Mason  Packard,  second  husband  ; now  resides  in  California.  And. 
J.  was  born  Jan.  16th,  1832 ; married  N.  E.  Cox,  who  was  born  in 
Scott  county,  111.,  1837. 

“ William  Wheeler,  Jr.,  was  born  on  the  28th  of  December,  1809, 
in  Rutherford  county,  Tennessee;  wTas  married  October  27th,  1831, 
to  Sarah  A.  Ward  (daughter  of  Jerry  Ward),  who  died  in  August, 
1869.  Mr.  Wheeler  has  been  prominently  connected  with  the 
affairs  of  the  county,  and  has  been  repeatedly  elected  sheriff,  asssssor 
and  collector.  Of  their  ten  children,  but  two  are  living. 

Mary  E.,  who  married  Thomas  Inscho,  now  resides  in  San  Jose. 
Cal. ; and  Lewis  Cass.  Andrew  M.  died  in  ’69  ; Calvin  R.  died  in 
’61;  Lucinda  K. died  in ’63;  Wm.L.  died  in  1866;  Henrietta  died  in 
’62  ; Jas.  C.  died  in  ’51  ; Thos.  B.  died  in  infancy,  and  Alice  in  1874. 
Elizabeth  Wheeler  was  born  in  1811,  and  married  Wm.  Ward,  the 
father  of  Franklin  and  Hiram  Ward,  well  known  in  the  county. 
Raleigh  Wheeler  was  born  in  1813,  and  died  in  1834  ; his  first 
wife  was  Rebecca  Travis,  and  second  Mary  Fields.  Burton 
Wheeler  was  born  in  1815,  and  subsequently  moved  to  Moultrie 
county.  Larkin  Wheeler  was  born  in  1815,  and  died  in  1838- 
Nathaniel  Wheeler  was  born  in  1819,  and  died  when  young.” 

James  D.  Campbell  settled  in  section  5,  Tp.  15-3,  in  1830.  He 
Avas  born  in  North  Carolina,  June  26th,  1803,  remoA'ed  to  Caldwell 
county,  Ky.,  and  thence  to  Wayne  county,  111.,  in  1826,  thence  to 
Sangamon  county  in  1828,  and  to  Macon  county  in  ’30.  He  mar- 


ried in  Kentucky  Lavina  Travis.  Mr.  Campbell  Avas  a member  of 
the  county  commissioners’  court,  and  for  many  years  a justice  of 
the  peace — he  died  in  1864. 

David  Foster  and  family  settled  on  section  6 (Tp.  15-3)  in  1828. 
He  Avas  a Tennesseean,  a farmer,  and  also  a minister  of  the  C.  P. 
Church. 

Early  Marriages. — John  C.  Foster  and  Emily  Montgomery  Avere 
the  first  persons  married  in  the  toAvnship,  the  ceremony  being  per- 
formed in  1831. 

The  first  person  born  here  Avas  Robert  S.  Traughber,  on  the  2d 
of  September,  1830-  The  first  death  Avas  Thomas  Nelms  in  1830. 

In  1832  the  first  school-house  erected  in  the  toAvnship  Avas  built  on 
sec.  4 (Tp.  15-3)  ; it  Avas  a log  structure,  Avith  puncheou  floor  and 
benches.  James  Scott  was  the  first  teacher. 

The  first  sermon  preached  here  was  in  1828,  by  Rev  David  Fos- 
ter, a Cumberland  Presbyterian  minister.  Among  the  other  early 
preachers  Avho  occasionally  held  service  here  were  Rev.  Neill  John- 
son, and  Daniel  Traughber,  Cumberland  Presbyterians,  and  Rev. 
J.  M.  Peck,  a Baptist  clergyman,  Avho  became  noted  in  the  early 
history  of  the  state.  He  resided  in  St.  Clair  county.  Mr.  Peck 
Avas  a scholarly  man  and  published  several  books  and  pamphlets 
treating  on  the  early  history  of  Illinois. 

The  first  Sunday-school  Avas  organized  in  1834  at  the  school-house 
above  mentioned,  and  Avas  a union  school,  Avhere  the  children  of  all 
denominations  congregated. 

First  Mill  Avas  built  by  Robert  LoAve  in  toAvship  15-3  on  sec.  2 in 
1835.  It  was  a band  mill  run  by  horse-poAver,  and  served  for 
several  years  as  a great  convenience  to  the  early  settlers,  Avho  would 
come  for  miles  around  to  get  their  corn  ground. 

Early  justices  of  the  peace  Avere  J.  D.  Campbell,  Alonzo  Pierce, 
and  Mr.  Schufheld. 

Among  the  first  physicians  who  practiced  here  Avere  Dr.  Buck- 
Avorth  and  Dr.  Blaylock.  The  diseases  in  the  early  times  were 
principally  chills  and  fevers. 

Improved  Stock. — In  1855  John  T.  Campbell  introduced  the  Ha- 
miltonian breed  of  horses  from  Kentucky.  Thomas  Davis  brought 
into  the  toAvnship  some  improved  Durham  cattle  in  1848,  and  the 
same  year  an  improved  breed  of  Merino  sheep.  In  1837  Robert 
Lowe  introduced  a small  flock  of  Cottswold  sheep,  and  Poland 
China  hogs  Avere  brought  here,  by  G.  A.  Smith,  about  the  year 
1860.  The  stock  of  the  township  noAV  comprises  many  of  the  best 
breeds,  and  much  attention  is  paid  to  stock-raising  by  the  farmers. 

Railroads. — Mt.  Zion  is  Avell  supplied  Avith  railroads.  The  P.  D. 
& E.  and  Midland  enter  the  toAvnship  on  section  6,  and  leave  it 
on  section  25.  (See  outline  map.)  Both  roads  run  over  the  same 
track  from  Hervey  City  to  Decatur.  At  Hervey  City  the  Midland 
changes  its  course,  and  goes  due  east,  leaving  the  toAvnship  on  sec. 
9 (in  Tp.  15-4). 

In  1860,  on  the  adoption  of  toAvnship  organization,  Mt.  Zion  was 
erected  into  a voting  precinct,  and  the  folloAving  gentlemen  have 
served  the  township  as 

supervisors. 

W.  C.  Myers,  elected  in  1860;  re-elected  in  1861.  B.  W.  David- 
son, elected  in  1862  ; re-elected  in  1863.  John  Scott,  elected  in 
1864  ; re-elected  1865.  John  A.  Henry,  elected  1866  ; re-elected 
1867  and  1868.  R.  M.  Foster,  elected  1869  ; re-elected  1870.  Wm. 
Davis,  elected  1871.  G.  A.  Smith,  elected  1872.  William  Davis, 
re-elected  1873  and  1874.  J.  A.  Henry,  re-elected  1875.  W.  H. 
Wallace,  elected  1876;  re-elected  1877  and  1878.  Stephen 
Mahannah,  elected  1879.  R.  T.  Williams,  elected  1880. 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


231 


The  Village  of  Mt.  Zion  is  situated  on  the  line  of  the  P.  D.  & E. 
and  Midland  railroads  on  sec.  4,  Tp.  15-3,  and  is  quite  a thriving 
little  village.  It  was  laid  out  in  1860  by  S.  K.  Smith,  and  the 
first  house  was  erected  by  Andrew  Wilson,  and  Skillman  & Mays 
kept  the  first  store.  The  first  post-office  was  kept  at  the  store  of 
Skillman  & Mays.  The  first  hotel  was  erected  by  Dr.  Blaylock, 
and  kept  by  John  McMillen.  A blacksmith  shop  was  carried  on 
on  the  present  site  of  the  village,  in  1851,  by  G.  W.  Riber.  Dr. 
Buckworth  was  the  first  practicing  physician.  Early  preachers 
were  A.  J.  McGlumphy,  J.  T.  A.  Henderson,  and  Robert  Cordon. 
Among  the  first  teachers,  A.  J.  McGlumphy,  P.  H.  Crider,  and  C. 
W.  Kinsolvin. 

PRESENT  BUSINESS. 

Ellis  & Davis,  general  merchants. 

J.  A.  Ellis,  post-master. 

R.  Brownlee,  druggist,  and  dealer  in  paints  and  oils. 

G.  W.  Riber,  blacksmith  and  wagon-maker. 

A.  Greenfield,  dealer  in  general  merchandise. 

J.  E.  Davis,  one  of  the  enterprising  citizens  of  the  village, 
operates  a saw-mill  and  tile  factory. 


R.  L.  Hochaday,  general  merchant  and  proprietor  of  hotel. 

K.  W.  Conn,  general  merchant. 

J.  H.  Hutchinson,  boot  and  shoe  maker. 

The  town  has  a large  four-roomed  graded  school  building,  erected 
by  the  liberality  of  private  citizens. 

There  are  also  two  churches — a Cumberland  Presbyterian  and  a 
Methodist  church. 

An  odd  fellows’  lodge  was  established  here  Jan.  8th,  1862,  and  its 
beneficial  effects  are  felt  in  the  community. 

Mt.  Zion  is  a prosperous  and  growing  village,  and  is  situated  in 
a beautiful  district  of  country,  and  surrounded  by  an  intelligent 
and  enterprising  people. 

HERVEY  CITY 

Is  located  near  the  centre  of  the  township  at  the  junction  of  the 
P.  D.  & E.  with  the  Midland  railroad.  The  present  business  of 
the  village  is  carried  on  by — 

G.  W.  Conn,  general  merchant. 

A.  M.  Phillips,  proprietor  of  hotel  and  postmaster. 

D.  S-  Shellabarger  & Co.,  grain  buyers. 

Eli  Ulery,  dealer  in  and  shipper  of  stock. 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES. 


DAVID  L.  FOSTER. 

The  subject  of  the  following  sketch  is  “ to  the  manor  born.” 
He  first  saw  the  light  of  day  in  Macon  county,  July  13th,  1848. 
He  comes  from  a Scotch-Irish  ancestry,  and  inherits  from  them  the 
characteristics  of  that  hardy,  active  and  industrious  people.  His 
father,  John  C.  Foster,  was  a native  of  Wilson  county,  Tennessee. 
His  father  and  grandfather  of  David  L.  was  the  first  Cumberland 
Presbyterian  minister  in  the  county.  His  son,  John  C.  came  with 
him  here  from  Tennessee.  He  went  back  to  his  native  state  in 
1847-8,  and  was  married  there  for  the  second  time  ; then  returned 
to  Macon  county,  and  remained  there  until  his  death,  December 
20th,  1859.  His  first  wife’s  name  was  Montgomery.  By  this  mar- 
riage there  were  two  children,  named  Robert  M.  and  Tabitha,  wife 
of  R.  P.  Wilson,  j In  the  winter  of  1847,  he  married  Miss  Mary 
Donnell.  She  was  born  and  reared  in  Wilson  county,  Tennessee. 
There  were  two  children  by  this  latter  marriage,  Samuel  L.,  and 
the  subject  of  this  sketch.  The  latter  remained  at  home  at  work 
upon  the  farm,  and  attending  the  public-schools  until  he  attained 
his  majority.  On  the  3d  of  February,  1870,  he  was  united  in 
marriage  to  Miss  Matilda  A.  daughter  of  Clayborne  and  Matilda 
Jones.  She  was  also  j born  and  raised  in  Macon  county.  Her 
parents  were  natives  of  Kentucky,  and  were  among  the  pioneers 
of  this  county.  Two  children  have  blessed  the  union,  a boy  and 
girl,  named  Maud  and  George  S.  aged  eight  and  four  years,  re- 
spectively. Both  he  and  his  wife  are  members  of  the  Cumberland 
Presbyterian  Church.  Politically  he  is  a republican.  He  is  an 
active  member  of  the  independent  order  of  Odd  Fellows,  and  be- 
longs to  Mt.  Zion  Lodge,  No-  300.  He  is  also  an  advocate  of 


temperance,  and  is  a member  of  an  organization  whose  object  it  is 
to  suppress  intemperance  and  vice  in  the  land.  In  April,  1879,  he 
was  elected  justice  of  the  peace,  and  now  fills  that  position  with 
credit  to  himself,  and  honor  to  those  who  placed  him  in  that  offi- 
cial capacity. 


R.  BROWNLEE. 

The  Brownlee’s  on  both  the  paternal  and  maternal  side,  are  of 
Scotch  ancestry.  James  Brownlee,  the  father,  was  born  and  raised  in 
Washington  county,  Pa.  He  removed  to  Ohio  and  married 
there.  In  1839  he  emigrated  to  Illinois,  and  settled  in  Shelby 
county,  where  he  still  resides.  While  a resident  of  Pennsylvania, 
he  followed  teaching  school.  After  he  came  west  he  adopted  the 
profession  of  surveying,  and  also  added  farming.  He  was  for  many 
years  surveyor  of  Shelby  county,  Illinois.  He  has  been  married 
four  times.  His  first  wife,  by  whom  he  had  two  children,  was  a 
Sheridan  ; after  her  death  he  married  Rachael  Dye,  mother  of  the 
subject  of  this  sketch.  She  was  born  in  New  Jersey,  but  was  a res- 
ident of  Ohio  at  the  time  of  her  marriage;  she  died  in  1849. 
By  the  third  wife  he  had  three  children  ; none  by  the  fourth.  By 
the  marriage  with  Rachael  Dye  there  were  five  children,  three  sons, 
and  two  daughters.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  is  the  eldest  son  and 
second  in  the  family.  He  was  born  in  Shelby  county,  Illinois, 
November  23d,  1840.  He  spent  his  boyhood  days  at  work  upon 
the  farm,  and  attending  the  public  schools  of  his  native  county. 
He  remained  at  home  until  in  his  nineteenth  year,  when  he  married 
Miss  Caroline  Payne.  She  was  born  in  Pickaway  county,  Ohio. 


232 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS, 


Her  father,  Samuel  Payne,  was  a native  of  Maryland,  and  her 
mother  of  Virginia.  They  came  to  Illinois  in  1854,  and  settled  in 
Shelby  county,  where  Mr.  Payne  still  lives.  The  date  of  Mr.  Brown- 
lee’s marriage  was  January  23d,  1859.  After  his  marriage  he  en- 
gaged in  farming  until  after  the  war  broke  out,  when  he  enlisted 
for  three  years  as  a private  in  Co.  “ M.”  3d  Illinois  Cavalry.  The 
regiment  was  attached  to  the  commands  under  Genl’s.  Fremont, 
Hunter  and  Curtis.  He  was  discharged  and  mustered  out,  when 
he  returned  home  to  Shelby  county,  and  re-engaged  in  farming 
until  1865,  when  he  removed  to  Piatt  county,  remained  there  three 
years,  then  went  to  Moultrie  county,  and  in  1870  came  to  Mt.  Zion, 
Macon  county,  and  engaged  in  the  milling  business.  Prior  to  this, 
he  was  engaged  in  buying  and  shipping  live  stock.  During  the 
time  he  was  engaged  in  milling  business  in  Mt.  Zion,  he  also  con- 
tracted and  built  bridges  on  the  Illinois  Midland  railroad,  which 
was  then  in  process  of  construction.  In  1878,  he  rented  out  his 
mill  property,  and  in  the  winter  of  1879-80,  sold  it  out  and  invest' 
ed  in  a stock  of  drugs  and  medicines  at  Mt.  Zion,  and  at  present  is 
engaged  in  dispensing  these  to  those  afflicted  with  ills  that  the 
flesh  is  heir  to.  Mr.  Brownlee  has  given  considerable  time  to  the 
study  of  law,  and  practices  before  justices’  courts,  although  he  has 
never  been  regularly  admitted  to  the  practice.  When  he  intended 
to  adopt  the  profession  of  law  as  the  business  of  his  life,  he  was 
drawn  off  and  prevented  by  his  army  life,  business  complications; 
etc.  He  is,  by  nature,  well  qualified  for  the  profession  of  law,  and  had 
he  brought  as  much  energy  and  industry  to  the  profession  as  he  has 
to  other  business  in  which  he  has  been  engaged,  we  have  no  doubt, 
he  would  have  succeeded  admirably.  Politically  he  is  an  ardent, 
active  and  influential  democrat.  He  is  a member  of  the  ancient 
and  honorable  order  of  Free  Masonry,  and  belongs  to  Ionic  Lodge, 
Decatur  Ills.  He  ;is  an  advocate  of  temperance  and  prohibition. 
Both  he  and  his  wife  are  members  of  the  M.  E.  Church  of  Mt. 
Zion.  Mr.  Brownlee  is  a pleasant  and  affable  gentleman,  and  is 
much  respected  for  his  honesty  and  strict  probity  of  character. 


DR.  G.  S.  ALLISON. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  in  Pike  county,  Missouri, 
July  22,  1848.  Joseph  C.  Allison,  his  father,  was  a native  of 
Tennessee.  He  married  Maria  Jackson,  of  Kentucky.  Both 
parents  died  in  Missouri.  Dr.  Allison  attended  the  schools  of  his 
native  county,  and  secured  the  rudimentary  principles  of  an  educa- 
tion, which  he  improved  by  three  years’  study  in  the  Academy  at 
Abingdon,  Illinois,  where  he  took  a general  and  classical  course. 
He  determined  to  adopt  the  profession  of  medicine  as  the  business 
of  his  life.  With  this  idea  in  view,  he  read  the  standard  text-books 
upon  medicine,  in  the  office  and  under  the  direction  of  Dr.  W.  C. 
Duncan  of  Pike  county,  Mo.  He  remained  with  Dr.  Duncan  four 


years,  then  entered  the  St.  Louis  Medical  College  and  remained  two 
years,  and  graduated  from  that  institution  with  the  degree  of  M.D., 
March,  1871.  He  commenced  the  practice  in  his  native  county, 
and  two  years  later  came  to  Mt.  Zion,  Macon  county,  where  he  has 
continued  the  practice  with  good  success  to  the  present.  Dr.  Alli- 
son belongs  to  the  progressive  school  of  physicians.  He  is  a mem- 
ber of  the  County  Medical  Society,  and  at  present  is  president  of 
that  body.  Ou  the  2d  of  May,  1876,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to 
Miss  Ellen  E.,  daughter  of  Prof.  William  Mariner,  formerly  of 
Lincoln  University,  Lincoln,  Illinois.  One  child,  named  Ida,  is 
the  fruit  of  this  happy  uniou.  Dr.  Allison  is  a respected  member 
of  the  order  of  A.  F.  & A.  M.,  and  I.  O.  O.  F. 


W.  H.  WALLACE 

Is  a native  of  Macon  county,  Illinois.  He  was  born  in  Mt.  Zion 
township,  March  17th,  1848.  James  Wallace,  his  father,  was  a 
native  of  South  Carolina.  He  was  born  in  1821.  The  Wallace 
family  originally  came  from  Scotland,  and  settled  in  South  Caro- 
lina prior  to  the  Revolutionary  war.  After  the  war  they  moved  to 
Nova  Scotia,  and  then  back  to  /the  Carolinas.  James  Wallace, 
grandfather  of  ’the  present  sketch,  emigrated  to  Illinois  between 
the  years  1825  and  1828.  He  first  stopped  in  Sangamon  county; 
after  the  winter  of  the  deep  'snow  came  to  Macon  county,  and 
settled  on  Long  Creek,  where  he  entered  land,  and  there  remained 
until  his  death,  which  occurred  about  the  year  1846.  His  son, 
James,  remained  in  the  county  until  his  death,  March  13th,  1863. 
He  was  a farmer  by  occupation,  and  followed  that  and  stock-raising 
during  his  entire  life.  He  married  Mary  J.  Ferry.  She  was  born 
in  Grayson  county,  Kentucky,  a,nd  came  to  Illinois  in  company 
with  her  grandfather.  Her  parents  came  here  at  a later  date.  She 
is  yet  living  with  her  son  W.  H.  in  Mt.  Zion  township.  The  sub- 
ject of  this  sketch  is  the  second  in  a family  of  five  boys  and  one 
girl.  His  education  was  received  in  the  public  schools  of  the 
county,  and  in  the  academy  of  Mt.  Zion,  where  he  spent  several 
years  improving  himself  in  the  higher  grades  of  learning.  Since 
his  father’s  death,  which  took  place  while  he  was  in  his  fifteenth 
year,  he  has  practically  been  doing  for  himself.  At  present  he  is 
engaged  in  farming  and  stock-raising,  and  is  one  of  the  enterprising 
and  leading  agriculturalists  of  his  township.  Politically  he  is  a 
democrat.  He  cast  his  first  presidential  vote  for  that  purest  of 
patriots  aud  philosophers,  Horace  Greeley.  He  takes  an  active 
part  in  the  local  elections,  and  is  an  ardent  and  enthusiastic 
supporter  of  democratic  principles.  He  has  represented  his  town- 
ship in  the  Board  of  Supervisors  for  three  terms,  and  while  a 
member  of  that  body  earned  the  reputation  of  a careful  and  pru- 
dent officer.  He  is  much  respected  as  a man  and  citizen  in  the 
neighborhood  where  he  was  born  and  raised. 


V 


MtLAM  TOWNSHIP. 


ILAM,*  is  situated  in  the  extreme  south-east  corner  of  the 
county,  and  comprises  the  north  half  of  the  congression- 
al town  14  north,  range  3 east,  with  one  tier  of  sections 
on  the  south  from  town  15  north,  range  3 east. 

It  contains  nineteen  square  miles,  or  twelve  thousand  one  hundred 
and  sixty  acres  of  choice  prairie  land,  bounded  on  the  north  by  Mt. 
Zion  township,  on  the  east  by  Moultrie  county,  on  the  south  by 
Shelby  county  and  on  the  west  by  South  Macon  township.  The 
soil  is  a rich  black  loam,  averaging  about  two  feet  in  depth,  adapted 
to  the  growth  of  all  the  cereals  usual  to  the  county,  but  especially 
to  the  culture  of  corn.  The  surface  is  generally  level,  and  is  much 
in  need  of  artificial  drainage,  which  is  just  being  understood  and 
introduced. 

The  name  of  Milam  vTas  suggested  by  J.  B.  Gleason,  from  the 
fact  that  the  Milam  apple  thrived  better  in  that  locality  than  any 
other.  The  township  was  organized  in  the  spring  of  1870,  at  the 
instance  of  J.  B.  Gleason  and  others.  It  was  struck  off  from  Mt. 
Zion.  The  first  settlement  began  in  the  year  1851,  when  James 
Greenfield  and  his  son,  Jesse  Greenfield,  located  in  the  northern 
portion  of  its  border,  erected  a dwelling,  and  made  some  improve- 
ments. Joel  Cloud  settled  in  section  twelve  in  1 857,  and  David  J. 
Freeland  from  Orange  county,  North  Carolina,  settled  also  on  sec- 
tion tv?elve  in  1858.  There  were  also  a family  named  Hale,  that 
settled  here  at  an  early  date.  Milam  is  the-  newest  township  in  the 
county,  and  with  the  exception  of  those  above  mentioned  it  remained 
unsettled  until  after  the  late  civil  war.  In  1865,  J.  B.  Gleason, 
located  with  his  family  and  began  the  settlement  of  the  south-eastern 
corner.  David  Shelton  arrived  the  same  year.  Also  Frederic  and 
Henry  Wehrman  settled  and  commenced  farming.  Richard  Crib- 
bett,  J.  W.  Smith,  James  Kerr,  William  Meyers,  John  W.  and 
William  Dudley,  William  Rutledge  and  a few  others  arrived  with- 
in a brief  space  of  time,  and  assisted  in  establishing  the  agricultural 
and  commercial  prosperity  of  the  township. 

Franklin  Cloud,  son  of  Joseph  and  Nancy  Cloud,  was  the  first 
child  born  in  the  township.  Silas  Rutledge  and  Oliver  Smith  were 
the  first  couple  married.  The  first  death  was  that  of  Philo  Hale. 

* We  are  under  obligations  to  Captain  J.  B.  Gleason  for  data  furnished  for  the 
compilation  of  the  history. 

30 


The  township  was  resurveyed  by  special  provision  of  the  Legisla- 
ture and  county  court,  at  a cost  of  some  two  thousand  dollars,  cor- 
ners established  and  roads  laid  out.  Immediately  after  its  organi- 
zation and  among  its  first  enactments,  a stock  law  was  voted,  which 
has  worked  with  entire  satisfaction,  and  has  added  much  to  the  con- 
venience of  all  citizens  as  well,  as  aiding  in  a more  rapid  improve- 
ment of  the  county,  as  well  as  the  stock. 

The  first  land  entries  were  made  by  Benjamin  Durgin,  August 
23d,  1852,  to  wit : the  N.  E.  i of  section  No.  1,  160.24  acres.  Sarah 
Nash  entered  on  same  day  164.18  acres  in  same  section.  The  next 
entry  was  made  by  Andrew  Libby  same  date,  160  acres  in  section 
No.  1.  Theodore  Brooks  entered  160  acres  in  section  No.  1,  town- 
ship No.  14  N.  R.  3 east. 

The  first  school  district  was  laid  off  in  1866.  Samuel  Gregory 
taught  a winter  term  of  four  months.  This  was  named  Harmony 
school,  and  was  located  in  the  center  of  sections  11  and  14  N.,  R.  3 
E.  Since  then  two  school  districts  have  been  added,  and  commo- 
dious houses  erected. 

The  inhabitants  are  divided  in  nativity,  between  the  eastern, 
southern  and  middle  states,  and  a few  Americanized  Germans. 
They  are  all  sober,  intelligent  and  enterprising  people.  There  are 
six  hundred  and  thirty-one  inhabitants  ; one  hundred  and  fifteen 
families  and  dwellings,  and  four  school-houses.  There  are  three 
school  districts  and  halves  of  two  others.  Though  having  no  house 
especially  dedicated  to  public  worship,  yet  the  people  almost  uni- 
versally belong  to  some  one  of  the  evangelical  denominations, 
each  of  whom  have  houses  of  worship  just  outside  of  the  township. 
There  is  in  fact  not  an  infidel  resident  in  Milam.  A noteworthy 
fact  is  that  in  this  township  there  is  no  preacher,  no  doctor,  no 
lawyer,  no  pauper,  no  drunkard,  no  empty  houses  and  no_family 
without  a house. 

J.  B.  Gleason  was  elected  the  first  Justice  of  the  Peace,  and  has 
held  the  office  ever  since.  Geo.  A.  Bartlett,  was  the  first  collector  ; 
W.  E.  Kyer,  first  assessor  ; James  M.  Kerr,  first  town  clerk.  The 
supervisors  that  have  been  elected  to  represent  Milam,  are:  J.  B. 
Gleason,  in  1870;  G.  A.  Bartlett,  1871  ; re-elected  1872;  J.  W. 
Rogers,  1873,  re-elected  1874;  \V.  E.  Kyer,  1875,  re-elected  1876 
and  ’77;  John  Yangundy,  1878,  re-elected  1879;  A.  Dickson, 
elected  1880. 


233 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES. 


JOHN  C.  McREYNOLDS. 

Mr.  McReynolds’  great-grandfather,  John  McReynolds,  was 
born  in  Ireland,  where  he  was  married.  He  became  one  of  the 
early  settlers  of  Viginia — the  native  state  of  another  John  Mc- 
Reynolds, Mr.  McReynolds’  grandfather.  He  early  emigrated  to 
Blount  county,  Tenn.,  where  he  married  a Miss  Jane  McReynolds, 
a distant  relative.  There  Robert,  Mr.  McReynolds’  father,  was 
born,  who  married  Miss  Sarah  Wear,  of  his  native  county. 
There  also  Mr.  McReynolds  was  born,  June  21st,  1834.  At  the 
age  of  ten  he  came  with  his  parents  to  Illinois,  who  made  a settle- 
ment near  Ramsey,  where  his  father  died  in  1855.  Being  the  eld- 
est of  the  children,  the  care  and  support  of  the  family  devolved 
almost  exclusively  on  him.  He  brought  the  family  to  Moultrie 
county  in  1856,  and  located  in  the  town  of  Marrowbone,  where  he 
continued  to  provide- for  their  wants  up  to  the  beginning  of  the  late 
civil  war.  He  enlisted  in  the  United  States  service  in  May,  1861, 
and  was  honorably  discharged  July  14th,  1864.  His  was  the 
Twenty-first  Illinois  Vol.  Infantry — Grant’s  old  and  well-known 
regiment — which  went  immediately  to  the  front,  where  it  remained 
till  the  close  of  the  war,  and  was  employed  in  some  of  the  heaviest 
fighting  known  in  military  annals — including  the  battles  of  Fred- 
erickstown,  Corinth,  Perrysville,  Stone  River,  Liberty  Gap,  Chick- 
amauga,  Resaca,  Dallas,  Kenesaw,  Atlanta,  Jonesboro,  Franklin, 
and  Nashville. 

He  was  married  in  1865,  the  object  of  his  choice  being  Mrs.  Mary 
A.  Wear,  relict  of  David  M.  Wear,  another  Union  soldier,  who 
lost  his  life  in  the  cause  of  his  country,  and  by  whom  she  had  one 
son,  John  W.,  born  Sept.  25th,  1862.  She  was  the  daughter  of  Dr. 
William  Morrison  and  Azella  Battersbee,  natives  of  England, 
who  came  to  this  country  and  were  married  in  Boston,  where  they 
both  died,  leaving  only  one  heir. 

Immediately  after  their  marriage  Mr.  McReynolds  bought  forty 
acres  of  land  in  Milam  town,  where  he  still  lives,  and  where  he  has 
made  as  handsome  and  as  tasteful  a home  as  is  to  be  found  in  the 
county.  He  conducts  his  business  in  a scientific  manner,  and  has 
furnished  an  illustration  of  what  enlightened  husbandry  is  capable 
of  producing  with  such  a soil  as  is  found  in  the  county  of  Macon. 
He  has  only  one  hundred  and  twenty  acres,  but  it  is  cultivated  in 
such  a manner  as  to  yield  more  than  is  usually  produced  from  twice 
the  amount,  farmed  in  the  careless  methods  of  former  times. 


J.  B.  GLEASON 

Was  born  near  the  city  of  Hartford,  Conn.,  September  25th, 
1807,  and  is  the  youngest  son,  save  two,  of  a family  of  eleven  chil- 
dren, of  whom  nine  were  sons.  All  are  now  dead  except  himself, 
Joseph,  of  Manchester,  of  his  native  state,  and  Mary,  the  relict  of 
Joseph  Kendall,  of  Hartford  county,  Conn. 

234 


Mr.  Gleason’s  father,  Jonah,  was  a farmer  of  some  note,  who 
occupied  the  estate  near  Hartford  which  his  father  purchased  im- 
mediately on  his  arrival  in  this  country  from  the  shores  of  “ Merry 
old  England.” 

Mi’.  Gleason’s  mother  was  formerly  Miss  Hannah  Blodgett,  a 
lady  of  fair  attainments  and  accomplishments,  such  as  were  to  be  se- 
cured by  the  usual  advantages  of  the  age  in  which  she  was  raised. 

At  the  age  of  nine,  an  arrangement  was  effected  by  which  he 
went  to  live  in  the  family  of  Isaac  Gleason,  a distant  relative,  and 
where  he  remained,  taking  part  in  the  usual  routine  duties  of  farm 
work  till  the  age  of  sixteen  was  reached,  in  the  mean  time  receiv- 
ing such  advantages  as  were  to  be  had  at  the  common  district 
schools.  He  next  learned  the  bricklayer’s  trade  from  an  elder 
brother,  Lathrop,  with  whom  he  found  a home  for  a period  of  two 
years,  and  then  began  work  at  his  trade  on  his  own  account, 
making  not  only  a support,  but  something  for  future  contingencies. 
At  the  age  of  twenty-two  he  began  a course  at  Amherst  Academy, 
where  he  made  the  usual  two  years’  preparation,  when  he  entered 
Williams  College,  Mass.  After  spending  two  years  at  that  institu- 
tion, according  to  a general  custom  of  the  times,  he  changed  insti- 
tutions, completing  a course,  and  graduated  with  full  honors  at 
Union  College,  Schenectady,  in  1835.  He  then  began  teaching, 
and  married  toward  the  close  of  the  same  year,  but  finding  his 
health  somewhat  injured  by  the  too  sedentary  habits  of  the  school- 
room, he  changed  his  business  back  to  the  more  active  and  healthy 
exercises  of  his  trade,  to  which  by  this  time  a natural  mechanical 
bent  of  mind  had  added  that  of  “builder.”  In  1837  he  settled  in 
Summit  county,  Ohio,  where  for  about  nine  years  he  was  employed 
in  academic  teaching,  when  failing  health  again  compelled  him  to 
abandon  the  school-room,  and  he  again  applied  himself  to  me- 
chanics, building  a large  factory  for  the  general  manufacture  of 
wooden-ware,  in  which  he  found  profitable  employment  for  a 
period  of  five  years,  meantime  teaching  a few  special  terms  of 
school,  at  the  urgent  request  of  friends.  His  factory  having  been 
burned  down  in  1851,  he  determined  to  fulfill  a desire  to  visit  the 
West,  and  he  accordingly  moved  to  Iowa  and  settled  in  Buchanan 
county.  There  he  remained  during  the  late  civil  war,  and  entered, 
bought  ’and  improved  a farm,  which  he  reduced  to  cultivation. 
While  in  that  county  he  was  county  surveyor  two  terms — was 
deputy  provost-marshal,  enrolling  officer,  and  a part  of  the  time  an 
acting  justice  of  the  peace.  In  all  of  his  official  relations  he  acted 
with  such  promptness,  efficiency  and  good  judgment,  that  he  won 
the  good-will  and  esteem  of  all  classes,  and  earned  the  reputation 
of  being  one  of  the  most  useful  citizens  of  the  county. 

From  Iowa  he  moved  to  Illinois,  and  located  in  the  south-eastern 
corner  of  this  county — Milam  township,  which  has  been  the  place 
of  his  residence  ever  since.  Here  he  bought  and  improved  a nice 
home,  on  which  he  expects  to  remain  the  balance  of  his  days,  till 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


235 


his  Master  calls  for  a change  in  the  mode  of  existence.  Ilis 
wife,  formerly  Miss  Rebecca  Little,  is  still  living,  something  over 
seventy  years  old,  and  is  remarkably  energetic  for  one  of  her  age, 
and  is  one  of  the  excellent  housewives  and  model  ladies  of  the 
day.  It  has  been  remarked  of  some  people  that  they  never  grow 
old,  and  if  there  is  truth  in  this  adage,  it  never  was  more  appli- 
cable than  to  this  venerable  old  couple,  who  through  all  the  in- 
tervening years  have  brought  with  them  the  freshness  and  sweetness 
of  youth. 

They  have  raised  a family  of  four  children  in  the  highest 
credit  and  respectability,  all  citizens  of  this  county,  save  Payson 
E.,  of  Boulder  City,  Cal.  ; and  have  not  only  given  their  offspring 
all  the  ordinary  advantages  of  the  period,  out  have  conferred  on 
them  that  higher  education  which  not  only  prepares  men  for  the 
duties  of  the  present,  but  qualifies  them  for  the  facts  of  the  life  to 
come.  They  are  both  members  of  the  Presbyterian  church,  and 
have  been  for  many  years  followers  of  Him  who  descended  into 
this  mortal  world  for  the  purpose  of  teaching  mortals  how  to  live. 
In  fact,  far  back  in  the  mystic  past,  before  Mr.  Gleason  applied  his 
hand  to  the  helm  of  the  craft  of  active  life,  he  gave  his  heart  to 
the  King  of  kings ; and  to  the  sustaining  strength  of  his  faithful 
Master  he  attributes  his  success  in  life. 

Since  becoming  a resident  of  this  county  he  has,  as  usual  with 
him,  been  actively  employed  in  the  cause  of  general  improvement, 
education  and  Christian  evangelization.  He  moved  in  the  organiza- 
tion of  the  town  of  Milam,  and  has  had  charge,  more  or  less,  of  all 
measures  having  in  contemplation  its  moral,  educational  and  ma- 
terial development.  He  was  the  suggester  and  author  of  the 
‘stock-law”  that  has  worked  with  such  advantage  and  satisfaction 
to  his  fellow-townsmen,  and  took  an  active  part  in  securing  good 
homes  and  instructors  for  the  young.  His  usefulness,  however,  has 
not  been  confined  to  his  own  town,  but  he  is  favorably  known  by  the 
people  of  the  county  at  large  as  a reliable,  active  and  public-spirited 
citizen.  He  was  chairman  of  the  court-house  committee,  and  to  his 
influence  and  action  is  largely  due  the  securing  on  favorable  terms 
of  the  present  court-house  rooms,  and  of  the  sale  of  the  old  court- 
house. His  life  has  been  characterized  by  punctuality,  fidelity  to 
trust,  and  a degree  of  self-denial,  for  the  public  good,  wherever  he 
has  lived,  and  in  honor  to  his  memory,  it  can  be  truthfully  said  : 
“ He  has  been  loyal  to  his  family,  to  his  country  and  to  his  God.” 


GEO.  A.  BARTLETT 

Hails  from  the  rich  and  cultivated  old  county  of  Madison,  where 
his  grandfather,  Joseph  Bartlett,  settled  in  1808,  being  an  emi- 
grant from  Tenn.,  in  which  W.  R.,  Mr.  B.’s  father,  was  born,  and 
who  was  seven  years  old  when  the  family  arrived  in  Illinois.  He 
married  Miss  Lucy  Thompson,  by  whom  he  raised  a family  of  ten 
children,  all  now  dead  but  Mr.  Bartlett,  Wm.  R.,  Jno.  W.,  James 
P.  of  Washington  territory,  Mary  A.  Hunter,  of  Portland,  Oregon, 
and  Thompson,  of  Sedalia,  Mo. 

Mr.  Bartlett  was  born  near  Edwardsville,  Nov.  11th,  1832,  was 
raised  as  a farmer,  and  on  attaining  his  majority,  leased  a half 
section  of  land  for  ten  years,  which  was  the  means  of  starting  him, 
financially,  in  the  world.  He  was  married  in  1861,  to  Miss 
Isabella  McNickle,  the  daughter  of  George  and  Jane  McCoy.  A 
short  time  before  the  expiration  of  his  lease  he  bought  a farm  of 
100  acres,  four  miles  east  of  his  county-seat,  on  which  he  lived  till 
his  removal  to  this  county  in  1868,  and  which  he  disposed  of  at  the 
round  price  of  $80  per  acre.  He  at  once,  on  his  arrival  here,  pur- 
chased the  fine  farm  in  Milam  township  which  has  since  been  his 


home,  and  which  is  handsomely  improved,  and  in  a superior  state 
of  cultivation — equal  in  every  respect  to  any  in  his  precinct. 

Though  in  the  strictest  sense  a farmer,  and  having  no  taste  for 
official  cares  and  responsibilities,  still  he  has  held  some  of  the  posi- 
tions of  trust  within  his  township.  He  was  its  second  supervisor* 
and  held  the  office  for  two  terms,  and  for  three  years  was  commis- 
sioner of  highways,  and  was  the  first  town  collector.  His  public 
duties  were  discharged  in  every  respect  with  ability  and  integrity, 
and  to  his  endeavors  the  people  are  indebted  for  the  timely  and 
excellent  system  of  grading  and  drainage  imperatively  demanded 
by  the  topography  of  the  country. 

He  was  bereaved  by  the  death  of  his  amiable  companion  in  1874, 
who  left  behind  her  six  children — all  still  living  save  one  which 
followed  its  mother  to  the  grave  in  a few  days.  His  second  wife  was 
Miss  Henriette  Naftel,  an  accomplished  lady,  by  whom  his  family 
circle  has  been  enlarged  by  the  birth  of  three  additional  children. 

From  family  traditions  we  gather  the  following  facts  in  regard  to 
the  early  history  of  the  Bartlett  family.  His  great-grandfather  was  a 
French  Quaker,  who  settled  in  Va.,  and  afterwards  moved  into  Md., 
where  Mr.  B.’s  grandfather  was  born.  He  was  a frontiersman  in  an 
eminent  sense,  first  in  N.  C.,  then  in  Tenn.,  and  lastly  in  Ilis.  He 
was  in  the  Black  Hawk  and  other  early  Indian  wars,  and  was  one 
of  the  best  informed  old  settlers  of  his  day,  was  well  known  by 
many  of  the  earlier  politicians  of  the  state,  and  such  were  the  reten- 
tive qualities  of  his  memory  that  he  had  the  histories  of  the  three 
states  in  which  he  had  lived  almost  by  heart. 


DAVID  J.  FREELAND. 

Among  the  names  of  early  settlers  and  prominent  citizens,  who 
have  aided  in  the  improvement  and  development  of  the  rich  re- 
sources of  the  county,  we  include  the  name  of  Mr.  Freeland  as  the 
representative  of  a family,  deserving  more  than  a passing  histori- 
cal notice. 

The  origin  of  the  family  line  dates  back  to  the  sunny  climes  of 
Italy,  from  whence  they  found  their  way  to  Ireland.  In  the  early 
colonization  of  the  United  States,  they  left  the  Emerald  Isle  and 
settled  in  the  South  ; at  least  they  were  citizens  of  North  Caro- 
lina when  the  war  of  the  American  revolution  threatened  to  sever 
the  ties  which  bound  the  colonies  to  the  mother  country.  John 
Freeland,  Mr.  Freeland’s  grandfather,  with  six  brothers,  aided  in 
the  cause  of  freedom,  as  soldiers  in  the  continental  army.  At  the 
time  when  Cornwallis  and  Greene  measured  their  military  strength, 
in  the  battle  of  Guilford  Court-House,  he  was  confined  to  a bed  of 
sickness,  and  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  British  General,  by  whom 
he  was  subsequently  released.  After  serving  his  country  till  the 
close  of  the  war,  he  was  united  in  marriage  with  a Miss  Kate 
Johnson,  of  Orange  county,  in  which  he  afterwards  settled,  and 
where  he  finally  died.  He  raised  a large  and  respectable  family 
on  his  farm,  near  Chapel  Hill,  the  site  of  the  once  renowned  Uni- 
versity of  North  Carolina,  where  graduated  some  of  the  first  men 
of  the  nation,  including  Benton,  Polk  and  others,  of  almost  equal 
renown.  There,  James,  Mr.  Freeland’s  father,  was  born.  He 
received  a liberal  education  at  the  University.  After  completing 
his  course  at  college,  he  applied  his  attention  to  surveying,  and  for 
twenty-five  years  performed  the  great  mass  of  the  work  of  this 
character  for  Orange  county,  and  with  an  accuracy  and  skill  which 
evinced  the  highest  degree  of  efficiency  in  this  branch  of  science, 
and  at  a time  and  in  a locality,  when  lines  were  determined  by 
“ metes  and  bounds,”  and  the  surveyor  had  none  of  the  advantages 
of  meridians,  base-lines,  &c.  He  was  early  married  to  Miss  Jane 


236 


HISTORY  OF  MACON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS, 


Strain,  daughter  of  Alexander  Strain,  a well-known  citizen  of 
Orange  county.  In  1836  he  sold  out  his  small  farm  and  directed 
his  course  to  the  then  new  state  of  Illinois  and  settled  the  same 
year  in  that  part  of  Moultrie,  which  was  afterwards  set  off  in  the 
formation  of  Macon  county,  near  the  site  where  his  son,  the  subject 
of  this  notice,  now  lives ; and  where  he  resided  till  the  time  of  his 
death  in  1871,  in  the  seventy-seventh  year  of  his  age.  After 
settling  in  Illinois  he  gave  his  attention  entirely  to  farming  and 
concomitant  interests,  and  became  one  of  the  most  successful  men 
of  the  county,  in  its  earlier  history.  He  entered  and  bought  about 
eight  hundred  acres  of  land,  most  of  which  is  included  in  the 
limits  of  the  county,  and  which  he  principally  reduced  to  cultiva- 
tion. He  not  only  gave  his  time  and  thought  to  the  material 
industries  of  his  settlement  and  community,  but  being  himself  a 
Christian  by  profession,  he  sought  by  all  accessible  methods,  then 
in  existence,  the  jn-opagation  and  establishment  of  evangelical  and 
literary  agencies,  which  in  every  community  lay  the  foundation  for 
everything  valuable  in  society. 

He  was  a close  calculator,  saving,  economical,  charitable,  perse- 
vering, industrious,  and  in  his  business  transactions  the  very  soul 
of  honor.  In  all  good  work  his  wife,  an  estimable  Christian  lady, 
not  only  seconded  but  aided,  with  a woman’s  delicacy,  the  under- 
takings of  her  husband.  They  both  joined  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  North  Carolina,  and  after  coming  to  this  state,  united 
as  a matter  of  convenience  with  the  Cumberland  Presbyterians  ; 
in  which  fellowship  they  continued  till  death  put  an  end  to  their 
labors,  she  preceding  him  to  the  grave  some  three  years. 

They  brought  nine  children  with  them  to  this  county.  Three  of 
their  sons  are  still  living  : John,  a well-known  citizen,  and  former 
county  official  of  Moultrie  county,  now  of  Sullivan.  Samuel,  a 
well-known  old  settler  and  well-to-do  farmer  of  the  same  county, 
and  the  subject  of  this  sketch.  James,  a rising  youug  minister  of 
the  C.  P.  Church,  and  a graduate  of  Cumberland  University, 
Tennessee,  died  in  Sullivan.  William  died  from  the  effects  of 
wounds,  received  in  the  Union  service,  at  the  battle  of  Pittsburg 
Landing,  and  another  son,  Joseph,  died  when  a young  man,  also 


in  Sullivan.  Of  the  four  daughters,  three  died  in  this  county,  and 
one  near  Wenona,  Illinois. 

Of  Mr.  Freeland  himself,  we  design  only  briefly  to  speak.  Still 
an  epitome  of  his  life  and  work  as  a citizen  of  the  county  is  essen- 
tial to  a general  family  sketch.  He  was  born  April  19th,  1819,  in 
his  father’s  native  state.  He  received  a fair  education  in  his 
earlier  school  days,  completing  an  ordinary  Academic  course 
at  Hillsboro,  Montgomery  county.  He  taught  some  six  years  after 
attaining  his  majority,  since  which  time,  lie  has  given  his  attention 
entirely  to  the  more  congenial  and  active  pursuits  of  agriculture, 
in  which  he  has  been  in  a marked  degree  successful ; now,  own- 
ing one  of  the.  best  farms  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  county. 

He  has  been  twice  married.  His  first  wife  was  Miss  Sarah,  the 
daughter  of  David  Strain,  an  early  settler  of  Moultrie  county,  by 
whom  he  had  one  son,  Alexander,  a well-known  citizen  of  Milam 
township  and  also  a soldier  in  the  late  civil  war  for  the  suppression 
of  the  rebellion,  growing  out  of  the  attempted  secession  of  the 
Southern  states.  By  his  second  wife,  formerly  Miss  Martha 
Sawyer,  daughter  of  John  Sawyer,  an  old  and  well-known  settler  of 
Coles  county,  he  has  a family  of  nine  surviving  children,  all  being 
well  educated,  both  in  literature  and  the  methods  of  business,  and 
general  usefulness.  Mr.  Freeland  joined  the  Presbyterian  Church  in 
North  Carolina,  and  with  his  parents  united  with  the  Cumberland 
Presbyterian  Church  on  coming  to  this  state,  a fellowship  in  which 
he  has  maintained  a consistent  standing,  all  his  subsequent  life.  His 
former  companion  lived  and  died  in  the  same  religious  communion, 
and  his  present  wife  and  nearly  all  his  children,  have  membership 
in  the  same  order.  In  the  history  of  Mr.  Freeland  we  have  the 
general  points  embraced  in  most  of  our  old  pioneer  homes,  viz. : in- 
dustry, honesty,  hospitality  and  a warm-hearted  cordiality,  fostered 
under  the  peculiar  conditions  of  the  early  days  of  our  history. 
May  those  virtues  survive  and  be  handed  down  to  the  remotest 
periods  of  posterity,  and  may  the  names,  as  well  as  the  social  vir- 
tues of  our  old  settlers,  live  in  the  memory  of  their  successors 
for  all  time  to  come. 


i 


PARTIAL  LIST  OF  PATRONS. 


CITY  AND  TOWNSHIP  OF  JDECATUR. 


NAME. 


RE.SII)  NC'E. 


OCCUPATION. 


Arbuckle,  A.  R. 
Arnold,  John  A. 

J Allen,  D.  L. 

\ Julia  E.  Read 
Andrews,  Thomas 
f Allen,  Samuel  C. 

X Jane  E.  Gore 
Aldridge,  H.  A. 
Buckingham,  I.  A. 

J Barnes,  W.  A. 

(.  Albert  Barnes 
Brenneman,  D.  W. 
Brandom,  M. 

Blenz,  Jacob 
Bradley.  A. 

Baker,  J N. 

Baker,  H.  S. 

Blenz,  Jr.,  John 
Bartholomew,  E.  D. 
Bunn,  D.  P. 
Bachrach,  Henry 
Blume,  George  P. 
Braden,  Boyd 
Butman,  J.  W. 

Bird,  John 
f Brown,  John  A. 

\ Albert  G.  Webber 
Blessing,  John 
Bramble,  Onies  N. 
f Barraohman,  C.  J. 

\ Hannah  Topping 
Bauer,  Philip 
Bumstead,  Samuel  J. 
Brown,  Jo-iah 
Bering,  Edward  J. 
Clokev,  Josiah  M. 

T Chambers,  Wm.  E. 

-j  Jas.  E.  Bering 
( Wm.  J.  Quinlan 
Curtis,  Ira  B. 

/ Cbenoweth,  W.  J. 

\ Cbenoweth,  C. 
Carrigan,  John  R. 
Conklin,  A.  W. 
Caldwell,  C.  M. 

Curtis,  O.  E. 
Campbell,  John  S. 
Colladay,  Walter  F. 
Corman,  O.  F. 
Campbell,  James  C. 
Cain,  Lew.  R. 

( Carder,  John 
\ Nancy  J.  Park 
Durfee,  B.  K 
Durfee,  George  S. 
Dawkins,  R C. 

/ Daniel,  John  IT. 

X Fannie  Dodson 
Dodson,  Ben.  F. 
Dinneen,  John 
Danzeisen,  Jacob 
Derinit,  James 
Dunston,  A.  J. 

Dennis,  W.  A. 

Dodson,  William 
Eldridge,  E.  R. 
Elwood,  C. 

Ehrrnan,  I.  W. 

Ewing,  E.  F. 

( Eckart,  Mathis 
\ Mary  Barbara  Reflen 
J Eicholtz,  E.  B. 

1 Lory  A.  Stare 
Foster,  W.  W. 
Freeman,  James 
Frostmyer,  Martin 
f Geddes,  James 
l Mary  J.  Burnett 
J Gallagher,  Rachel  R. 

\ Judge  Arthur  J.  Gallagher 
Gastman,  E.  A. 

Greer,  Samuel  F. 

Gay,  Edward  C. 


PLACE  OF 
BUSINESS.  NATIVITY. 


22  Water 
S.  s.  Old  Sq 

St. Nicholas 


Broadway 
S,s.  New  Sq 


Ohio  74 

Va.  75 

Loudon  Co.Y  28' 
Charlotte  30 


Loudon  “ 

t(  U 

Scott  Co.  I11J 
Ohio 
N.  H. 


mdorado  & con.  Editor  of  Tomahawk 

Macon  & Union  Hatter 

Section  23  Retired 
Section  23  Wife  of  D.  L.  Allen 
st.  Nicholas  Hot.  Sal.  & Billiard  Parlor 
Section  12  Farmer 
Deceased  June  25th,  1880 
E.  William  Butcher 
52  w.  william  si  Attorney 
93  N.  Main  Retired  Physician 
93  N.  Main  Abstract  r Conveyancer  17  E.  Main  Ind. 

24  Franklin  Wholesale  Liquor  Deal  39  Water  Indiana 
2fi  E.  William  Oculist  and  Aurist  14  Park  Ind. 

William  St  Butcher  N.s.N.Park  Germany 

South  Main  Lightning  Rod  Agent  Ohio 

22  Macon  Deal,  in  Boots  & Shoes  10  E.  Main  Macon  Co.  Ill  44 
73  W.  Main  Contractor  and  Builder  °vfartre0rGoi,d0  and  Ind.  55 

Butcher  W.  s.  Old  Sq  Germany 

55  N.  Main  Queemware,  Glassware,  Toys  & 37  \\Tater  ('nnn 
r a wt  tv  r • Notions  . w 

OU  VV  . Mam  Universalist  Minister  |o0  \v . Main  Ohio 
Wood  Chur’h  Clothier  Main  it  Water  Md. 

Prairie  Coll'ej  Gen.  Agt.  Gen.  Singer  Machine  Prairie  Ohio 
76  n.  Church  MKoTOiw'wo,!ksnplietor  General  Cerro  Gordo  Penna. 
iTnlti'i'u10'1  au  l dupt.  Gas  Works  Jackson  St  Mass. 

S.  Cemetery  Calcitniner  S.  Cemet’rv  Alabama 

E.  North  at  Law  and;Ma.ter  in  \yater  ‘ Mass. 

n.  or  n.  Church  Attorney  Water  St  Germany 

Section  23  Tile  Manufacturer  Sec.  23  Penna. 

Cemet  ry  St  Eng.  City  Water  Works  c.  W.  Works  Ind. 

Farmer  & Stock  Raiser  Sec.  5 Maryland 
Wife  of  C.  J.  Barrachman  Ohio 


CITY  AND  TOWNSHIP  OF  DECATUR.— [Continued.] 


Berks  Co.  Pa.  76 


I , , „ 1 [list  and  Aurist 

>•2  w. Eldorado  st  physician.  Surgeon,  Ocu-  12  E.  Main  Phila.  Pa. 
Decatur  Physician  and  Surgeon  Canada 

35  Eldor’do  Manufac.  Ag.  “ Impls.” 

13  E.  Wood  Attorney  13  Water 

Edward  & North  ) Jasper  St. 

35  Eldorado  Manufacturers  [ & 'Wabash 

N.  Main  St  J R r 

29  W. William  Oculist,  Aurist  & J.  P.|14N.Water  Ohio 
W;  Main  PJiysician  and  Surgeon  7 VV.  Main  Kv. 

Ivy. 


71 
69 
54 
77 

72 
79 
71 
56 
65 
63 

76 
58 
61. 
61 

I 

77 
58 


Ohio 
N.  Y. 
Penna. 
Penna. 


21  W.  Main 
53  N.  Edward  Painter 

75  Eldor’do  Cotton  Bagging  M’ft. 
West  Main  Prop.  Eclipse  Stables 

Cor.  'William  aud  x 1 1 

Eldorado  Jeweler 

Cerro  Gordo  Saloon 

Cor.  Water  Tobacconist  & Proprietor  Billiard 

E.  North  Parlor 
20  S. Macon 
42  S.  Water 


Sec.  8 
Sec.  8 
West  Main 

Cor.  N.  Main  aud 
Cerro  Gordo 

16  S.  Main 
Sec.  13 
Sec.  13 
24  Merchant 
Broadway 
27  W.Wood 
57  Decatur 
12  Jackson 


Dentist 
Tobacconist 
Proprietor  of  Saloon 
Farmer  & Stock  Raiser 
Wife  of  John  Carder 
Insur.  & Real  Est.  Agt 
Deal,  in  Farm  Imp.  & 
Dentist  [Seeds 

Farmer  & Stock  Raiser 
Wife  of  Jno.  II.  Daniel 
Proprietor  of  Saloon 
Grocer  & Co.  Coroner 
Butcher,  Whole.  & Retail 
Contractor  and  Builder 
Blacksmith 
S.  Franklin  Hardware  Merchant 
78  E.  Eldor’do  B.  M u.  D.  forpast  23yrs 
9 Decatur  Attorney 
18  W.N’rth  Clothing  & Dry  Goods 
Edw.ird&prairie  Clothing  Manufacturer 
I orest  Ave  Jeweler 

Farm.,  Gr.  Grow,  .t  W.  Man 
Sec.  9 Wife  of  Mathis  Eckart 
Fruit  & Vegetable  Grower 
Sec.  10  Wife  of  E.  B.  Eicholtz 

75  N.Fr’nklin  Collector 
College  St  Boot  & Shoe  Merchant 
wood  and  Watvr  Sheriff  of  Macon  Co. 

Farmer  & Stock  Raiser 
Wife  of  James  Geddes 
45  W ater  St  Ret.  Wid.  Judge  Gallagher 
Dec’d  June  23d,  1879 

Cor.  N.  & College  Teach.,  Supt.  City  Schools 
7 W. Prairie  County  Judge 
N.  Edward  Insurance  & Loan  A"t 


73 

62.1 

76 

57 
40 
54 

54 
64 
61 
73 

55 

55 

58 
64 
73  1 

56  | 
63 


22  E.  Main 
Water  St 


Merchant 

Broadway 


14  Park  St  Ky. 

Cerro  G’rdo  Indiana 
West  Main  Ohio 
17  E.  Main  Christ’n  Co. II 

Ft.& Cerro  Gordo  Ohio 

28  E.  Main  Penna. 

E.  Main  Penna. 

S.  E.Old  Sq  Marion  Co. Ill 

14  Mercha’t  N Y. 

Frank.  Co.  O 
Morgan  “ 111-  67 
Court  Ho’se  Michigan  57 
Michigan  57 
Ky.  65 

Belmont  Co. O 64 
Green  Co.  111.  64 
Ind.  61 

Ireland  56 
W.s.Old  Sq  Baden,  Ger.  71 
W.  Main  Ind.  58 

15  Jackson  Ohio  55 

Ohio  59 

Dep.  Union  England  52  | 
11  Water  Indiana  70 
17  N. Water  N.  Y.  57 

22  E.  Main  Germany  53 
17  E.  Main  McLean  Co.Il  66 
Sec.  9 Baden,  Ger.  54  1 
Sec.  9 “ “ 54 ! 

Sec.  10  York  Co.  Pa.  ,64  , 
Sec.  10  “ “ 64 

City  Buildi'g  Ohio  66 

8 Merchant  Mass.  -78 

Court  House  Bavaria,  Ger.  54 
Sec.  12  Leban.  Co.  Pa  35 
Sec.  12  Ky.  133 

Gallagher  Macon  Co.  Ill  43 
Ireland  54 

High  School  N.  Y.  60 

Court  House  Ohio  54 

14  Park  St  Piatt  Co.  111.  79 


Grindol,  W.  II. 
Goodman,  Chas. 
Gehrmann,  Theod.  A 
Gring,  1.  B. 
f Ilamsher,  B.  K. 

( .J . R.  Mosser 
Haworth,  L.  L. 

I laynes,  N.  S. 
Hammer,  Wm.  L. 
Hardy,  A.  W. 

Hardy,  George  P. 
Hewes  J.  S. 

J Harpstrite,  E. 

[ Henry  Slaudemann 
Harwood,  Kilburn 
Hand,  J.  T. 

Heilman,  D.  II. 

Hays,  F.  L. 

Houston,  Edward 
Hamsher,  John 
Harris,  Henry 
Haws,  J.  II. 

Haworth,  George  D. 
f Hatfield,  John 
J B.  Z.  Taylor 
( James  Hatfield 
f Haworth,  Malilon 
\ James  W.  Haworth 
Irwin,  S.  M. 

J Imboden,  C.  M. 

[ J.  G.  Imboden 
Jones,  E.  A. 

Johns,  W.  C. 

Jack,  S.  S. 

Jones,  Daniel  W. 
Johnson,  Frank  S. 
Willis  Johnson 
I lemaras  St.  Clair 
Kepler,  Jr.,  E. 

Ivuny,  Fred. 

Kramer,  Abram 
King,  J.  Stebbins 
Lytle,  R.  P. 

Laux,  Charles 
Laux,  N. 
j Leforgee,  Jesse 
\ Leforgee,  F.  A. 

( Lyon,  George  S. 

J Wm.  H.  Gipson 
( John  Armstrong 
Lunn,  Henry 
Lower,  George 
Litterer,  Frank 
Lintner,  H.  C. 
f Linn,  Wm.  H. 

[ Scruggs,  Wm.  R. 
Luttrell,  Edward 
Leisle,  David  H. 
McClellan,  Edmiston 
McDonald,  E.  S. 
Moore,  E.  W. 

Milikin,  J. 

Montgomery,  Robert  R 
Michl,  Joseph 
McEvov,  John 
Mver,  M.  A. 

Maffit,  D.  A. 

Martin,  David 
Mueller,  Hieronymus 
Mincklev,  Charles  A. 
Milam,  Buford  B. 
Moritz,  Solomon 
McGintv,  Michael  S. 
Mills,  H.  IL 
Moore,  E. 

f Meisenhelder,  Angeli’e 
\ Aaron  Meisenhelder 
Mills,  Joseph 
J Moser,  Frank 
[ Julia  Dunner 
McDaniel,  E. 

McNabb,  E. 


iiesidn’ce. 

OCCUPATION. 

PLACE  OF 
i UfSlNESS. 

NATIVITY. 

4 

fr* 

a 

11  W.  Main 

Marble  Dealer 

In. New  P’k 

Ohio 

64 

25  Eldor’do 

Builder 

Cerro  Gordo 

Macon  Co.  11 

47 

27  William 

Dealer  in  Dry  Goods 

10  Mercba’i 

Prussia 

68 

Sec.  17 

Farmer  & Stock  Raiser 

Sec.  17 

Penna. 

50 

56  W.  William 

Ed.  cNt  Pub.  Republican 

Office  Repub. 

Penna. 

56 

3G  S.  Broad  wy 

Penna. 

56 

26  W William 

Check  Rower  Manufac 

Cor.  Cerro  Gordo 
and  Morgan  hu 

Christ.  Ch’h 

Ohio 

57 

G8  N.  Edward 

Disciple  Preacher 

Kv. 

73 

31 W. North 

Retired 

Kv. 

54 

S.  Water 

Liverv  & Feed  Stable 

Ls.E.  Cor.  Park 

Penna. 

50 

Prairie  St 

City  Register  [Depart 

C.  Buildings 

Penna. 

52 

Morgan  and  El- 
dorado St 

Dep.  Mar.  4 Chief  Eng.  F. 

|C.  Buildings 

Ohio 

64 

Webster  St 

Steam  Brewery 

Broadway 

Germany 

55 

Cantrell 

<<  a 

Germany 

56 

Eldorado  & Mor- 

Agt.W.St.L.&P.R.R 

Wab.  Depot 

Mass. 

65 

47  N.  Main 

Deal,  in  Books  & Music 

P.  O.  Clerk 

N.  Y. 

79 

11  S.  Macon  Whole.  & Ret’il  Groeei 

6 Merchant 

Penna. 

64 

E ldora  do  and 
Broadway 

Dry  Goods  Merchant 

25  Water 

Ohio 

55 

24  Franklin 

Furniture  Dealer 

24  Fr’nklin 

Ireland 

70 

Durfee  St 

Ham.  & Saddle  Maker 

22  Park 

Penna. 

53 

St.  Nicholas  Hot, 

Shirt  Manufacturerer 

8 E.  Main 

N.  Y. 

79 

15  E.  Main 

Protograph 

25  Water 

Kv. 

70 

49  N,  Franklin 

Man.  of  Check  Rower 

Cerro  Gordo 

Ohio 

57 

Prairie  4 Church 

Proprietor  Oil  Mills 

E.  Main  St 

Ohio 

60 

St. Nicholas 

«< 

Macon  Co.  Ill  48 

Prairie  & Church 

a 

Ohio 

60 

!S.  Macon 

Man.  of  Check  Rower 

Cerro  Gordo  and 
Morgan 

Ohio 

58 

Jackson  and  El- 

<<  (i 

Ohio 

58 

40  N.  Main 

Druggist  [Retail 

p.  Office  Bl’k  Mont.  Co.  111.  77 

Cor.  Jefferson  & 
Main 

Butcher,  Wholesale  & Main  & Wood 

Penna. 

55 

<<  <( 

U 

Macon  Co.  Ill  56 

Sec-  3 

Farm.  & Real  Est.  Dealer 

Ohio 

54 

E Eldorado 

Attorney 

24  E.  Main  Ohio 

54 

13  MaconSt 

Editor  Review 

Penna. 

69 

Merchant  “ 

Proprietor  of  Dari's  Bank 

E.Main«St'te 

W.  V. 

70 

Sec.  16 

Farmer  & Stock  Raiser 

Sec.  16 

Macon  Co.  Ill 

5G 

Sec.  16 
Sec.  16 

U 

Wife  of  Willis  Johnson 

(< 

Madison  “Ky 
Boteto’rt  “ Ya 

37 

84  E.  Wood  Man.  Cigars  & Tobacco  s.E.Cor.O.Sq.  Wirtemb’gG.  54 

Cor.  East  Main  & Bottling  Works  TQcl/emi  aa 


Jackson 
28  N.  Main 


Jackson 


Germany 

Carriage  Manufacturer) C.Fra'kiM’in  Ohio 
33  Morgan  Physician  and  Surgeon  33  Morgan  Ind, 

25  w. Cerro Gord  Post  Master  Post  Office  Penna. 

St.Nicholas  Prop.  ofSt.  Nicholas  Hotel  St. Nicholas  Gr?nd 

. . . 1 eninnlirtr 


66 

54 

74 

66 


1 • * embourg,  Ger. 

Hiv.  Prop. Livery  & Undertaker  St.  Nich.  Bl'k  Luxembourg  54 


s.MaconACuion  Real  Est  & Insurance 
N.  Church  “ 

G3  W.  Eldora.  Plaining  Mill 
87  E.  “ Plaining  Mill 
lot  N. Church  Plaining  Mill 
W.  Eldorado  Brick  Mason  & Builder 
W.  Main  Real  Estate  Agent 
31  Mason  Grocer 
64  S.  Main  Farmer  & Stock  Raiser 
W.  Main  Dry  Goods  Merchant 
W.  Prairie  ‘‘  “ 

42  Decatur  Grocer  and  Painter 
St.  Nich.  Hot  Tile  Draining 
Sec.  16  Circuit  Clerk 
Attorney 

Physician  and  Surgeon 
President  Bank 


49  W.  Main 
Cr.MaintPin. 
66  N.  Main 
W.  Main 
National  Hot 

Cor.  Jacksou  and 
Prairie 


12  Merchant  Kv.  56 

Ky.  58 

Cerio  Gordo  and  v-*  x 

Broadway  . J . DO 

“ Indiana  65 
“ Ohio  67 

W.  Eldorado  Nottinghamshire,  E 72 
1 1 WaterSt  Ohio  76 

Broadway  Baden,  Ger.  59 
64  S.  Main  Macon  Co.  Ill  59 
69 
69 
67 
78 
35 
54 


S.  E.  Cor.  Main  \t*j 
and  Water  St  Tr 

“ V a 


42  Decatur  Ireland 
Decatur  |Ohio 
Court  House  Penna. 

Va. 

10  N. Water  Monroe  Co.  II  56 
HE.  Main  Penna.  52 

Real  Estate  & Insurance  8 Powers  B'k  Macon  Co.  Ill  44 
Man.  Cigars  & Tobacco  12  Water  Bavaria,  Ger.  58 
Prop.  Hotel  & Farmer  National  Hot  Ireland  56 

Sign  & Fresco  Painter  n.  s.  N.  Park  Munich,  Bav.  57 
Ice  Deal. & Com. Highways  C’y  Buildi’gs  Macon  Co.  Ill  48 


Morg.iMas’n  Lime  & Cement  DeaIerl*,I°[|an  & Ccrro  Ky. 

Wood  St  Mach., Plumb., St.  4 Gas  Fit, East  Main  Baden,  Ger. 

1G  Merchant  Auction  & Com.  House 
S.E.Cor.O.Sq  Baker  & Confectioner 
22  Prairie  Fancy  Goods 
S.  Franklin  Proprietor  of  Saloon 
Morgan  St  Book-Keeper 
67  A\  .Main  Fish  Deal.  & Vegetable  St.  W.  Prairie  Fayette  Co.  11  64 
Cor. Green  & F.id  Ret.  Wid.  A.  Meisenhelder  York  Co.  Pa.  54 

October  1st,  1876 
Lumber  Dealer 
Dairyman 

Wife  of  Frank  Moser 
Blacksmith 


1 16  Merchant  N.  Y. 
S.E.Cor.O.Sq: Macon  Co. 
18  Merchant  Germany 
Park  St  Ireland 
Morgan  N.  Y. 


58 

58 

74 
53 
79 

75 
73 


Died 
N.  Main 
Decatur 


Broadway 


Wood  St 


Cor. win.  & rine  Architect  and  Builder  cr.wii’m  4 Pine  Penna. 


54 

N.  J.  53 

Baden,  Ger.  68 
Prussia,  Ger.  68 
Macon  Co.  Ill  50 


54 


237 


CITY  AIM'D  TOWNSIIID  OF  DECATUR.  — [Continued] 


MAROA  TOWNSHIP. 


j May,  H.  F.  and  Bro. 

\ May,  S.  D. 
Neidermeyer,  William 
Nichols,  A.  C. 
Nebinger,  A. 

Newell,  R.  A. 
Niedermeyer,  T.  W. 
Ogelesby,  R.  J. 

Outteu,  W.  C. 

J Overmire,  S. 

\ J.  S-  Kaufman 
O’Neill,  James  H. 
Oakes,  Wm.  L. 

Priest,  Franklin 
Peddeford,  Jasper  J. 
Peake,  James  L. 
Perry,  R.  L. 

Priest,  George  R. 
Pahmeyer,  Fred. 

Post,  H. 

Post,  J.  S. 

Phillips,  J.  W. 
Penniwell,  Wm-  B. 
Powers,  Samuel 
Rowell,  II.  W. 

Robv,  K.  H. 

Race,  J.  W. 

Rislev,  A.  F. 

Race,  J.  R. 

J Roach,  J.  T. 

\ B.  0.  McReynolds 
Ragan,  W.  A. 
f Rue,  Henry 
\ Mary  Ann  Thompson 
Stoner,  A.  J. 

Smick.  Aaron 
Shellabarger,  D.  S. 
Sibley,  B.  F. 

Smith,  Fred.  J. 

J Stephens,  E.  A. 

[ C.  H.  Stephens 
j Steinbach,  W. 

\ C.  D.  Dieckhoff 
Skelley,  Francis 
Stine,  B. 

Steward,  Dalton 
Swearingen,  J.  A. 
Sterrett,  B.  I. 
f Starr,  J.  G. 

1 W.  II.  Starr 
Shlandeman,  Henry 
f Seitz,  Simon 
\ Eliza  J.  Kozer 
Strausbaugh,  E. 
Smith,  G.  A. 

Trainer,  John 
Thornton,  Anthony 
Turner,  F.  B. 

Tucker,  Howard 
Towling,  William 
Tuttle,  B.  B. 

Ullrich,  John 
Usrey,  W.  J. 
Vennigerholz,  J.  H. 
Waggoner,  H.  W. 
Wood,  G.  M. 

Warren,  John  K. 
Wayne  Brothers 
Weems,  E.  W. 
Whitmer,  H.  M. 
Walston,  R.  L. 
Wingate.  Thomas  II. 
Williams,  P.  E. 
Wood,  E.  W. 
Wilhelmy,  Jacob 
White,  Charles 
f Widick,  Ephraim 
\ I'hcebe  Troutman 
r Wallace,  John  M. 

J George  Daily 
( Jane  Hardy 
Wilson,  John  M. 
Wells,  T.  M. 

J Wilkinson,  Mrs.  L. 

\ Chancy  Wilkinson 
Young,  William 
Young,  Sr.,  J.  J.  II. 
Zeller,  John 
Zimmerman,  W.  N. 


RESID  NCE. 


OCCUPATION. 


PLACE  OF 
BUSINESS. 


Grocers  Firm, May  Bro  9 S.  Main 

47  W.  Main 

Macon  a N’th  Grocer  22  A .Mait 

37  W.  Wood  Blacksmith  [Findings  Prairie  St 
40  S.  Main  Dealer  in  Leather  & Shoe  55  Water 
28  North  St  Ret.  Wh.  Grocer,  Twp.  Sup  11  Water 

Monroe*  F.dws.  i Grocer  'Monroe*  Ed  Wd 

W. William  Retired 

68  VV.  Main  Attorney  S.  s.  New  Sq 

Macon  St  Insurance  & Real  Est.  Agt  Water  St 
9 Durfee  “ “ “ 

Jefferson  Plumb.  Steam  k Gas  Fitter  •)()  Park  St 


Priest  House  crop.  Hotel  & St.  Railway  Priest  House 
Franklin  Banker*  Manufactures  s.  s.  New  Sq. 
Cor.Mat.sPeake  Watchmaker  and  J.  P.  C’y  Buildi’gs 
E.  Eldorado  Road  Master  Wabash  R.  R Wab.  Depot 
N.  Church  Manager  St.  Car  Line  Priest  House 
3 A . A ood  Tobacconist  S s.  Old  Sq 

46  S.  Main  Jeweler 

W.Main  a Col  Attorney-at-Law  22  A’ater 

80  N-  Main  | G.T.  Agt.  Haworth  Ch. Row  Cerro  Gordo 

Cr.  Frank.  *Maiu 


28  E.  William  Prop.  Marble  Works 

Farmer  & Stock  Raiser  Wood  St. 

Office  Herald 


North  St 


Editor  & Prop.  Herahi 
49  N.A  ater j Attorney-at-Law 
^io“ {Nothing  & Job  Dry  Good: 
77  E.  William  (Surveyor 
Abater  St 


14  Park  St 
A’ater  St 
12  Park  St 


Whole.  & Retail  Clothier 
5 A’.  A’ood , Dry  Goods  Merchant 
46  N.  Main!  “ “ <* 

Prairie  LT.  S.  & Pac.  Exp.  Agt  Prairie 
Sec.  4 Farm.  & Brick  Maker 
Sec.  4 Wife  of  Henry  Rue 
N’th  k Frank  Druggist  & Physician  14  park 


25  W.Eldorad  Insurance  Agency 
53N. Jackson! Merchant  Miller 


22  Water 


S.  Main  St  [irocer  [Grain  Dealer  g.  Main 
74  Church  Grocer,  Wood,  Coal  & Broadway 

Jefferson  Proprietor  of  Saloon  s s 0|d  Sq 


NATIVITY. 

H ] 

NAME. 

P.  OFFICE. 

RESID. 

Macon  Co.  Ill  55 

f Bennett,  Peter 

Maroa 

Maroa 

a 

55 1| 

j Frances  Williams 

il 

Mo. 

5s 

j Susan  Gongwer 

Deceased 

1868 

Ind. 

50 

[ Elizabeth  Gongwer 

“ 

1872 

Penna. 

00^ 

j Braden,  D.  F. 

Maroa 

Sec.  19 

Ohio 

50 

\ Annie  Myers 

Germany 

58 

f Billings.  M. 

ll 

Sec.  16 

Ky. 

36 

X Asthalinda  Callen 

U 

‘‘ 

Cass  Co.  111. 

53 

( Beach,  H.  P. 

A’arrensb’g 

Sec  31 

Ohio 

75 

f Elizabeth  A.  Ilarpole 

« 1 

a 

Macon  Co.  Ill  44 

( Martha  Slaughter 

Dee  d Dec. 

20, ’59 

N.  Y. 

75 

f Bishop,  M.  W. 

Forsythe 

Sec.  35 

Ind. 

05 

\ Ann  M.  Race 

“ 

‘£ 

N.  Y. 

54 

f Bower,  G.  M. 

Emery  Sta. 

Emerv 

Maryland 

58 

\ Minerva  J.  Thrift 

it 

ll 

I).  C. 

53 

f Burrows,  Benjamin 

Maroa 

Sec.  12 

N.  Y. 

08 

} Sarah  Covey 

Deceased 

1869 

SangamonCo.il  52 

( Eliza  Jaynes 

Maroa 

Sec.  12 

Prussia 

70 

J Barger,  Henry 

“ 

Sec.  6 

Wisconsin 

72 

[ Martha  J.  Pierce 

ll 

h 

N.  Y. 

39 

j Bennett,  Joseph 

a 

Sec.  6 

Ohio 

05 

[ Iva  Cross 

li 

“ 

Warren  Co.  Ind  05 

Bates,  A.  H. 

Maroa 

N.  Y. 

37 

f Camp,  Samuel 

Sec.  6 

Vt. 

80 

\ Emma  J.  Long 

1 1 

ll 

N.  H. 

60 

J Compton,  A’.  J. 

a 

Maroa 

Va. 

57 

\ Mary  Conover 

il 

N.  Y. 

56 

f Cline,  Daniel 

u 

Sec.  16 

Va. 

53 

\ Amanda  Barger 

“ 16 

Kv. 

64 

f Crawford,  Wm.  F. 

ll 

Sec.  22 

Kv. 

05 

\ Sarah  McCann 

u 

U 

N.  Y. 

70 

j Cooper,  Elizabeth 

it 

Sec.  8 

Mercer  Co.  N. 

I.  67 

\ Alex.  Cooper 

Dec’d  Jan 

27,  ’73 

Burlington  *■ 

67 

( Davis,  John  T. 

Maroa 

Sec.  20 

< *hio 

67 

\ Sarah  Malony 

It 

Macon  Co.  Ill  40 

Emery,  C.  F. 

It 

Maroa 

Tenn. 

50 

( Funk,  M.  P. 

ll 

Sec.  5 

Conn. 

56 

\ Melissa  Smith 

ll 

It 

N.  Y. 

60 

f Fawkes,  J.  A’. 

ll 

Sec.  12 

Va. 

\7  n 

07 

\ A.  E.  Baughman 

ll 

ll 

ll 

occupation. 


NATIVITY. 


W.Eldorad 
St.  Nlch.  Hm 
S.  Broadway 


Austria  70 

“ Hanover,  Ger  65 

Grocer  & Queensware  24  Park  St  j Vt.  61 

Clothier  Cent.  Block  Baden,  Ger.  66 


Tonsorial  Artist 
20  N.  Church  | Druggist 
127  N.  Main  Attorney-at-Law 

29  A’.  Main  Sajdlery,  Harn.  & Leather 
Cantrell  | Prop.  Decatur  St.  Brewery 
Sec.  7 F ariner  & Stock  Raiser 
Sec.  7 j Wife  of  Simon  Seitz 
Church  St  I Man.  Niagara  Force  Pu’ps 
Santa  Fee, n.  m IJ.  S Internal  Rev.  Col 
48  W.  Green  County  Supt.  Schools 
Attorney 

A ood  St  1 Farmer  and  Stock  Dealer 
Durfee  St  Tinsmith 
ns  N.  Church  Book  Binder 
33  Eldor’do  Proprietor  Saw  Mill 
union*  Decatur  Aholesale  Grocer 
N.  Church  Journalist 
Eldorado  Coal  Dealer 
N.  Water  Co.  Cl  k& Mayor  of  Decatur 
17  W.  Prairie  County  Treasurer 
C jr.Ch.*  Win  m Insurance  & Real  Est.  Agt 

Cor.  Cerro  Gordo 

and  Franklin  Carriage  Manufacturers 
Cr.wm.&Monroej  Physician  & Surgeon 
Webster  Brick  & Tile  Manufact’rer 
58  X.  Main  Physician  & Surgeon 
32 N. Water  Dealer  in  Lamps 
60 N.Edw  rds  Mill-Wright  [Parlor 
47  N.  Church  Confee..  Rest,  & lee  Cream 
47  S.  Main  Tonsorial  Artist 
Mining  Engineer 

Sec.  18  Farmer  & Stock  Raiser 
Sec.  18  Wife  of  Ephr.  Widick 
Sec.  7 Farmer  & Stock  Raiser 
Dec’d  January  7th,  1841 
Sec.  7 A’idow  of  Geo.  Daily 
Morgan  St  Manufact’rer  of  Boilers 
87  N.  Water  Photographer  [kinson 
Decatur  Ret,  Wid.  of  Chancy  Wil- 
Dec’d  January  15th,  1844 
Sec.  (16-2)  I Farmer 
32  E.  Wash’n  Attorney 
K ingtL'nion  Butcher  and  Packer 
A ater  St  Prop.  Zimmerman  House 


Main  * W’tei 
8 E.  Main 

SAV.C.  Old  Sc 


Court  House 
11  A’ater  St 
A’ood  St 
19  S.  Main 
E.  s.  Old  Sq 
Sec.  24 

State  & Main 

N.  Church 
William  St 
Court  House 


N.  C. 

Ohio 
Pa. 

Pa. 

Germany 
C’mberl’d  Co.Pa 

Pa. 

Phila.  Pa. 
Ohio 
Ky. 

St.ClairCo.il. 
Md. 

N.  Y. 

Conn. 

Bavaria 
Miss. 

Miss. 

Penna. 

Ky- 

Penna. 

Cor.  Water  and  ppnn„ 

Cerro  Gordo  J enna. 

E.  s.  Old  Sq  Iowa 
Webster  Pa. 

Prairie  Vermil. Co-Ill 
Cent.  Block  N.  H. 

09  N.Edw’rds  Christ.  Co.  Ill 
22  Merchant  Sangamon  “ 

§■  O'1}  Germany 

Coal  Shaft  near  f J 
Wabash  Depot  (jreorgia 

Sec.  18  Macon  Co.  Ill 

Liberty  “ Ind 
Indep.  “Ark 
Ireland 
Juniata  “ Pa. 
E.  William  N.  Y. 

Cor. Park* Water  AdaillS  Co.  Ill 
A’ilkinson  N.  Y. 

N.  Y. 

Sec.  4 Pa. 

1 1 A’ater  St  Va. 

73  A’ater  StlN.  Y. 

Opera  Block  Penna. 


53 
66 
67 

73 
58 ' 

54 

54 
56 
37 

69 
79 
65 

65 

59 
56 
56 
42 

74 

55 

54 

55 

72 
79 

60 

73 
50 

79 

55 

78 

80 
44 
58 

70 
40 
40 

66 

79 
44 

i-56 

56 
62 
56 


{ Mattie  II.  Gardner 
j Foulke,  Edward 
\ Adelaide  Colladay 
r Farren,  Geo.  T. 

[ Triphena  Grady 
j Farren,  William 
\ Eliza  Jane  Dunn 
1 Gepford,  Jacob 
\ Anna  McCurdy 
j Grady,  Thomas  D. 

\ Maria  S.  Milburn 
I Hill,  Jas.  D. 

( Sarah  L.  Adams 
1 Holt,  J.  T. 

\ Mary  J.  Tozer 
f Jameson,  B.  T. 

\ Amanda  A.  Oglesby 
f Jones,  Sylvester 
\ Snsan  B.  Jones 
j Keister,  John 
| Nancy  A’eaver 
( Leavitt,  Thomas  N. 

\ Catharine  A.  Crowell 
j Longstreet,  John 
] Vashti  Wycoff 
j Lazell,  E.  S. 

\ Eva  Hoffman 
f Lehn,  Samuel 
) Sarah  J.  A’etzell 
( Miller,  F.  W. 

J Sally  Mothby 
( Lydia  M.  Stewart 
1 McGuire,  Wm. 

\ Nancy  Caroline  Carr 
Madden,  Edward 
Margaret  Welch 
Annie  Hickey 
Ogelvie,  David  P. 
Annie  Smith 
Mary  Letta  Baber 
f Parker,  John  S. 

\ Mary  A.  Pape 
I Pettyjohn,  James 
[ Angeline  Cross 
/ Schenck,  Garret  J. 

\ Alice  Sill 
j Schenck,  John 
\ Eva  Ilerrstine 


Ret.  Farmer  & Capitalist 
Pres.  A’ife  of  Pet.  Bennett 
First  wife  of  “ “ 

Second  “ “ ‘‘ 

Farmer  & Twp.  Assessor 
A’ife  of  D.  F.  Braden 
Farmer  & Stock  Raiser 
A’ife  of  M.  Billings 
Farmer  & Stock  Dealer 
Wife  of  H.  P.  Beach 


A’ife  of  M.  W.  Bishop 
P.  M.,Sta.  Agt.  & Grain  De; 
A’ife  of  G.  M.  Bower 
Farmer  & Stock  Raise! 

1st  wife  of  Benj.  Burrows  | 
Pres,  wife  of  Benj.  Burrows 

Farm.  & Breed.  Poland  China  Hogs 

I Wife  of  Henry  Barger 

Farm.  & Breed.  Poland  China  Hogs 

1 Wife  of  Joseph  Bennett 
Minister 

Farmer  & Stock  Raiser 
j A’ife  of  Samuel  Camp 
Grain  Dealer 
Wife  of  W.  J.  Compton 
Farmer  and  Gardner 
Wife  of  Daniel  Camp 

Farm.  & Breed,  of  fine  Cattle  & Hogs 

Wife  of  Wm.  F.  Crawford 
Farmer  & Stock  Raiser 
Late  hus.  of  Mrs.  Eliz.  Cooper 
| Farm.  & Breed.  Poland  China  Hogs 

Wife  of  John  T.  Davis 


Farm.  & Breed.  Poland  China  Hogs 

Wife  of  M.  P.  Funk 


Emery 

it 

Maroa 


Maroa 


Dec’d  Dec. 
Maroa 

<i 

Dec’d  Feb. 
Maroa 


Wife  of  J.  W-  Fawkes 

Farm.  & Breed.  Poland  China  Hog* 

“ A’ife  of  How.  B.  Fawkes 
Sec.  26  Farmer 

“ j Wife  of  Edward  Foulke 
Sec.  5 Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 
“ Wife  of  Geo.  T.  Farren 
Sec.  6 Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 
“ Wife  of  William  Farren 
Sec.  28  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 
“ A’ife  of  Jacob  Gepford 
Sec.  6 Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 
“ Wife  of  Thos.  D.  Grady 
Sec.  25  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 
“ Wife  of  Jas.  D.  Hill 
Maroa  Prop.  Liv.  & Feed  Stable 
‘‘  Wife  of  J.  T.  Holt 
‘‘  Deal,  in  Lumber,  Coal,  &c 
“ Wife  of  B.  T.  Jameson 

SeC.  21  Farm,  and  Breed.  Pol'd.  C hina  Hogs 

“ Wife  of  SylvesterS.  Jones 
Sec.  32  Farmer  & Stock  Dealer 
“ Wife  of  John  Keister 

wr  Post  Master,  Dealer  in  Lumber  and 

Maroa  Farm  Implements 

Wife  of  Thos  N.  Leavitt 
Sec.  12]  Farmer  and  Supervisor 
Wife  of  John  Longstreet 

Gpp  I J , Farmer  and  Breeder  of  Ber  shireand 
Poland  China  Hogs 

(A’ife  of  E.  S.  Lazell 
Sec.  30  i Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

Sec.  11  Farmer  andStook  Raiser 

First  wife  of  F.  \\\  Miller,  dec<*ised. 
March  6th.  11*65 

Sec.  1 1 Present  wife  of  F.  W.  Miller 
jSec.  26  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 
“ Wife  of  Wm.  McGuire 

1 Q Farmer  and  Breeder  iu  Thorough- 
bred  Horses 

7,  1873;  first  wifeofEdw.Madden 
Sec.  18  preS.  “ 

Sec.  8 Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 
1878  Late  wife  of  D.  P.  Ogelvie 
Sec.  8 Pres.  ‘‘  ‘‘ 

Sec.  4 Farmer  & Stock  Raiser 
“ _ A’ife  of  John  S.  Parker 
Sec.  5 Farmer  & Stock  Raiser 
“ Wife  of  Jas  Pettyjohn 
Maroa  Prop  of  Schenk’s  Hotel 
Wife  of  Garret  J.  Schenck 
Salesman 

Wife  of  John  Schenck 


Wash'n  Co.  Md  55 
Franklin  Co.  O.  70 
Richland  Co.  O.  55 
Westinorel’d  Co  71 
Richland  Co.  O.  56 
Lancaster,  Pa.  56 
Ross  Co.  Ohio  51 
Indiana  36 

Madis’n  Co.N.Y  65 
Madison  Co.  O.  65 

it  it 

Franklin  Co.  O.  62 
Va.  62 

Scott  Co.  111.  55 

St.  Clair  Co  111  64 
Kent  Co.  Dl4.  68 
Wash’ ton.  Co.  0 68 
Adair  Co.  Ky.  71 
Pa.  58 

Fayette  Co.  III.  62 
Ashland  Co.  O.  67 
DeWitt  Co.  111.  67 
111.  76 

Berks  Co.  Pa.  52 
Piqua  Co.  Ohio  35 
Morgan  Co.  Ind  65 
Shelby  Co.  Ohio  65 
Fayette  Co.  Ind  68 
Pa.  68 

Fayette  Co.  Pa.  56 
Musk’gum  Co.  O 57 
Warren  Co.  O.  76 
Butler  Co.  Ohio  70 
Scott  Co.  111.  55 

Menard  Co.  111.  55 
N.  Y.  56 

Morgan  Co.  111.  55 
Effingh’m  Co.  II  75 
Lancaster  Co.Pa  62 

“ « 62 

“ “ 62 
Peoria  Co.  111.  76 
Hamilton  Co.  O 57 
Phila.,  Pa.  58 
Jefferson  Co.Ind  71 
De  Witt  Co.  111.  77 
Ohio  69 

Bourbon  Co.  Ky  69 
Dauphin  Co.  Pa  55 
Pa.  [Pa.  55 

Huntingdon  Co.  79 
Wayne  Co.  Ohio  79 
Iredell,  N.  C.  70 

Cape  Girardeau  Co.  Mo  70 

Knox  Co.  Ohio  76 
Minn. 

Lincoln  Co.  Mo.  69 
“ 69 

Green  Co.  Ohio  69 
Cuyahoga  Co.  0,69 
York  Co.  Pa.  50 
Cumberla’d  Co.  Pa 
Rock’gh’mCo.N.H 
Warren  Co.  O. 
Butler  Co.  Ohio 


Tax  well  Co.  111. 


Cumberland  Co  a 55 
‘‘  “ 55 

Jackson  Co.  Ind  63 
Harrison  ‘‘  Ky.  63 

u a * 

St.  Clair  Co.  Ill  64 
“ “ 64 

Antrim  Co.  Ire.  57 
Tipperary  “ 61 

Wexford  “ 72 

Lincoln  Co.  Mo  65 
Lake  Co.  Ohio  66 
St.  Louis  Co. Mo  79 
Preble  Co.  Ohio  60 
England  |57 

Russell  Co.  Kv.  48 
“ “ ' i48 

Butler  Co.  Ohio|54 
Monmouth  Co.  N.J  54 
W arren  Co.  O.  54 
! Illinois  77 


MAROA  TOWNSHIP.— [Continued.] 


NAME. 


P.  OFFICE.  1 RESID. 


f Swigart,  W.  B. 

4 Caroline  Bowlby 
( Carel da  Edmiston 
J Stout,  James  P. 

\ Margaret  A.  Repman 
/ Short,  George  B. 

4 Mary  E.  Stookey 

( Sarah  E.  Thrift  

J Stoutenborough,  W.  H.  'Maroa 
j Catharine  Schenck 
J Thrift,  Andrew  J. 
t Anna  C.  Peter 
J Warburton,  Joseph 
\ Sarah  Emma  Ellis 
f Wicks,  Francis 
| Levina  Atkinson 
1 Alice  Rife 
I John  F.  Wicks 


Maroa  Sec.  21 
Dec’d  July  11,  79 
Sec.  21 
Maroa  Sec.  28 


Emerv 
Dec’d 
Died  Sept. 
Maroa 

Emerv 


Sec.  36 


OCCUPATION. 


NATIVITY.  E 


Farmer  & Stock  Dealer  Coshocton  Co.  O 
First  wife  W.  B.  Swigart  Williams  Co.  O. 
Pres,  wife  “ Logan  Co.  Ohio  „„ 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Sch’ylkill  Co.Pa  65 
Wife  of  James  P.  Stout  York  Co.  Pa.  t>7 


FRIEND’S  CREEK  TOWNSHIP.— [(  JONTINUED  ] 


( Jones,  Kezia 
4 John  Lee 
( Rosa  Jones 
( .1  imison,  John  G. 
4 Drucilla  Beebe 


Maroa 


ui  'j  times  x.  oiuiiL  xuiiv  i a.  u/  ) 

''^meranJBreederorPoldniiChiDa  01ajr  0O.  ]]]  gg  ( Nancy  JimisOH 

Dec’dM’ch22,  ’52  ipirst  wife  of  Geo. B. Short  “ “ J Jones,  Alrnon  If. 

30,  77  iyecond  wife  of  “ 1 “ “ 63  l Emily  J.  Piper 

Maroa  I vjanufac.  Drainage  Tile  Warren  Co.  O.  66  f Keller  Harriet  \ 
| wife  of  william h.  stoutenborough  Butler  Co.  Ohio  53  4 I-aac  \ antries 
Sec.  36  Farmer  and  Breeder  of  Poland  Chi 
| Hogs 

Wife  of  Andrew  .J.  Tin 


P.  OFFICE.  RESII). 


|Sec.  16 .Farmer  & Stock  Raiser 
L „ Wife  of  Jos.  Warburton 

oGC.  1 i Farmer  and  Minister  Episcopal  Ch. 


hi'ia  Christian  Co.  Ky;  61  [Nelson  Keller 
rjft  Carlisle,  Pa.  64  f Kile,  Joseph  G. 
,r  Lancashire,  Eng  70  I Elizabeth  Carve 

1 n ' III  1 n. T 


ui  vi  aiiu  .(lima  it;  i j.  1 11  1 1 .i  I v/ii.  ■ i iiioim  v>  jji 

Dec’d  Aug.  26,  71  [First  wife  of  Fran.  Wicks  Westmorel’dCo, 
Maroa  Sec.  17  Wife  of  Francis  Wicks  iMacon  Co.  Ill 
“ Teacher  [Edgar  Co.  111. 


70 


DONG  CREEK  TOWNSHIP. 


f Baker,  N.  M. 

\ Sarah  E.  Price 
f Casner,  L.  B. 

\ Marv  15.  Flanigan 
f Da /is,  H.  W. 
t Martha  A.  Stickel 
J Davis,  Samuel  C. 

\ H.  E.  Gabbert 
f Davis,  A.  T. 
t Mary  A.  Myers 
J Eichinger,  Michael 
\ Lucy  Ellen  Huff 
f Herman,  W.  S. 

\ Annie  M.  Wallace 
J Jones,  .John 
\S.  A.  Htrris 
f Jenni  ngs,  I.  D. 
t Caroline  Hunter 
J Kizer,  J.  S.  . 

[ Lidia  Davis 
J Myers,  J.  W. 
t Marv  J.  Sanders 
j Prather,  Z.  R. 
t Florence  L.  McDonald 
J Pettyjohn,  Thomas 
[ Charlotte  Cross 
f Quickel,  T. 

4 Mary  A.  Reeser 
[ Lizzie  A.  Hursh 
J Rucker,  N.  W. 

[ M.  J.  Horton 
f Seitz,  Jacob  P. 

[ Eliza  Hawks 
f Tohill,  N.  W. 

( Rebecca  Burrows 
f Worley,  D.  T. 

\ S.  C.  Baker 
f Wikoff,  J.  H. 

1 Cordelia  Casner 


Decatur 

Casner 

Decatur 

a 

Long  Creek 


Decatur 
Dec’d  Oct. 
Decatur 

(l 

Casner 

a 

Decatur 

li 

Long  Creek 
Casner 


Decatur 


I 


111. 


Deceased 

Decatur 

Sangamon 


Sec.  20  Mitella  I'  cfhuhrciiGumberla,ld  Preaby-  Macon  Co 
Wife  of  N.  M.  Baker  Ohio 
Sec.  21  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Dhio 

Wife  of  L.  B.  Casner  Montg’y  Co.  Ind 
Sec.  27  Nurseryman  Macon  Co.  111. 

“ Wife  of  H.  W.  Davis  Macon  Co.  111. 

*'  Farmer  and  Stock  Rtiser  Macon  Co.  111. 

Wife  of  Samuel  C.  Davis  iu,|. 

Sec.  36  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Ohio 

Wife  of  A.  T.  Davis  Macon  Co.  111. 
ii’o^  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  t*a. 

4,  18/6  Late  wife  of  Mich.  Eichinger.  Oliio 
Sec.  17  Teacher  Pa. 

Wife  of  W.  S.  Herman  Macon  Co.  111. 
Sec.  19  Farmer  and  Stock  RaiserSangamonCo.il 
Wife  of  John  Jones  Maryland 
17  Farmer  and  Ex-Sheriff  N.  J. 

Wife  of  J.  D.  Jennings 
Sec.  27  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 
“ Wife  of  J.  S.  Kizer 
Sec.  32  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 
Wife  of  J.  W.  Myers 
Sec.  30  Farmer 

Wife  of  Z.  R Prather 
Sec.  20  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 
Wife  of  Thos.  Prettvjohn 
Sec.  13  Farmer  and  Stock  Raisei 
1870  First  wife  of  T.  Quickel 


Sec. 


arver 

Morgan  Co.  111.  70  1 George  J.  Carver 
Wiltshire,  Eng  68  l Kliza  Carden 
.Pa  68  / Myers,  Wm.  J. 

111.  52  l Miriam  K.  Querrey 
f McKinney,  Wm.  A. 

\ Caroline  M.  Child 
( Miller,  Joseph 
4 Jane  E.  Smith 
[ Catharine  E.  Reed 
J f Orr,  Margaret  E. 

[ Samuel  C.  Dinwiddie 
f Park,  R.  H. 

4 Mildred  Gillespie 
/ Querrey,  James 
g-  [ Elizabeth  S.  Williams 
,1  f Rinehart,  James  I. 

| Eliza  E.  Cornell 
| Joel  Rinehart 
[ Sarah  McCartney 
I Spurling,  Reuben 
\ Sidney  Jones 
f Swinehart,  Samuel 
\ Minerva  Kelsey 
j Taylor,  William 
. Sarah  J.  Hixson 
--  / Troxell,  James  B. 

’-[j  [ Harriet  N.  Jones 


44 
51 
58 
.39 
54 
[64 
53 

5}  lSa 


Argenta 


Maroa 

Dec’d 

Maroa 

Cisco 

it 

Argenta 
Dec’d  May 
Argenta 


Bloom.  Gro 
Dec’d  Dec. 
Maroa 

it 

Argenta 


Dec’d  M’ch 
Argenta 
Maroa 
Dec’d  Jan. 
[Argenta 


Cisco 


Dec’d  May 
Maroa 

it 

Argenta 


Sec.  33 


Sec.  4 
1866 
Sec.  4 


OCCUPATION. 


NATIVITY. 


Sec.  3 Wife  of  T.  Quickel 
Sec.  1 0 Farmer  and  Grain  Dealer 
“ _ Wife  of  N.  W.  Rucker 
Sec.  17  Farmer 

“ ' “ Wife  of  Jacob  P.  Seitz 

Casner  Sec.  33  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 
“ 1 “ Wife  of  N.  W.  Tohill 

Long  Creek  Sec.  35  Teacher 

“ “ Wife  of  D.  T.  Worley 

Casner  Sec.  31  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

“ Wife  of  J.  H.  Wikoff 


Morgan  Co.  111.  53  4 } au  Leer,  W.  A. 

■ -Ri|  1 Josephine  L.  Colladay 


Ohio  46 

Ivy.  30j 

Macon  Co.  111.  11 
Green  Co.  Ohio  64 


Macon  Co. 
Macon  Co. 

Ky. 

Macon  Co.  111. 
York  Co.  Pa. 
Pa. 

CumberlandCo.Pa 

Tenn. 

Tenn. 

Pa. 

Macon  Co.  111. 
Illinois 

Macon  Co.  111. 
Ind. 

Ind. 

Illinois 
Macon  Co.  111. 


36 


J Wilkinson,  Jackson 
1 Mary  Morrison 
/ Williams,  A.  H. 

{ Lucinda  Ogdon 
f Young,  George  S. 
53  *-  Gttillia  Long 

33  - -.  . 

67! 

67 

7 111  — 

53 


Maroa 

it 

Argenta 

it 

Maroa 

<< 

Argente 


Resides  with  her  Sister  Ross  Co.  Ohio 

Farmer  and  Breeder  of  Poland  China  Jf  (»(•]{  jn(r  (}().  (). 
Hogs  t>  / 1 r\  1 * 

Wile  of  John  Lee  Koss  Co.  Ohio 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Glasgow,  Scot. 
Wife  of  John  G.  .Jimisori  c„.  n.  v. 

Pres,  wife  of  ‘ Erie  Co.  Pa. 

See.  16  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  I>:irren  Co. 

‘‘  Wife  of  Almon  II.  Jones  , Klua  . / \ 
Sec.  19  Relict  0f  Isaac  Vantries  Summit  Co.  O. 

] 2,  ’78  First  husb.  of  Harriet  Keller  Marion  Co.  < ). 
SeC  19  *‘armor  anfl  present  husb.  of  Harriet  Wyandotte  Co.O 

Sec.  28  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  J'*Tla  L?*  ^4|j° 

“ Wife  of  Joseph  G.  Kile  Alacon  Co.  111. 
Kansas  Fath’r of Eliz’heth Carver  *NV- 
9, 1869  Moth,  of  Eliz’heth  Carver  Fairfield 1 Co.  O. 
Sec.  7 Farmer,  Stock  Raiser  A J.  P.  Marion  Co.  111. 

Wife  of  Wm.  J . Myers  Macon  Co.  111. 
Sec.  28  Farmer  and  Slock  Reiser  Orange  Co.  Ind. 

Wife  of  W.  A.  McKinney  Wash’gton  Co.  ‘‘ 
Sec.  20  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Lycoming  Co.Pa 
24, ’58  First  wife  of  Jos.  Miller  Pa. 

Sec.  30  Wife  of  Joseph  Miller  Belmont  Co.  O. 
Sec.  20  Wid.  of  Samuel  C.  Blnwiddie  Morgan  Co.  111. 
6,  1880  Late  hus.of  Margaret  E.Orr  Sangamon  *•  ^ 
Sec.  21  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Madison  Co.  Ky 
“ Wife  of  R.  H.  Park  Johnson  Co.  Ind 
Sec.  24  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Botetourt  Co.  Va 
“ Wife  James  Querrey  Pittsylvania  ‘‘ 
Sec.  33  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Hampshire  ‘‘ 

“ Wife  of  Jas.  I.  Rinehart  Hardy  ‘‘ 

“ Fath.of  Jas.  I.  Rinehart  Hampshire  ‘‘ 

1,  1866  Wife  of  Joel  Rinehart 
Sec.  2 Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

“ Wife  of  Reuben  Spurling  ‘‘ 

Sec.  36  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Licking  Co.  O. 

“ Wife  of  Sami.  Swinehart  Boone  Co.  111. 
Sec.  28  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Hunterden  Co.  N.J 
‘‘  Wife  of  William  Taylor  Jersey  Co.  III. 
Sec.  30  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Macon  Co.  111. 

‘‘  Wife  of  James  B.  Troxell  Marion  Co.  O. 
Sec.  20  Farm.,  St’k  Raiser  & Sup.  Chester  Co.  Pa. 

“ Wife  of  W.  A.  Van  Leer  Phila.,  Pa. 

Sec.  30  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Hocking  Co.  O. 
Wife  of  Jack.  Wilkinson 
Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Sumner  Co.  Ten 
Wife  of  A.  H.  Williams  Edgar  Co.  III. 
Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Co.  Down,  Ire 
Wife  of  George  Young  Pitpia  Co.  Ohio 


Sec.  1 

it 

Sec.  18 


63 

63 

63 
34 

34 
72 
56 

56 

58 
62 

50 

46 
40 
25 
37 

51 
51 
51 

51 
54 
54 
66 

47 

57 
61 
61 
31 
25 

52 

59 
52 
52 
59 
59 
67 
51 
65 
65 
43 

54 

55 

51 

64 

52 
52 

48 

35 


AUSTIN  TOWNSHIP. 


FRIEND’S  CREEK  TOWNSHIP. 


/ Adams,  David  M. 

\ Mary  E.  Haukins 

1 Brennan,  Sarah  A. 
Hiram  H.  Warner 
Wm.  Dickey 
Isabella  Foster 
f Coulter,  Wm.  K. 

[ Rebecca  Hill 
f Carr,  Robert  F. 

\ Emily  A.  Smick 
J Drake,  Sylvan  us  P. 

[ Mary  Ilunsinger 
/ Evey,  Michael 
l Sarah  Peddicord 
f Fout,  Israel 
\ Eliza  A.  Dobbs 
f Greenfield,  Alexander 
1 Eliza  Jane  Rutz 
f Hedges,  Caleb 
[ Mary  Augustus 
Hoover,  Moses 
/ Housmar,  Ilumphery 
\ Amelia  Ayers 


Argenta  Sec.  30 


Dec’d  Jan. 
‘‘  Jan. 
“ May 
Maroa 

It 

Argenta 


Cisco 

a 

Maroa 

Argenta 


Maroa 

Argenta 


Sec.  34 
3, 1852 
17,75 
30, ’52 
Sec.  6 

It 

Newb’g 


Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Centre  Co.  Pa. 
Wife  of  David  Adams  Clinton  Co.  O. 
Wid.  of  William  Dickey  Canada 
First  bus. of  S.  A.  Brennan  Ohio 
Second  “ “ [Ky. 

First  wife  of  Wm.  Dickey  Tenn. 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Juniata  Co.  Pa. 
Wife  of  Wm.  K.  Coulter  Marion  Co.  Ohio 
Physician  & Surgeon,  Fii  mer, Dealer  Gnccov  Prv  \T  T 

111  Drugs  and  Groceries  OllbMJA  IN  . J . 

Wife  of  Robert  F.  Carr  Macon  Co.  111. 
Sec.  31  Farm.,  Stock  Raiser  & Deal.  Macon  Co.  111. 

“ WifeofSylvan’sP.  Drake  White  Co.  111. 
Sec.  8 Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Franklin  Co.  Pa 
Wife  of  Michael  Evey 
Sec.  6 Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 
Wife  of  Isreal  Fout 
Sec.  7 Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 
Wife  of  Alex.  Greenfield 
Sec.  24  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 
“ Wife  of  Caleb  Hedges 
Sec.  19  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 
Farmer  and  Carpenter 
1 Wife  of  Hump.  Ilousman 


Madison  Co.  O. 
Hardy  Co.  Va. 
Ky. 

Ross  Co.  Ohio 
North’mpt’n  Co.Pa 
Fairfield  Co.  O. 
Fairfield  Co.  O. 

Oliio 
1 N.  Y. 


f Austin,  James  B. 

Maroa 

Sec.  13 

\ Phoebe  N.  Dunham 

“ 

< Bradshaw,  A.  J. 

Latham 

Sec.  19 

1 Susato  A.  Haines 

“ 

< < 

f Brelsford,  William  C. 

Maroa 

Sec.  14 

4 Ella  Bost 

“ 

“ 

[ Susanna  E.  Dutro 

Dec’d  Sept. 

15,  76 

j Brown,  J.  A. 

Decatur,  Box  9)3 

Sec.  36 

\ Mary  Simon 

/ Braden,  Solomon 

Maroa 

Sec.  1 

\ Sarah  Kershner 

U 

It 

f Balcom,  H.  S. 

Kenney 

Sec.  8 

1 Be  sy  Emery 

• < 

Sec.  36 

J Ciossman,  S.  A. 

Warrensb’rg 

(.  Susan  Weaver 

“ 

!| 

f Davison,  T.  B. 

Latham 

Sec,  20 

J Thomas  Davison 

“ 

it 

| Martha  J.  Davison 

“ 

ti 

[ George  W.  Davison 

Dec’d  Apr’l 

27,  73 

I"  Emery,  J.  W. 

Kenney 

Sec.  18 

4 F.  A.  Sanburn 

it 

n 

[ Frances  R.  Leland 
j Hawkyard,  A. 

Dec’d 

Kenney 

Sec.  10: 

t Hannah  Bottomlay 

a 

C Heft,  Samuel 

Latham 

Sec.  17 

l Elizabeth  Davis 

Dec’d  Jan. 

27,77 

/ Hill,  W.  11. 

Latham 

Sec.  29 

1 Elizabeth  Mary  Salter 

“ 

it 

f Johnston,  John 

“ 

Sec.  19 

J Agnes  Irving 

ti 

a 

] George  Johnston 

“ 

i t 

[ Jane  Wright 

a ( 

f Lowe,  William 

Maroa 

Sec.  10 

l Ann  Rebec.  McKeever 

11 

f Larkin,  Henderson 

Chestnut 

‘f 

( Eliza  M.  Israel 

“ 

f Nowlin,  J.  B. 

Latham 

Sec.  20, 

\ J.  E.  Sykes 

“ 

it 

Sheep 

Wife  of  James  B.  Austin 


Wife  of  A.  J.  Bradshaw  Ohio 


nian  Horses 

Wife  of  Wm.  C.  Brelsford 


Sheep  and  Chester  White  Hogs 

Wife  of  J.  A.  Brown 
Farmer  and  Breeder  of  Pine  Cattle 
aud  Poland  China  Hogs 

Wife  of  Solomon  Braden 


[56 
61 

m 

166 

Edgar  Co.  111.  [71 
Preble  Co.  Obio(66 
Leicest’rsh’e  En|61 
61 

Richland  Co.  O. 
Augusta  Co.  Va 


Wife  of  H.  S-  Balcom  Merrim’c“N.H 
Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Cayuga  Co.  N. Y 
■Wife  of  S.  A.  Crossman  Macon  Co.  III. 


Moth,  of  T.  B.&G.  W.  Davison 


Wife  of  J.  W.  Emerv 


00 
68 
66 
57 
70 
57 
65 
65 
65 
65 

Merrim’k  N.H  57 
N.  H.  [Mass.  57 


First  wife  of  J.  IV.  Emery  Worcester  Co. 
1 Farm.,  St’k  Raiser  & Sup  Yorl 
Wife  of  A Hawkyard 


[60 


Sec.  29  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Devonsh’e,  Eng.  <49 


Wife  of  John  Johnston 
Farm.,  St’k  Raiser  & J.  P 


Pendlet’n  Co.Va 
‘ Hamilton  “ Ind 


Hamilton  Co.  0 


239 


AIT  ST  IN  T OWN  SH  IP.  — [Continued.  ] 


BLUE  MOUND  TOWNSHIP. 


( Patterson,  David 
-j  Mary  Francis  Smith 
( Elizabeth  Wright 
[ Parker,  William  H. 

-j  Frances  M.  Crowell 
( Eliza  C.  Shan 
J Kothermal,  Louis 
( Margaret  Lutz 
f Schenck,  Daniel 
\ Sarah  Ann  Denise 
J Toland.  nee  Smith, Mrs 
\ Aquilla  Toland  [L.  A. 
f Whitaker,  N.  M. 

\ Mary  C.  Nor  veil 


P.  OFFICE. 

REfelD. 

OCCUPATION. 

NATIVITY. 

D j 
H j 
? , 

Latham 

Sec.  18 

Farmer  and  Breeder  of  Short  Horn* 
and  Grades 

Pres,  wife  of  David  Patterson 

Dumfriesshire,  Scotl’d 

54 

Dec’d  Oct. 

“ 

Effingham  Co.ll 

75 

1875 

First  wife  of  ‘‘ 

Dumfriesshire,  Seotlnd 

44 

Maroa 

“ 

Sec.  11 

Farmer  and  Breeder  of  fine  Cattle, 
Hogs  and  Sheep 

Wife  of  William  H.  Parker 

Preble  Co.  Ohio 
Madison  ‘‘ 

55 

69; 

Dec’d  Aug. 

12, ’69 

First  wife  of  ‘‘ 

Clermont  “ 

53 

Latham 

Sec.  19 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

Germany 

<< 

67 

“ 

ll 

Wife  of  Louis  Rothermal 

07 

Maroa 

Sec.  23 

Farmer  and  Breeder  of  fine  Horses 

Penna. 

60 

Wife  of  Daniel  Schenck 

Butler  Co.  Ohio 

60 

Latham 

Sec.  31 

Farm.  & Breed.  Short  Horns 

Macon  Go  111. 

48 

Dec’d  Feb. 

15,  ’78 

Late  bus. of  Mrs.  L A.  Toland 

Madison  Co.  0. 

65 

Latham 

Sec.  18 

Farmer  and  Breeder  of  Pol.  China 
Hogs 

Ind. 

64 

Wife  of  N.  M.  Whitaker 

Ky. 

64 

P.  OFFICE.  RESID. 


PHEASANT  YIEW  TOWNSHIP. 


r Barrick,  Joshua 
J Barbara  A.  Gaver 
j Jane  R.  Leister 
Brookshier,  William  F 
Mary  E.  Hurst 
Mary  J.  Logan 
f Blair,  James  A. 

\ Dinah  E.  Workman 
I Beckett,  John  B. 

-j  May  Myers 
( James  Beckett 
J Carr,  N.  A. 

\ Melissa  J.Rittinghous 
f Crow,  O.  T. 

[ Alice  J.  Scott 
J Carter,  Richard  H. 

\ Loveina  Swim 
Crap  and  Gorden 
/ Damery,  George 
\ Joanna  Kerwin 
( Day,  William  W. 

\ Margarett  A.  Corn 
j Delbridge,  E.  F. 

Fredreka  Ponk 
j Ferre,  Abel  S. 

\ Sarah  J.  Chapman 


Macon 

<< 

Bl.  Mound 


Griffith,  James  G. 

Macon 

35 

Susanah  Whitney 

“ 

35 

Goltra,  John  H. 

“ 

35 

Clara  A.  Miller 

“ 

35 

Hurst,  Isaac 

Bl.  Mound 

11 

Marv  A.  Miller 

Died  Feb. 

12, ’47 

Sarah  A.  Tliornberry 

Bl.  Mound 

Sec.  11 

Hartwig,  John  II. 

28 

Margarett  Nast 

Dec’d  Oct. 

1875  . 

House,  Eleazar 

Bl.  Mound 

Sec.  31 

Nancy  Fraser 

Dec’d  Nov. 

10,  ’55 

Flora  A.  Martin 

Dec’d  M’rh 

27,  ’60 

Hebberd,  S.  S. 

Moawequa 

Sec.  14 

M.  Ella  Smith 

14 

Koelmel,  Alex. 

Bl.  Mound 

33 

Mary  Nold 

(< 

33 

Knowles,  FI.  J. 

Macon 

14 

John  Knowles 

Dec’d  Sept. 

24,  ’70 

Mary  McStae 

Macon 

Sec.  14 

Koelmel,  Tobias 

Bl.  Mound 

Bl.  Mound 

Michanx,  Auguste 

“ 

Sec.  16 

Sophie  Keller 

“ 

16 

Miller,  J.  B. 

it 

Bl.  Mound 

Elizabeth  Botkin 

“ 

u 

Mary  L.  Miller 

“ 

“ 

Moss,  Wm.  M. 

“ 

Sec.  17 

Henrietta  Delbridge 

“ 

17 

Nicholls,  A.  J. 

34 

Eliza  Gabra 

34 

Nicholls,  Mary 

33 

Nicholls,  W.  L. 

Dec’d  April 

23,  ’75 

Schnurr,  Christ. 

Bl.  Mound 

Sec.  9 

Men  ay  Moss 

“ 

9 

Smith.  James  D. 

Moawequa 

13 

Worthie  C.  Benedict 

13 

Smith,  Ed.  O. 

“ 

13 

Seiberling,  J.  D. 

Bl.  Mound 

Bl.  Mound 

Bl.  Mound  bi.  Mound  Deal,  in  Grain  & Agric.  Impls  Maryland 
Dec’ d May  30, ’03  Late  wife  of  J.  Barrick  Maryland 
Bl.  Mound  at. Mound  l>res.  wife  of  “ Maryland 

44  Sec.  8 l',ar,lier  :ind  Stock  Raiser,  lived  23  U v 

-r\*  i -\r  ? i years  in  Township  1 . * 

Died  Mr  ch  20,  69  Laiewifeol  W.F.Brookshier  Md. 

Bl.  Mound  Sec.  8 Pres,  wife  of  “ Ind. 

18  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Ind. 

18  Wife  of  James  A.  Blair  111. 

3 Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Ohio 
3 Wife  of  John  B.  Beckett  Ind. 

3 Son  of  J.  B.  &M.  Beckett  Macon  Co.  111. 
36  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  111. 

36  Wife  of  N.  A.  Carr  111. 

3 Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Ohio 
3 Wife  of  O.  T.  Crow  111. 
bi. Mound  Cus.  Boot  & Shoe  Maker  Mass. 

“ Wifeof  Rich’rd  II. Carter  Ohio 

“ Dealers  in  Grain,  Lumber,  Lime,  Cross,  Maryland 
c Hardware,  Pumps,  Cement  & Coal  Gordon,  Ky. 

bee-  2o  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Ireland 
28  Wife  of  George  Damery  Ireland 
16  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Tenn. 

16  Wife  of  William  W.  Day  111. 

17  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser,  Prussia 

17  Wife  of  E.  F.  Delbridge  “ 

33  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Canada 
33  Wife  of  Abel  S.  Ferre  Tenn. 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Vermont 
Wife  of  Jas.  G.  Griffith  “ 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  N.  J. 

Wife  of  John  H.  Goltra  Ind. 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Ind. 

First  w i fc  -©£-1 saac  Hurst  Pa. 

Pres,  wife  of  “ Ind. 


jLatewifeof  J. H-Hartwig  Hanover 


Ohio 
X.  Y. 


N.  Y. 

Ohio 

England 

Ireland 

Dukedm  of  Baden 
France 
Switzerland 
111. 

Ohio 


Wife  of  J.  B.  Miller 
[Sister  of  “ (111. 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Prussia 
i Wm.  A.  Moss  ! “ 


71 

71 
57 
55 

69 
66 
75 
74 

80 

65 

65  j 

57 

72 

70 

1 

GZ 

62 

66 
66 
58' 

58 
66 
66 
66 
66 
63 
50 
66 

66 

61 

61 

65 


OCCUPATION. 


J Brown,  Henry  T.  Decatur 

1 Sarah  E.  Jordon  “ 

Barnes,  J.  A.  Boody 

Louisa  R.  Taylor 
f Brown,  Nelson  F.  Decatur 

\ Mildred  A.  Pasley 
f Blankinship,  Lewis  Bl.  Mound 

- Madeline  Roberts  ; “ 

( Hannah  Wilson  | “ 

f Bailey,  Fred.  ]Boody 

\ Henrietta  Fornhorst 
J Crawford,  John  S. 

1 Polly  A.  Moffett 
f Cottie,  G.  F.  Decatur 

\ Susan  E.  Browning  ; “ 

J Chapman,  J.  E.  Boody 

1 Maria  C.  Evens  | “ 

1 Crow,  E.  W.  Bl.  Mound 

[ Nannie  D.  Eatlv  ‘‘ 

I Delbridge,  Jr.,  E.  F.  Boody 
I Louisa  Pibler  ! “ 

( Hall,  Benj.  A.  Bl.  Mound 

\ Sara  C.  Carmany  ' “ 

Hotter,  John  Boody 

f Joster,  Henry  Bl.  Mound 

1 Julia  A.  Schoop  | “ 

/ Jokish,  Henry  G.  Boody 
\ Louisa  Echhardt  j “ 

f Jackson,  J.  H.  Decatur 

- Mary  Bradley  Dee’d 

1 Mary  Reed  Decatur 

f Kaup,  Isaac  B.  | “ 

l Mary  E.  Deakins 
f Kallenbach,  H.  Emil  Boody 
\ Lizzie  Zimmerman  | “ 

f Morris,  John  W-  K. 

1 Anna  Coe  j “ 

J Moffett,  Wm.  T.  Decatur 

\ Ellen  Barrows  | “ 

J Morris,  Yincin  Boody 

( Mary  J.  Mathews  1 “ 

f Miller,  Henry  A.  j ‘‘ 

\ Caroline  Gimmer  | “ 

f Moffett,  John  M.  Decatur 

1 Elizabeth  McDonald  “ 

f Muirheid,  Wm.  F.  ] “ 

i Margaret  J.  Hill 
J Robbins,  John  Boody 

t Nancy  O.  Haines  “ 

I Rosegrants,  Hiram  : ‘‘ 

l Sarah  Mason  [ “ 

f Sleeter,  John  H.  j “ 

l Hattie  A.  Harmel  i “ 

/ Smith,  Margaret  A.  I “ 

l John  D.  Smith  Died  Feb. 

f Schnab,  Christian  Boody 

\ Elizabeth  Suppes  “ 

f Stickler,  John  Bl.  Mound 

1 Hannah  Muelbarger 
f Taylor,  T.  M.  Boody 

l Theola  D.  Farnswortl 
/ Taylor,  James  Y. 

[ Elizabeth  A.  Moffett 
f Wilson,  Wm.  H.  Bl.  Mound 

l Mary  E.  Elder 
f Weatherford,  VY.  H.  Boody 
\ Amanda  Newman 
j Yoder,  Lanah 
l J.  C.  Sudy 


NATIVITY. 


Sec.  3!Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Ohio 

3 Wife  of  Henry  T.  Brown  Macon  Co.  111. 

4 Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Pa. 

4 Wife  of  J.  A.  Barnes  Macon  Co.  111. 
34;Fnrmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Ohio 
341  Wife  of  Nelson  F.  Brown  Macon  Co. 

31 ! Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Macon  Co.  111. 
31]  Wife  of  Lew. Blankinship  Ind. 

31  Mother  of  “ N.  C. 

16  Farm. & Breed. of  fine  St’k  Germany 
16  Wife  of  Fred.  Bailey  “ 

33  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Ohio 

33  Wife  of  Jno.  S.  Crawford  Macon  Co.  111. 
6 Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Eng. 

6 Wife  of  G.  F.  Cottle  Ky. 

5 Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Eng. 

5]Wife  of  J.  E.  Chapman  Macon  Co. 

20  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Ohio 

20  Wife  of  E.  W.  Crow  Ind. 

24  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Prussia 
24  Wife  of  E.  F.  Delbridge  Cass  Co.  111. 

19  Farmer  and  Brickmaker  Macon  Co.  III. 
19  Wife  of  Benj.  A.  Hall  Ohio 
15  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Germany 

21  “ 

21  Wife  of  Henry  Joster  Pa. 

23  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Germany 
23  Wife  of  Henry  G.  Jokish  ‘‘ 

26  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  N.  C. 

F’st  wife  of  J.  H.  Jackson  Ky. 

Sec.  26  Present  wife  of  “ Tenn- 

31  Blacks’th  & St.  Saw-mill  Pa. 

31  Wife  of  Isaac  Kaup  Macon  Co. 

23  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Cass  Co.  111. 

23  Wife  of  E.  H.  Kallenbach  Pike  Co.  111. 

4 Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Macon  Co.  111. 
4 Wifeof  J.  W.  K.  Morris  Va. 

32  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Sangamon  Co. 

32  Wife  of  Wm.  T.  Moffett  Vt. 

8 Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Ohio 
8 Wife  of  Vincin  Morris  Maryland 

15  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Germany 
Wife  of  Henry  A.  Miller  *• 

Sec.  34  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  111. 

34  Wife  of  John  M.  Moffett:  Penn. 

33  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Va. 

33  Wife  of  W.  F.  Muirheid  Macon  Co  111 


22  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 
22  Wife  of  John  Robbins 
10  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

1 0 Wife  of  Hir’m  Rosegrants 

11  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 
11  Wife  of  John  H.  Sleeter 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 
25,  ’80  Late  bus.  of  Marg’t  Smith 
Sec.  10  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 
10  Wife  of  Christian  Schnab 
6 Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 
6 Wife  of  John  Stickler 
33  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 
33  Wife  of  T.  M.  Taylor 
4 Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 
4 Wife  of  James  Y.  Taylor 
19  St. Saw-mill  &Lum.  Deal 
19]  Wife  of  Wm.  H.  Wilson 
15  Farm.,  St'k  Rais.  & Twp.  Asp 
15  Wife  of  W.  H.  Weatherford 
21  Wife  of  J-  C.  Sudy 
21  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 


Sangamon  Co 
Tenn. 

N.  Y. 

Ill 

Macon  Co.  111. 

Prussia 

Ky. 

Tenn. 

Germany 

Pa. 

Pa. 

Macon  Co.  111. 
Ohio 
111. 

111. 

Ohio 

111. 

Va 

Tenn. 

Lancaster,  Pa. 
Germany 


•59 

60 

62 

50 

59 

51 
[47 

52 
28 
;o3 

42 
[76 

60 
57 
[63 
64 
[54 

57 

76 

58 
64 
55 
66 
61 
57 
47 
1(38 
68 
74 

74 

K 

167 
68 
■ 51 

77 
II  41 

54 

49 
47 

57 

58 

43 

55 
30 
34 

II  69 
69 
67 
67 

50 
55 

4 


67 

72 

72 

50 

68 
36 
41 
78 
78 
58 
58 
47 
68 


HICKORY  POINT  TOWNSHIP, 


fW 

IN: 


Ward,  Robert  D. 
Nancy  Abernathay 
Weygandt,  Jonathan 
Miriam  Bachman 
Weygandt,  J.  F. 
Elizabeth  Garman 


and  Woolenware 
Wife  of  J.  D.  Seiberling 
“ Prop,  of  the  Ward  House  Ohio 
Wife  of  Robert  D.  Ward  Ohi_ 
Sec.  30  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Penn. 
30  Wifeof  Jon.  Weygandt  Penn. 
30  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Ohio 
30  Wife  of  J.  F.  Weygandt  Ohio 


Ohio 

Ireland 

68] 

68 

Arthur,  Jasper 

Warrensbu’g 

it 

Sec.  7 F armer  and  Stock  Raiser 

Ohio 

66 

Ohio 

67 

\ Ida  A.  Taylor 

7 Wife  of  Jasper  Arthur 

Ohio 

69 

Ohio 

67 

f Arthur,  Joseph 

Forsythe 

17  Farmer  & Cattle  Feeder 

Ohio 

67 

Germany 

61 

( Melinda  Clover 

17  Wifeof  Joseph  Arthur 

Ohio 

60 

Prussia 

61 

( Braden,  John  Y. 

Decatur 

26  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

Tenn. 

29 

Macon  Co.  111. 

45 

j Laura  A.  Hunting 

it 

26  Wife  of  John  Y.  Braden 

Vermont 

30 

47: 

Black,  J.  R 

Warrensbu'g 

18  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

Ky. 

66 

58 

Mary  J.  White 

Dec’d  June 

24,  ’67  Late  wife  of  J.  R.  Black 

111. 

66 

Penn. 

Ohio 

71 

71 

Rachel  Ritchie 
[ Batchelder,  N.  S. 

Warrensbu'g 

Sec.  18  Pres,  wife  of  “ 

8 Farm.,  Cat.  & Hog  feeder 

Pa. 

N.  H. 

56 

Ohio 

76 

Mary  M.  Ritchie 

Dec’d  M’ch 

2,  1872  Late  wife  of  N.  S.  Batchelder 

Pa. 

56 

Ohio 

76 

Margaretta  Cornon 

Warrensbu’g 

Sec.  8 Pres,  wife  of  “ 

Pa. 

56 

Penn. 

64 

Bixler,  A.  J. 

Forsythe 

13  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

Pa. 

60 

Penn. 

64 

i 

Lovenia  R.  Lehman 

1.3  Wife  of  A.  J.  Bixler 

Macon  Co.  111. 

45 

Ohio 

64 

Good,  James  B. 

Decatur 

32  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

it 

56 

Ohio 

64 

J 

' 

Ida  L.  Lehman 

it 

32  j Wife  of  James  B.  Good 

Ohio 

68 

240 


HICKORY  POINT  TOWNSHIP. -[Continued] 


OAKLEY  TOWNSHIP. 


NAME. 


J Gepford,  W.  H. 

\ Nancy  J.  Horn  back 
j Hays,  Hezekiali 
\ Margaret  Leliein 
Houser,  David 
Leah  Saunda 
. Catharine  Larish 
( Hinkle,  Wm.  A. 

I Amanda  Ivens 
j Huston,  Ulysses 
\ Matilda  McCay 
Johnson,  Robert 
Luann  Church 
Win.  T.  Grubbs 
[ Melissa  C.  Allen 
j Love,  David 
1 Elizabeth  S.  Weltmer 
J Magee,  W.  J- 
) Fannie  Mnsselman 
J Major,  Hillearv 
\ Martha  A.  Adams 
J McKinley,  John  H. 

( Catharine  Gher 
f Moon,  J.  R. 
j Lydia  Dakin 
] Aaron  Moon 
[ Harriet  Li  ppincott 
I Martin,  Henry 
1 Caroline  Colladav 
J Schroll,  George  W. 

\ Lethe  A.  Hornback 
J Schroll,  Henry 
t Mary  D Taylor 
j Weaver,  John 
\ Catharine  Oberlin 
Weigel,  D.  S. 
f Watkins,  Sarah 
\ Janies  Watkins 


i\  OFFICE. 

It  ESI  D. 

Forsythe 

See.  8 

It 

8! 

Decatur 

25 

it 

21 

Dec’d  Sept. 

1853 

Decatu  r 

Sec.  21 

F orsvthe 

5 

it 

5 

Decatur 

34; 

it 

34 

ii 

34 

u 

34: 

It 

34 

ti 

34 

ii 

19 

it 

19 

ii 

25 

u 

25 

u 

30 

it 

30 

Forsythe 

12 

Deed  April 

9, 1879 

Forsvthe 

Sec  11 

Dec’d  Feb. 

17, ’70 

Forsythe 

Sec.  1 1 

U 

11 

it 

1 

a 

1 

n 

15 

u 

15 

Decatur 

27 

“ 

27 

a 

16 

it 

16 

Forsythe 

16 

VVarrensbu’g 

7 

Dec’d  Oct. 

16.  ’62 

OCCUPATION. 


NATIVITY. 


Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Pa. 

Wife  of  W.  H.  Gepford  Macon  Co.  III. 
Keeper  Poor  farms  u Farmer  Macon  Co.  III. 
Wife  of  Hezekiali  Hays  Ohio 
Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Pa. 

Late  wife  of  1).  Houser  Pa. 

Present  wife  of  “ Pa. 

Farmer  and  Blacksmith  Pa.] 

Wife  of  Wm.  A.  Hinkle  Ohio 
Fanner  and  Stock  Raiser  Ohio 
Wife  of  Ulysses  Huston  Ohio] 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Ky. 

Wife  of  Robert  Johnson  Ky. 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  111. 

Wife  Wm.  T.  Grubbs  Ky. 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Ind. 

Wife  of  David  Love  Pa. 

Keeper  Poor  farm  & Farmer  Macon  Co. 
Wife  of  W.  J.  Magee  Penn. 

Farmer  & Grain  Thresher  Ohio 
Wife  of  Hilleary  Major  Ind. 

Farmer  & Cattle  Feeder  Macon  Co.  111. 
Late  wife  of  .1.  H.  McKinley  pa 

Farmer,  Stock  Raiser  ami  Township  \ 

Assessor  C/lllO 

Late  wife  of  J.  R.  Moon  Ohio 
Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Ohio 
Wife  of  Aaron  Moon  ]N.  J. 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Ohio 
Wife  of  Henry  Martin  Pa. 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Pa. 

Wife  of  Geo.  W.  Schroll  Macon  Co.  III. 
Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Pa. 

Wife  of  Henry  Schroll  |Macon  Co.  111. 
Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser  Pa. 


Wife  of  John  Weaver 
Farmer  and  Minister 
Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 


Pa. 

Pa. 

Ohio 


L ite husband ol  Mrs.  Sarah  Watkins  Vn. 


51 


HARRISTOWN  TOWNSHIP. 


f Conover,  Peter 
I Bashada  Taylor 
( Cury,  Mary  A. 

\ James  M.  Cury 
J Eyman,  Jerome 
\ Stella  Tandy 
/ Filson,  Gustis 
\ Mary  Patterson 
J Filson,  Robert 
t Ida  McCartney 
f Freeman  Jeremiah 
i Hannah  Turner 
f Gossort,  Charles 
j Harriet  S.  Peck 
J Grunden,  W-  S. 

\ Rachel  Coe 
J Hall,  John 
\ Miss  Mary  Hendricks 
J Hoyt,  J.  N. 

\ Eunice  N.  Brown 
Hillbern,  James  L. 
f Hunsley,  C.  E. 

1 Malinda  Hostettler 
f Hostettler,  Mrs.  T.  A. 
t Hostettler,  Jacob 
J Lenard,  Samuel 
\ Elizabeth  Foster 
J McGuire,  Joseph  D. 

1 Catharine  Halbert 
[Miller,  A.  C. 

-j  Lucy  A.  Miller 
( Nancy  J.  Austin 
[ Miller,  James 
j Margaret  Hostettler 
I Elizabeth  Miller 
J Park,  James  H. 

I Elizabeth  L.  Wood 
J Scroggin,  T.  I. 

I Rebecca  Bi  rks 
J Turner,  John 
X Mary  Eliza  McIntyre 
J Willard,  M.  B. 

1 Emma  Lane 
Willard,  J.  M. 

J Whitley,  W.  L. 

I Alice  Irwin 


Harristown 

sec.  It 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

Kentucky 

Dec’d  Jan 

1,1853 

For.  wife  of  P.  Conover 

Decatur 

Sec.  13 

Farmer  & Fruit  Grower 

Columbus,  Ohio  • 

Dec’d  May 

2, 1879 

Late  husb.  of  M.  A.  Curv 

Vigo  Co.  Ind. 

Harristown 

Sec.  5 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

St.  Clair  Co.  111. 

ii 

5 

Wife  of  Jerome  Eyman 

Morgan  Co.  “ 

a 

3 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

a 

3 

Wife  of  Gustis  Filson 

Clearfield  Co.  Pa 

a 

3 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

Morgan  Co.  111. 

a 

3 

Wife  of  Robert  Filson 

ii 

Niantic 

6 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

Macon  Co.  111. 

“ 

6 

Wife  of  Jerem.  Freeman 

Logan  Co.  111. 

Harristown 

29 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

Pennsylvania 

ii 

29 

Wife  of  Charles  Gossort 

Ohio 

Decatur 

1 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

Indiana 

it 

1 

Wife  of  W.  S.  Grunden 

Ohio 

Harristown 

16 

Farmer 

Missouri 

ii 

16 

Wife  of  John  Hall 

Tennessee 

ii 

16 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser.  Town- 
ship Supervisor. 

Wife  of  J.  N.  Hoyt 

N.  Hampshire 

a 

16 

<( 

a 

20 

Farmer 

Macon  Co.  111. 

u 

4 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

England 

a 

4 

Wife  of  C.  F.  Hunsley 

Macon,  111. 

u 

14 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

Kentucky 

Dec’d  Jan. 

11,  18711 

In  his  63d  year.  Late  husbaud  of 
Mrs.  T.  A.  Hostettler 

Decatur 

Sec.  13 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

Fast  Virginia 

ii 

13 

Wife  of  Samuel  Lenard 

Kentucky 

Harristown 

4 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

Pennsylvania 

ii 

4 

Wife  of  Jos.  I).  McGuire 

Virginia 

Decatur 

12 

Farmer  and  Trader 

Macon  Co.  111. 

Dec’d  May 

1,1868 

First  wife  of  A.  C.  Miller 

Kentucky 

Decatur 

Sec.  12 

Pres.  “ “ “ “ 

Macon  Co.  III. 

12 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

Kentucky 

Deed  Nov. 

1844 

First  wife  of  Jas.  Miller 

U 

Decatur 

Sec.  12 

Pres.  ‘‘  “ “ “ 

ii 

Harristown 

15 

Farmer  and  Butcher 

St.  Clair  Co.  111. 

ii 

15 

Wife  of  James  H.  Park 

; Madison  Co.  111. 

ii 

28 

Farmer,  Stock  Raiser,  Feeder  and 

Logan  Co.  III. 

ii 

28 

Shipper 

Wife  of  T.  I.  Serogain 

Niantic 

7 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

Macon  Co.  111. 

“ 

7 

Wife  of  John  Turner 

j Kentucky 

Harristown 

8 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

Morgan  Co.  111. 

it 

8 

Wife  of  M.  B.  Willard 

Edgar  Co.  111. 

a 

S 

Farmer,  Stock  Raiser,  dealer  and 
Shipper 

Farmer  and  Slock  Raiser 

Morgan  Co.  111. 

ii 

28 

Kentucky 

a 

28 

Wife  of  W.  L.  Whitley 

Pennsylvania 

NAME. 

P.  OFFICE. 

It  ESI  D. 

OCCUPATION. 

NATIVITY. 

H 

A 

[ Berry,  T.  W. 

Oakley 

Sec.  35 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

Va. 

64 

j Sarah  Stanley 

35 

Wife  of  T.  W.  Berrv 

Ill 

64 

j Burley,  James 

ii 

31 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

Ohio 

(io 

| Mary  Ann  Crowell 

a 

31 

Wife  of  James  Burley 

Ohio 

10 

j ( Bucker,  William 

Sangamon 

10 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

S C. 

53 

i J Nancy  Witt 

Dec'd 

1861 

First  wife  of  W m.  Bucker 

Tenn. 

53 

| | Marv  Ilouseworth 

Sangamon 

Sec.  10 

Present  wife  of  “ 

Pa. 

57 

i [ Deck,  M.  L. 

Cerro  Gordo 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raisei 

Tenn. 

72 

■j  Flnor  C.usner 

Wife  of  M.  L.  Deck 

Ind. 

72 

l Lula  Jane  Deck 

ii 

Daughter  of  M.  L.  and  Elnor  Deck 

[11. 

78 

[ ( 'ross  E.  F. 

Oakley 

See.  26 

Farmer 

X.  Y. 

49 

•]  Nancy  Hoots 

ii 

26 

Wife  of  E.  F.  Cross 

Scott  Co.  111. 

74 

Harriet  A.  Bradford 

Dec'd 

1865 

First  wife  of  •* 

Conn. 

19 

j Coulter,  W.  F. 

Oakley 

Sec.  23 

Miller  and  Farmer 

St.  Clair  Co.  111. 

74 

\ E.  J.  Stone 

i ( 

23 

Wife  of  W.  F.  Coulter 

Tenn. 

71 

j Chambers,  T. 

Cerrn  Gordo 

21 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

Ky. 

\ Mary  Gates 

(. 

21 

Wife  of  T.  Chambers 

Scott  Co.  III. 

59 

Dovle,  J.  R. 

it 

32 

Farmer 

.Vlacon  Co.  111. 

( Grason,  William 

It 

9 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raisei 

Ireland 

OO 

\ Helen  E.  Burrows 

tl 

9 Wife  of  William  Grason 

Scott  Co.  111. 

)0 

1 Howell,  W.  T. 

Oakley 

31  Farmer  and  Stock  Raisei 

Sangamon  Co  11 

34 

| Sarah  Jane  Trotter 

it 

31  Wife  of  W.  T.  Howell 

Ohio 

56 

[ Hawkins,  R.  C. 

| Julia  A.  Weaver 

Sangamon 

10  Farmer  [kins 

Rutland  Co.  Yt. 

Dec’d 

1878 

Late  wife  of  R C.  Haw- 

N.  Y. 

65 

•j  Hawkins.  B.  C. 
j Almeda  Weaver 

Sangamon 

See.  3 Farmer 

Yt. 

56 

ii 

3 Wife  of  B.  C.  Hawkins 

N.  Y. 

69 

[ Ruth  E.  Fowler 

it 

3 

Aunt  of  R.  C.  aud  R.  C.  Hawkins 

Conn. 

56 

| Holcomb,  T.  O. 

Oak  lev 

Oakl’y 

P.  M.  and  Gen.  Store  & Grain  Dealei 

III. 

79 

1 \ Clarinda  J.  Smith 

t< 

ii 

Wife  of  T.  O.  Holcomb 

111. 

79 

J Hiser,  John 

It 

Sec.  27 

Farmer  & Wheat  Grower 

Penn. 

49 

\ Sarah  Hess 

ii 

27 

Wife  of  John  lliser 

Penn. 

50 

t Liehtenberger,  J.  B. 

Sangamon 

Sang’mon 

Merchant  & Post  Master  Penn. 

55 

\ Susanna  Frv 

“ 

Wife  of  J.  B.  Liehtenberger 

Penn. 

53 

j Niekev,  S.  P- 

Oakley 

Sec.  5 

Farmer  and  Stock  Kaiser 

Penn. 

55 

t Mary  K.  McCov 

5 

Wife  of  S.  P.  N'ickev 

Va. 

60 

[ Nickey,  William 

U 

36 

Fanner  and  Stock  Raiser 

Penn. 

50 

■J  Catharine  Stine 

a 

3( 

Wife  of  William  Niekev 

Penn. 

51 

’ ( David  Nickey 

a 

36 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

Penn. 

50 

( Reed,  Robert 
\ Louisa  B Fulk 

ti 

2’ 

Farmer  and  Saw  Mill  Operator 

Macon  Co.  ill. 

46 

ii 

25  Wife  of  Robert  Reed 

Green  Co.  Iud. 

57 

( Seitz,  Jacob 

it 

26  Farmer 

Penn. 

57 

< Barbary  Nickey 

Dec’d  Sept 

1875 

lLate  wife  of  Jacob  Seitz 

Penn. 

57 

( Mary  Ann  Baker 

Oakley 

Sec.  26^ Present  wife  of  “ 

Ohio 

73 

57 

NIANTIC  TOWNSHIP. 

55 

55 

( Buckles,  Dte 

Niantic 

1 

Sec.  24  Farmer  & Stock  Raiser 

l,ogan  Co.  Ill 

74 

55 

\ A.  C.  Turlev 

it 

24  Wife  of  Dee  Buckles 

74 

55 

Cunaghan,  James 

a 

12 

Farmer  & Sioc<  Raiser 

Zlo.  Donegal  Irld 

68 

72 

f Choate,  Francis  M. 

Latham 

2d] 

it  ti  ti 

Scott  Co.  Ill 

76 

72 

\ Carrie  A.  Havens 

a 

23 

Wife  of  Francis  Choate  Shelby  Co.  O. 

77 

72 

Clark,  Horace  N. 

Niantic 

Niantic 

Physician  & Surgeon  Sl-  Laurence  c».  n.  y 

59 

72 

f Edgar,  A.  C. 

“ 

Sec.  28 

Farmer  & Stock  Raiser  Cass  Co.,  111. 

69 

30 

[ Elsie  E.  Ford 

ii 

28 

Wife  of  A.  C.  Eiigar  | 

Arkansas 

59 

54 

f Gepford,  Geo.  W. 

ii 

11 

Miller,  Grain  Dlr&  Fmr 

Pennsylvania 

42 

66 

\ Harriet  Kitch 

tS 

11 

Wife  of  Geo.  W.  Gepford 
Farmer  & Stock  Raiser 

ii 

59 

67 

f Hagen,  James 

I lliopolis 

21 

Tyrone,  Ireland 

57 

61 

J Catherine  McCath 
] John  A.  Hagen 

21 

Wife  of  James  Hagen 

ii  a 

57 

71 

ii 

21 

Son  of  Jas.  & C.  Hagen 

Springfield,  111. 

ti  u 

57 

71 

[ Marv  Ann  Hagen 

ii 

21 

Daughter  of  J.&C.Hagen 

57 

74 

( Hali,  Charles  A. 

Niantic 

12 

Farmer 

Fayette  Co.  Ky. 

63 

68 

\ Laura  Aveitt 

12 

Wife  of  Charles  A.  Hall 

Macon  Co.  111. 

68 

j Henry,  John  N. 

it 

24 

Farmer  & Stock  Raiser 

Lincoln  Co.  Kv. 

68 

57 

\ M.  A.  Dunlap 

ii 

24 

Wife  of  John  N.  Henry 

((  ti 

68 

52 

Hillinger.  James 

it 

10 

Farmer  & Stock  Raiser 

Ohio. 

65 

38 

Emery  Hillinger 

it 

10 

“ “ “ 

ii 

65 

35 

Hiram  Hillinger 

Dec’d  Dec. 

26,  ’72 

Father  of  James  aod  E.  Hillinger 

ii 

65 

35 

Catherine  Wikel 

Niantic 

10 

Widow  of  II.  Hillinger 

Virginia 

77 

05 

Jones,  J.  W. 

ti 

Niantic 

Blacksmith,  Horse  Shoer  and  Wagon 

Kentucky 

68 

65 

Margaret  Jones 

a 

a 

Wife  of  J.  W.  Jones. 

68 

00 

C.  D.  Jones 

a 

it 

Clork  in  Post  Office  and  son  of  J.  W. 

ii 

68 

55 

Wm.  C.  Jones 

“ 

a 

Of  the  Firm  of  Jones  & Son 

tt 

68 

11 

Kizer.  John  S. 

it 

Sec.  10 

Farmer  & Stock  Raiser 

Illinois 

65 

Elizabeth  Dingman 

a 

10 

Wife  of  John  S.  K'zer 

50 

49 

Mary  A.  Kizer 

ti 

ii 

Daughter  of  J.  S.  Kizer 

it 

67 

29 

j Benjamin  M.  Kizer 

ti 

a 

Son  of  “ “ “ 

it 

69 

33 

| Minnie  A.  Kizer 

ti 

a 

Daughter  of  “ “ “ 

ti 

78 

25 

J Pritchett,  Thos.  A. 

ii 

Niantic 

Merchant 

Bourbon  Co.  Kv 

56 

68 

\ Marv  E.  Ingles 

ti 

“ 

Wife  of  T.  A.  Pritchett 

it  *i 

56 

68 

( Pritchett,  J.  W. 

it 

Sec.  12 

Farmer  & Stock  Raiser 

it  it 

64 

64 

[Sarah  J.  Ingles 

a 

12 

Wife  of  J.  W.  Pritchett 

it  tt 

64 

64 

( Rice,  J H. 

“ 

Niantic 

Physician  & Surgeon 

Adams  Co.  HI. 

75 

50 

1 Mary  L.  St.  Clair 

n 

“ 

Wife  of  J.  H.  Rice 

Sangamon  Co.  III. 

To 

66 

Richardson,  C.  B. 

i» 

ii 

Jewelry,  Drugs,  Notions  & Musical 

Spencer  Co.  K v 

77 

56 

Seelig,  Abraham 

‘‘ 

Carpenter  & Builder. 

Bla  *kfd  Co.  Ind  68 

60 

/ Simpson,  Emmet  W. 
1 Jennie  Clavpool 

it 

Sec.  22 

Farmer  & Stock  Raiser 

Logan  Co.  Ill 

80 

50 

it 

22 

Wife  of  F.  IV.  Simpson 

Morgan  Co.  Ill 

80 

46 

/ Wright,  Thomas 

[lliopolis 

21|Farmer  & Stock  Raiser 

Scotland 

75 

61 

\ Catherine  E.  Simpson 

ii 

21  Wife  of  Thomas  Wright 

St.  Clair  Co.  TIL  75 

241 


WHITMORE 

TOWNSHIP. 

NAME. 

P.  OFFICE. 

RE^ID. 

OCCUPATION. 

NATIVITY. 

a ! 
H j 

f Betzer,  Geo.  W. 

Oreana 

Sec.  13 

f armer  and  Stock  Raiser 

Ohio 

41 

1 Catherine  Coleman 

“ 

13 

Wife  of  Geo.  W.  Betzer 

ll 

41 

( Florev,  David 

Decatur 

21 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

Wythe  Co.  Va. 

25 

-J  Isabella  Wright 

Deed 

1839 

First  wife  of  D.  Florey 

Montg’v  “ “ 

28 

1 Rachel  Rittenhouse 

Decatur 

Sec.  21 

Present  “ “ 

Harrison"  “ 

34 

1 Green,  Joshua 

“ 

31 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

England 

64 

\ Anna  Dodson 

“ 

31 

Wife  of  Joshua  Green 

Green  Co.  111. 

64 

J Harnsberger,  Geo.  G. 

It 

19 

Farmer  and  Breeder  of  Fine  Horses 

Clark  Co  Ohio 

65 

\ Marv  Ann  Scott 

ll 

19  Wife  of  Geo.  G.  Harnsberger 

Kentucky 

65 

J Kirbv,  Richard 

Oreana 

1 1 Far.  Sl’k  rais.  & Superv'r 

Delaware 

08 

( Sophia  I.  Ruddock 

“ 

14  Wife  of  Richard  Kirby 

Illinois 

68 

J Magee,  John 

Decatur 

29  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

Delaware 

41 

| Elizabeth  Norris 

ll 

29  Wife  of  John  Magee 

Scioto  Co.  Ohio 

41 

( Miles,  Samuel  T. 

Oreana 

21  Blacksmith 

Pennsylvania 

56 

t Mary  Ann  Hess 

il 

Wife  of  Samuel  T.  Miles 

“ 

56 

J Petzer.  Anthony  L. 

ll 

13  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

Ohio 

41 

1 America  Smith 

ll 

13  Wife  of  A.  L.  Petzer 

Illinois 

65 

) Rav,  Joseph 

u 

0 Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

“ 

42 

1 Rav,  David 

i Forsythe 

6 Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser- 

ll 

47 

l Ratnev,  C.  P. 

Oreana 

f Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

St.  Clair  Co.  Ill 

67 

\ L.  C.  Irwin 

“ 

8 Wife  of  C.  P.  Rainey 

1 “ 

67 

( Stiiart,  0.  L. 

ll 

1 -a  Farmer,  Stock  Raiser  & Town  Clerk 

Decatur,  111. 

33 

t Elizabeth  Kile 

u 

14  Wife  of  O.  L.  Stuart 

Ohio 

44 

J Stearnes,  Joseph  T. 

Decatur 

31 

Farmer  and  Breeder  of  Fine  Horse.'- 

Massachusetts 

57 

t Martha  £.  Bower 

“ 

31  Wife  of  Jos.  T.  Stearnes 

Kentucky 

57 

SOUTH  MACON  TOWNSHIP. 

J Bradlev,  .T.  J. 

Macon 

Sec.  2(3  Farmer  & Stock  Raiser 

Fnvland 

58 

t Rachael  P.  Tomlinson 

2Gl  Wife  of  J.  J.  Bradley 

St.  Clair  Co.  Il 

65 

f Brenneman.  Eli 

30  Farmer  & Stock  Raiser 

Henry  Co.  Ind. 

69 

( Mary  A.  Clouton 

30;  Wife  of  Eli  Brenneman 

“ “ 

71 

f Coombe.  John 

23  Farmer  & Stock  Raiser 

England 

51 

t Mary  E Wiley 

a 

23  Wife  of  John  (Joonrbe 

Delaware 

ll 

( Davis,  Thomas 

u 

27 

Farmer  & Stock  Raiser 

Washington  Co.,  Pa. 

48 

t Margaret  Rodgers 

ll 

27 

Wife  of  Thomas  Davis 

u li 

55 

f Fleming,  Geo.  A. 

ll 

2ti 

Farmer  & Stock  Kaiser 

0 oshocton  Co.  O 

76 

1 Sarah  Barstow 

ll 

20 

Wife  of  G.  A.  Fleming 

Licking  Co.  O. 

76 

J Fox,  Thomas  S. 

ll 

30 

Farmer  & Stock  Raiser 

Monroe  Co.  Ill 

)"! 

( Mary  T.  Simpson 

30 

Wife  of  Thomas  S.  Fox 

Randolph  Co  111 

,1 

f Hopson,  James 

31 

Farmer  & Stock  Raiser 

Herkimer  Co  N.Y. 

U 

I S.  A.  Fish 

il 

34 

Wife  of  James  Hopson 

Saratoga,  N.  Y. 

57 

J Keller,  I).  P. 

11 

Farmer  & Stock  Raiser 

Fairfield  Co.  O. 

69 

( Rebecca  McFarland 

11 

Wife  of  I).  P.  Kellar 

It  it 

69 

McDonald.  R.  A.  H. 

ll 

21 

Lawyer 

Tennessee 

62 

J Proctor,  Hugh 

“ 

30  Farmer  & Stock  Raiser 

England 

65 

1 Dorcas  Smith 

30 

Wife  of  Hugh  Proctor 

St.  Clair  Co.  111. 

65 

J Richardson,  William 

It 

22 

Farmer  & Stock  Raiser 

England 

41 

1 Sul  vena  Hulrick 

22 

Wife  of  Win.  Richardson 

Germany 

30 

J Shaw,  R.  W. 

Macon 

Physician  & Surgeon 

New  York 

78 

1 Sophrona  Peabody 

It 

Wife  of  Dr.  R.  W.  Shaw 

Warren  Co.  III. 

78 

f Warren,  M.  G. 

ll 

Sec.  6 

Farmer  & Stock  Raiser 

Rock  Castle,  Ky 

61 

\ Victoria  E.  Sheets 

ll 

0 

Wife  of  M.  G.  Warren 

Henderson  Co.  Ky 

61 

f Walker,  J.  W. 

“ 

14 

Farmnr,  Feeder,  Shipper  an<l  Grain 

Madison  Co.  III. 

65 

t Martha  V-  Oglesby 

14 

Wile  of  J.  W.  Walker. 

St.  Clair  Co.  III. 

138 

SOUTH  WHEATLAND  TOWNSHIP. 

NAME. 


( Bell,  A.  W. 

■<  Nancy  Brown 
( Mary  Montgomery 
J Brownlee,  R. 

1 Caroline  Payne 
( Conn,  K.  W. 

I Mary  F.  Niekolson 
I Draper,  J.  A. 

\ Sarah  W.  Jones 
) Foster,  D.  L. 
t Anna  Jones 
( Ground,  P.  R. 

-j  Margaret  C.  Frizell 
( Angeline  Jones 
J Hoekaday,  Robert  L. 
t Susan  M.  Root 
| Mahannah,  S. 

Mary  C.  Wilson 
I Mary  J.  Pickard 
f Outten,  P.  S. 

\ Mary  J.  Ross 
( Outten,  George  T. 

I Maggie  L.  Bell 
f Parr,  William  S. 
t N.  M.  Smith 
f Phillips,  Asa  M. 

\ Margaret  Pennington. 
j Turpin,  Win.  S. 

\ Jennie  Castello 
Wallace,  Wm.  II. 

| Wheeler,  Wm. 

-j  Susan  Ward 
( Sarah  Jones 


f Albert,  Martin 
t Eldorado  Worman 
I Batchelder,  M.  E. 

( Sarah  A.  L.  Batchelder 
I Buckley,  Charles 
t Eliza  A Ilavwood 
( Batchelder,  D.  B. 
i Abbie  M.  Bailey 
/ Clough,  Jeremiah  T. 
t Abbie  J.  Batchelder 
j Demsey,  C.  F. 

I Clarinda  Gates 
Dunlap,  D.  N. 
f Minson,  Entiles 
t Emma  Fish 
J Roberts,  E.  J. 

\ L.  S.  Daniels 
j Wiser,  Peter 
t Anna  B.  Schroll 


MT.  ZION  TOWNSHIP. 


P.  OFFICE. 

RESID. 

OCCUPATION. 

NATIVITY. 

a ' 

J 

t- 

H 

Mt.  Zion 

Mt.  Zion 

Retired 

Greene  Co.Tenn  29 

Died  Sept. 

13, ’46 

Wife  of  A.  W.  Bell 

Wilson 

30 

Pres,  wife  of  A.  W.  Bell 

Rutherford  “ 

35 

Mt.  Zion 

Mt.  Zion 

Druggist 

Shelby  Co.  111. 

71 

Wife  of  R.  Brownlee 

Pickaway  Co.  O. 

71 

il 

il 

General  Merchant 

Garrard  Co.  Kv 

65 

a 

it 

Wife  of  K.  W.  Conn 

il  il  a 

65 

ii 

Sec.  21 

Farmer  & Stock  Raiser 

Macon  Co.  111. 

28 

a 

ll 

Wife  of  J.  A.  Draper 

Madison  Co.  O. 

39 

ti 

Mt.  Zion 

Farm’r  & Justice  of  Peace 

Macon  Co.  111. 

48 

a 

il 

Wife  of  D.  L.  Foster 

<<  ll 

52 

Dalton  City 

See.  13 

Farmer  A Stock  Raiser 

New  .Jersey 

57 

Dee’d  Jan. 

27,  ’GO 

1st  Wife  of  P.  R.  Ground 

Cass  Co.  III. 

57 

Dec’d  Dec. 

5,  1874 

2d  Wife  of  P.  R.  Ground 

Macon  Co.  111. 

38 

Mt.  Zion 

Mt.  Zion 

Pr.  Mt.  Zion  Hotel  & Mer 

Jeflerson  Co.  O. 

56 

“ 

“ 

Wife  of  R.  L.  Hoekaday 

Genesee  CoN.Y. 

68 

“ 

Sec.  8 

Farmer,  Stock  R’sr&  Dir 

Green  Co.  Pa. 

51 

Dec’d  Sept. 

14,  ’62 

1st  Wife  of  S.  Mahannah 

Macon  Co.  111. 

36 

Sec.  8 

Pres  WifeofS. Mahannah 

Maury  Co.  Ten. 

61 

“ 

Mt.  Zion 

Retired  Farmer 

Favette  Co.  Ky. 

52 

it 

h 

Wife  of  P.  S.  Outten 

Wilson  Co.  Ten. 52 

ll 

See.  10 

Farmer  & Stock  Raiser 

Cass  Co.  111. 

52 

ll 

10 

Wife  of  George  T.  Outten 

Macon  Co.  111. 

52 

It 

Mt.  Zion 

Farmer  & Stock  Raiser 

Caldwell  Co.  Kv  53 

ll 

it 

Wife  of  William  S.  Parr 

Macon  Co.  III. 

37 

Hervey  City 

Hervey 

Farmer  & Stock  Raiser 

Green  Co.  Tenn 

75 

ll 

Wife  of  Asa  M.  Phillips 

Breathitt  Co.  Ky 

75 

Dalton  City 

Sec.  13 

Farmer  & Stock  Raiser 

Macon  Co-  111. 

43 

ll 

13 

Wife  of  Wm.  S Turpin 

Dewit  Co.  111. 

64 

Mt.  Zion 

15 

Farmer  & Stock  Raiser 

Macon  Co.  III. 

48 

Dalton  City 

24 

Fmr,  St’k  Rsr  & ex-sher. 

Tennessee 

23 

Dec.  Aug. 

9,  1869 

Form.  Wife  W.  Wheeler 

“ 

29 

Dalton  City 

24 

Pres’t  “ “ *• 

Marion  Co.  111. 

26 

illini  township. 


Warrensbu’g 

Sec.  12 

Farmer  and  Breeder  of  fine  Morgau^QJjjQ 

66 

u 

12 

Wife  of  Martin  Albert 

Virginia 

66 

Harristown 

19 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

N.  Hampshire 

54 

t( 

19 

Wife  of  M.  E.  Batchelder 

54 

“ 

1 

Farmer 

England 

61 

ll 

1 

Wife  of  Charles  Bnrklev 

It 

61 

ll 

32 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

N.  Hampshire 

68 

ll 

32 

Wife  of  D.  B.  Batchelder 

Massachusetts 

68 

il 

32 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

Merrimac  Co.  N.H. 

61 

ll 

32 

Wife  of  J.  T.  Clough 

N.  Hampshire 

61 

Warrensbu'g 

Warre’b’g 

Physician  and  Surgeon 

Ohio 

53 

“ 

“ 

Wife  of  C.  F.  Demsey 

il 

74 

It 

it 

Grain  Dealer 

Sangamon  Co.  111. 

67 

ll 

Sec.  1 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

Indiana 

71 

(t 

1 

Wife  of  E.  Minson 

li 

71 

“ 

16 

Farmer  and  Supervisor  from  1877  to 

N.  Hampshire 

68 

ll 

16 

Wile  of  E.  J.  Roberts 

“ 

68 

ll 

11 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

Pennsylvania 

50 

ll 

11 

Wife  of  Peter  Wiser 

ll 

53 

J Bordman,  Isaac  S. 

( Margaret  Chitty 
( Cray  croft,  E.  M. 

\ P.  W.  Stickel 
( Nancy  A.  Craycroft 
J Connard,  C.  E. 

\ E.  Jane  Rozzell 

J Hamilton  uee  Green,  Octavina 

1 W.  D.  Hamilton 
J McDaniel.  Wm.  W. 
\ A.  Smith  Collins 
J Roby,  John  C. 

\ Orrie  M.  Battles 
( Siehr,  Charles 
J Michael  Siehr 
I Louis  Siehr 
J Witt,  Xavier 
t Maria  A.  Schott 


Decatur 

Sec.  27 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

N.  Y. 

54 

MILAM  TOWNSHIP. 

Dec’d 

Late  wife  of  Isaac  S.  Bordman 

N.  C. 

54  i 

Sec  16 

Macon  Co.  111. 

51 

13, ’68 

Hush,  of  Nancy  A.  Craycroft 

Pa. 

58 

Widow  of  P.  W.  Stickel 

Macon  Co.  III. 

42 

Bartlett,  Geo.  A. 

Macon 

Sec.  8 -Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

Madison  Co.  111. 

68 

2 

Farmer  & Grain  Dealer 

Pa. 

40  4 

Hettie  Naftel 

“ 

8 Wife  of  Geo.  A.  Bartlett 

Guernsey  “ “ 

73 

ll 

2 

Wife  of  C.  E.  Connard 

Macon  Co. 

5411  i 

Isabelle  McNickle 

Deceased 

First  | “ 

Pennsylvania 

68 

ll 

4 

Wid.  ofW  D.  Hamilton 

Morgan  Co.  Ill- 

66  J 

Dickson,  Adam 

Dalton  City 

Sec.  2 Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

Scotland 

59 

14,  ’77 

Late  hus  of  Mrs.  Octavina  I’amilton 

Ky. 

66 

Hattie  J.  Gleason 

“ 

2 Wife  of  Adam  Dickson 

Ohio 

65 

Sec.  3 

Farmer  and  Stork  Raiser 

Kv. 

25  I 

Freeland,  David  J. 

“ 

12  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

North  Carolina 

37 

3 

Wife  of  W.W.  McDaniel 

111. 

27 

Martha  Sawyer 

“ 

12  Wife  of  David  J.  Sawyer 

Coles  Co.  III. 

49 

ll 

16 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

N.  II. 

69 

Gleason,  J.  B. 

“ 

14  J.  P.  and  Retired  Farmer 

Hartford,  Conn. 

65 

ll 

16 

Wife  of  John  C Rohv 

N.  H. 

69!  ' 

Rebecca  L.  Little 

“ 

14;  Wife  of  J.  B.  Gleason 

Massachusetts 

65 

il 

9 

Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

N.  Y. 

59 

Merris,  Ellery  M. 

Macon 

32  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

Sangamon  Co.  Ill 

65 

ll 

9 

it  ii 

Decatur 

59 

Nancy  A.  Van  Gundy 

ll 

32  Wife  of  E.  M.  Merris 

Madison  Co.  Ill 

05 

It 

9 

a ti 

Macon  Co. 

( McReynolds,  J.  C. 

Dalton  City 

13|Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

E.  Tennessee 

05 

16 

it  it 

France 

58 

Morrisson,  Mary  A. 

li 

13  Wife  of  J.  C.  McReynolds 

Boston,  Mass. 

65 

Wife  of  Xavier  Witt 

France 

58 

John  W.  Wear 

It 

13j  Farmer  and  Stock  Raiser 

Fayette  Co.  111. 

62 

242 


.REVISED  CONSTITUTION  OF  ILLINOIS. 


PREAMBLE. 

We,  the  people  of  the  State  of  Illinois — grateful  to  Almighty  God  for  the  civil,  political 
and  religious  liberty  which  He  hath  so  long  permitted  us  to  enjoy,  and  looking  to  Him  for 
a blessing  upon  our  endeavors  to  secure  and  transmit  the  same  unimpaired  to  succeeding 
generations — in  order  to  form  a more  perfect  government,  establish  justice,  insure  domestic 
tranquility,  provide  for  the  common  defense,  promote  the  general  welfare,  and  secure  the  bless- 
ings of  liberty  to  ourselves  and  our  posterity;  do  ordain  and  establish  this  constitution  for 
the  State  of  Illinois. 

ARTICLE  I. 

BOUNDARIES. 

The  boundaries  and  jurisdiction  of  the  State  shall  be  as  follows,  to  wit:  Beginning  at 

the  mouth  of  the  Wabash  river;  thence  up  the  same,  and  with  the  line  of  Indiana,  to  the 
northwest  corner  of  said  State  ; thence  east,  with  the  line  of  the  same  State,  to  the  middle 
of  Lake  Michigan ; thence  north,  along  the  middle  of  said  lake,  to  north  latitude  42  degrees 
and  30  minutes;  thence  west  to  the  middle  of  the  Mississippi  river,  and  thence  down  along 
the  middle  of  that  river  to  its  confluence  with  the  Ohio  river,  and  thence  up  the  latter  river, 
along  its  northwestern  shore,  to  the  place  of  beginning  : Provided , that  this  State  shall  exer- 
cise such  jurisdiction  upon  the  Ohio  river  as  she  is  now  entitled  to,  or  such  as  may 
hereafter  be  agreed  upon  by  this  State  and  the  State  of  Kentucky. 

ARTICLE  II. 

BILL  OF  RIGHTS. 


$ 14.  No  ex  post  facto  law,  or  law  impairing  the  obligation  of  contract',  or  making  anv 
irrevocable  grant  of  special  privileges  or  immunities,  shall  be  passed. 

§ 15.  The  military  shall  be  in  strict  subordination  to  the  civil  power. 

§ 16.  No  soldier  shall,  in  lime  of  peace,  be  quartered  in  any  house  without  the  consent 
of  the  owner  ; nor  in  time  of  war  except  in  the  manner  prescribed  by  law. 

§ 17.  The  people  have  the  right  to  assemble  in  a peaceable  manner  to  consult  for  the 
common  good,  to  make  known  their  opinions  to  their  representatives,  and  to  apply  for 
redress  of  grievances. 

$ 18.  All  elections  shall  be  free  and  equal. 

19.  Every  person  ought  to  find  a certain  remedy  in  the  laws  for  all  injuries  and  wrongs 
which  he  may  receive  in  his  person,  property  or  reputation;  he  ought  to  obtain,  1 y law, 
right  and  justice  freely,  and  without  being  obliged  to  purchase  it,  completely  and  without 
denial,  promptly  and  without  delay. 

$ 20.  A frequent  recurrence  to  the  fundamental  principles  of  civil  government  is  abso- 
lutely necessary  to  preserve  the  blessings  of  liberty. 

ARTICLE  III. 

DISTRIBUTION  OF  POWERS. 

The  cowers  of  the  Government  of  this  State  are  divided  into  three  distinct  departments 
— the  Legislative,  Executive  and  Judicial ; and  no  person,  or  collection  of  persons,  being 
one  of  these  departments,  shall  exercise  any  power  properly  belonging  to  either  of  the 
others,  except  as  hereinafter  expressly  directed  or  permitted. 

ARTICLE  IV. 


) t.  Inherent  and  Inalienable  Rights. 

2 n.  Penalties  proportionate  — Corruption — For- 

S  2.  Due  Process  of  Law. 

feiture. 

\ 3.  Liberty  of  Conscience  Gu  ranteed. 

2 12.  Imprisonment  for  Debt. 

\ 

? 4.  Freedom  of  the  Press— Libel. 

2 13.  Compensation  for  Property  taken. 

\ 

\ 5.  Right  of  Trial  by  Jury. 

2 14.  Ex  post  facto  laws — Irrevocable  Grants. 

\ 

\ 6.  Unreasonable  Searches  and  Seizures. 

2 15.  Military  Power  Subordinate. 

\ 

\ 7.  Bail  allowed — Writ  of  Habeas  Corpus. 

jj  16.  Quartering  of  Soldiers. 

\ 

i 8.  Indictment  required — Grand  Jury  Abolished. 

2 17.  Right  of  Assembly  and  Petition. 

\ 

\ 9.  Rights  of  Persons  Accused  ot  Crime. 

2 18.  Elections  to  be  Free  and  Equal. 

\ 

\ 10.  Seif-Criminanon — Former  Trial. 

2 19.  What  Laws  ought  to  be. 
\ 20.  Fundamental  Principles. 

1 

\ 1.  All  men  are  by  nature  free  and  independent,  and  have  certain  inherent  and  inalien- 

able rights — among  these  are  life,  liberty,  and  the  pursuit  of  happiness.  To  secure  these 
rights  and  the  protection  of  property,  governments  are  instituted  among  men,  deriving  their 
just  powers  from  the  consent  of  the  governed. 

$ 2.  No  person  shall  be  deprived  of  life,  liberty  or  property,  without  due  process  of  law. 

| 3.  The  free  exercise  and  enjoyment  of  religious  profession  and  worship,  without  dis- 

crimination, shall  forever  be  guaranteed  ; and  no  person  shall  be  denied  any  civil  or  political 
right,  privilege  or  capacity,  on  account  of  his  religious  opinions;  but  the  liberty  of  conscience 
hereby  secured  shall  not  be  construed  to  dispense  with  oaths  or  affirmations,  excuse  acts  of 
licentiousness,  or  justify  practices  inconsistent  with  the  peace  or  safety  of  the  State.  No 
person  shall  be  required  to  attend  or  support  any  ministry  or  place  of  worship  against  his 
consent,  nor  shall  any  preference  be  given  by  law  to  any  religious  denomination  or  mode  of 
worship. 

\ 4.  Every  person  may  freely  speak,  write  and  publish  on  all  subjects,  being  responsible 

for  the  abuse  of  that  liberty;  and  in  all  trials  for  libel,  both  civil  and  criminal,  the  truth, 
when  published  with  good  motives  and  for  justifiable  ends,  shall  be  a sufficient  defense. 

$ 5.  The  right  of  trial  by  jury  as  heretofore  enjoyed  shall  remain  inviolate  ; but  the 

trial  of  civil  cases  before  justices  of  the  peace  by  a jury  of  less  than  twelve  men,  may  be 
authorized  by  law. 

§ 6.  The  right  of  the  people  to  be  secure  in  their  persons,  houses,  papers  and  effects, 

against  unreasonable  searches  and  seizures,  shall  not  be  violated  ; and  no  warrant  shall 
Issue  without  probable  cause,  supported  by  affidavit,  particularly  describing  the  place  to  be 
searched,  and  the  person  or  things  to  be  seized. 

§ 7.  All  persons  shall  be  bailable  by  sufficient  sureties,  except  for  capital  offenses,  where 

the  proof  is  evident  or  the  presumption  great ; and  the  privilege  of  the  writ  of  habeas  corpus 
shall  not  be  suspended,  unless  when  in  cases  of  rebellion  or  invasion  the  publ.c  safety  may 
require  it. 

\ 8.  No  person  shall  be  held  to  answer  for  a criminal  offense,  unless  on  indictment  of  a 

grand  jury,  except  in  cases  in  which  the  punishment  is  by  fine,  or  imprisonment  otherwise  than 
in  the  penitentiary,  in  cases  of  impeachment,  and  in  cases  arising  in  the  army  and  navy,  or 
in  the  militia  when  in  actual  service  in  time  of  war  or  public  danger:  Provided,  that  the 
grand  jury  may  be  abolished  by  law  in  all  cases. 

\ 9.  In  all  criminal  prosecutions,  the  accused  shall  have  the  right  to  appear  and  defend 

in  person  and  by  counsel;  to  demand  the  nature  and  cause  of  the  accusation,  and  to  have  a 
copy  thereof;  to  meet  the  witnesses  face  to  face,  and  to  have  process  to  compel  the  attend- 
ance of  witnesses  in  his  behalf,  and  a speedy  public  trial  by  an  impartial  jury  of  the  county 
or  district  in  which  the  offense  is  alleged  to  have  been  committed. 

$ 10.  No  person  shall  be  compelled  in  any  criminal  case  to  give  evidence  against  him- 
self, or  be  twice  put  in  jeopardy  for  the  same  offense. 

\ II.  All  penalties  shall  be  proportioned  to  the  nature  of  the  offense;  and  no  conviction 
shall  work  corruption  of  blood  or  forfeiture  of  estate;  nor  shall  any  person  be  transported 
out  of  the  State  for  any  offense  committed  within  the  same. 

2 12.  No  person  shall  be  imprisoned  for  debt,  unless  upon  refusal  to  deliver  up  his  estate 
for  the  benefit  of  his  creditors,  in  such  manner  as  shall  be  prescribed  bylaw;  or  in  cases 
where  there  is  strong  presumption  of  fraud. 

? 13*  Private  property  shall  not  be  taken  or  damaged  for  public  use  without  just  compen- 
sation. Such  compensation,  when  not  made  by  the  State,  shall  lie  ascertained  by  a jury,  as 
shall  be  prescribed  by  law.  The  fee  of  land  taken  for  railroad  tracks,  without  consent  of 
the  owners  thereof,  shall  remain  in  such  owners,  subject  to  the  use  for  which  it  is  taken. 


1.  General  Assembly  elective. 

2.  'l  ime  of  Election — Vacancies. 

3.  Who  are  Eligible. 

4.  Disqualification  by  Crime. 

5.  Oath  taken  by  members. 

6.  Senatorial  Apportionments. 

7.  & 8.  Minority  Representation. 

9.  Time  of  meeting — General  Rules. 

10.  Secretary — Adjournment — Journals,  Protests 

11.  Style  of  Laws. 

12.  Origin  and  passage  of  Bills. 

13.  Reading— Printing  -Title — Amendments. 

14.  Privileges  of  members. 

15.  Disabilities  of  members. 

\ 16.  Bills  making  Appropriations. 

17.  Payment  of  money — Statement  of  Expenses. 


LEGISLATIVE  DEPARTMENT. 
i 18, 


Ordinary  Expenses— Casual  Deficits— Appro- 
priations limited. 

Extra  Compensaiion  or  Allowance. 

Public  Credit  not  loaned. 

Pay  and  mileage  of  members. 

Special  Legislation  prohibited. 

Against  Release  from  Liability. 

Proceedings  on  Impeachment. 

Fuel,  Stationer^-,  and  Printing. 

State  not  to  be  sued. 

Lotteries  and  Gift  Enterprises. 

Terms  of  Office  not  Extended. 

Protection  of  operative  miners. 

Concerning  Roads — public  and  private. 
Draining  and  Ditching. 

Homestead  and  Exemption  Laws. 

Completion  of  the  btate  House. 


\ I.  The  legislative  power  shall  be  vested  in  a General  Assembly,  which  shall  consist 
of  a Senate  and  House  of  Representatives,  both  to  be  elected  by  the  people. 


$ 2.  An  election  for  members  of  the  General  Assembly  shall  be  held  on  the  Tuesday 
next  after  the  first  Monday  in  November,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hun- 
dred and  seventy,  and  every  two  years  thereafter,  in  each  county,  at  such  places  therein  as 
may  be  provided  by  law.  When  vacancies  occur  in  either  house,  the  governor,  or  person 
exercising  the  powers  of  governor,  shall  issue  writs  of  election  to  fill  such  vacancies. 

ELIGIBILITY  AND  OATH. 

3.  No  person  shall  be  a senator  who  shall  not  have  attained  the  age  of  twenly-fivo 
years,  or  a representative  who  shall  not  have  attained  the  age  of  twenty-one  years.  No 
person  shall  be  a senator  or  a representative  who  shall  not  be  a citizen  of  the  United  States, 
and  who  shall  not  have  been  for  five  years  a resident  of  this  State,  and  for  two  years  next 
preceding  his  election  a resident  within  the  territory  foiming  the  district  from  which  he  is 
elected.  No  judge  or  clerk  of  any  court,  secretary  of  state,  attorney  general,  state’s  attorn  ey, 
recorder,  sheriff,  or  collector  of  public  revenue,  member  of  either  house  of  congress,  or 
person  holding  any  lucrative  office  under  the  United  States  or  this  State,  or  any  foreign 
government,  shall  have  a seat  in  the  general  assembly : Provided,  that  appointments  in  the 
militia,  and  the  offices  of  notary  public  and  justice  of  the  peace,  shall  not  be  considered 
lucrative.  Nor  shall  any  person,  holding  any  office  of  honor  or  profit  under  any  foreign 
government,  or  under  the  government  of  the  United  States,  (except  postmasters  whose 
annual  compensation  does  not  exceed  the  sum  of  $300,)  hold  any  office  of  honor  or  profit 
under  the  authority  of  this  State. 

$ 4.  No  person  who  has  been,  or  hereafter  shall  be,  convicted  of  bribery,  peijury  or 
other  infamous  crime,  nor  any  person  who  has  been  or  may  be  a collector  or  holder  of  public 
moneys,  who  shall  not  have  accounted  for  and  paid  over,  according  to  law,  all  such  moneys 
due  from  him,  shall  be  eligible  to  the  general  assembly,  or  to  any  office  of  profit  or  trust  in 
this  State. 

£ 6.  Members  of  the  general  assembly,  before  they  enter  upon  their  official  duties,  shall 
take  and  subscribe  the  following  oath  or  affirmation  : 

“ I do  solemnly  swear  (or  affirm)  that  I will  support  the  constitution  of  the  United  States,  and  the  consti- 
tution of  the  State  of  Illinois,  and  will  faithfully  discharge  the  duties  of  senator  for  representative)  according 
to  the  best  of  my  ability;  and  that  I have  not,  knowingly  or  intentionally,  paid  or  contributed  anything,  or 
made  any  promise  in  the  nature  of  a bribe,  to  directly  or  indirectly  influence  any  vote  at  the  election  at  which 
I was  chosen  to  fill  the  said  office,  and  have  not  accepted,  nor  will  I accept  or  receive,  directly  or  indirectly, 
any  monev  or  other  valuable  thing,  from  any  corporation,  company  or  person,  for  any  vote  or  influence  I may 
give  or  withhold  on  any  bill,  resolution  or  appropriation,  or  for  any  other  official  act.” 

This  oath  shall  be  administered  by  a judge  of  the  supreme  or  circuit  court,  in  the  hall  of 
the  house  to  which  the  member  is  elected,  and  the  secretary  of  state  shall  record  and  file 
the  oath  subscribed  by  each  member.  Any  member  who  shall  refuse  to  take  the  oath  herein 


prescribed,  shall  forfeit  his  office,  and  every  member  who  shall  be  convicted  of  having 
sworn  falsely  to,  or  of  violating,  his  said  oath,  shall  forfeit  his  office,  and  be  disqualified 
thereafter  from  holding  any  office  of  profit  or  trust  in  this  State. 

APPORTIONMENT— SENATORIAL. 

I 6.  The  general  assembly  shall  apportion  the  State  every  ten  years,  beginning  with  the 
year  1871,  by  dividing  the  population  of  the  State,  as  ascertained  by  the  federal  census,  by 
the  number  51,  and  the  quotient  shall  be  the  ratio  of  representation  in  the  senate.  The 
State  shall  be  divided  into  51  senatorial  districts,  each  of  which  shall  elect  one  senator, 
whose  term  of  office  shall  be  four  years.  The  senators  elected  in  the  year  of  our  Lord 
1872,  in  districts  hearing  odd  numbers,  shall  vacate  their  offices  at  the  end  of  two  years, 
and  those  elected  in  districts  bearing  even  numbers,  at  the  end  of  four  years  ; and  vacancies 
occurring  by  the  expiration  of  term,  shall  be  filled  by  the  election  of  senators  for  the  full 
term.  Senatorial  districts  shall  be  formed  of  contiguous  and  compact  territory,  bounded 
by  county  lines,  and  contain  as  nearly  as  practicable  an  equal  number  of  inhabitants;  but 
no  district  shall  contain  less  than  four-fifths  of  the  senatorial  ratio.  Counties  containing 
not  less  than  the  ratio  and  three-fourths,  may  be  divided  into  separate  districts,  and  shall  be 
entitled  to  two  senators,  and  to  one  additional  senator  for  each  number  of  inhabitants  equal 
to  the  ratio,  contained  by  such  counties  in  excess  of  twice  the  number  of  said  ratio. 

Note.  — By  the  adoption  of  minority  represen'ation,  W 7 and  8,  of  this  article,  cease  to  be  a part  of  the 
constitution.  Under  # 12  of  the  schedule,  and  the  vote  of  adoption,  the  following  section  relating  to  minority 
representation  is  substituted  for  said  sections  : 

MINORITY  REPRESENTATION. 

W’j  and  8.  The  house  of  representatives  shall  consist  of  three  limes  the  number  of  the 
members  of  the  senate,  and  the  term  of  office  shall  be  two  years.  Three  representatives 
shall  be  elected  in  each  senatorial  district  at  the  general  election  in  the  year  of  our  Lord, 
1872,  and  every  two  years  thereafter.  In  all  elections  of  representatives  aforesaid,  each 
qualified  voter  may  cast  as  many  votes  for  one  candidate  as  there  are  representatives  to  be 
elected,  or  may  distribute  the  same,  or  equal  parts  thereof,  among  the  candidates,  as  he  shall 
see  fit;  and  the  candidates  highest  in  votes  shall  be  declared  elected. 

TIME  OF  MEETING  AND  GENERAL  RULES. 

\ 9.  The  sessions  of  the  general  assembly  shall  commence  at  12  o’clock  noon,  on  the 
Wednesday  next  after  the  first  Monday  in  January,  in  the  year  next  ensuing  the  election  of 
members  thereof,  ami  at  no  other  time,  unless  as  provided  by  this  constitution.  A majority 
of  the  members  elected  to  each  house  shall  constitute  a quorum.  Each  house  shall  deter- 
mine the  rules  of  its  proceedings,  and  be  the  judge  of  the  election  returns  and  qualifica- 
tions of  its  members;  shall  choose  its  own  officers ; and  the  senate  shall  choose  a temporary 
president  to  preside  when  the  lieutenant-governor  shall  not  attend  as  president  or  shall  act 
as  governor.  The  secretary  of  state  shall  call  the  house  of  representatives  to  order  at  the 
opening  of  each  new  assembly,  and  preside  over  it  until  a temporary  presiding  officer  thereof 
shall  have  been  chosen  and  shall  have  taken  his  seat.  No  member  shall  be  expelled  by 
either  house,  except  by  a vote  of  two-thirds  of  all  the  members  elected  to  that  house,  and 
no  member  shall  be  twice  expelled  for  the  same  offence.  Each  house  may  punish  by 
imprisonment  any  person,  not  a member,  who  shall  be  guilty  of  disrespect  to  the  house  by 
disorderly  or  contemptuous  behaviour  in  its  presence.  But  no  such  imprisonment  shall 
extend  beyond  two  hours  at  one  time,  unless  the  person  shall  persist  in  such  disorderly  or 
contemptuous  behaviour. 

\ 10.  The  doors  of  each  house  and  of  committees  of  the  whole,  shall  be  kept  open, 
except  in  such  cases  as.  in  the  opinion  of  the  house,  require  secrecy.  Neither  house  shall, 
without  the  consent  of  the  other,  adjourn  for  more  than  two  days,  or  to  any  other  place  than 
that  in  which  the  two  houses  shall  be  sitting.  Each  house  shall  keep  a journal  of  its  pro- 
ceedings, which  shall  be  published.  In  the  senate  at  the  request  of  two  members,  and  in 
the  house  at  the  request  of  five  members,  the  yeas  and  nays  shall  be  taken  on  any  question, 
and  entered  upon  the  journal.  Any  two  members  of  either  house  shall  have  liberty  to  dis- 
sent from  and  protest,  in  respectful  language,  against  any  act  or  resolution  which  they  think 
injurious  to  the  public  or  to  any  individual,  and  have  the  reasons  of  their  dissent  entered 
upon  the  journals. 

STYLE  OF  LAWS  AND  PASSAGE  OF  BILLS. 

^ II.  The  style  of  the  laws  of  this  State  shall  be  : Be  it  enacted  by  the  People  of  the  State 
of  Illinois , represented  in  the  General  Assembly. 

% 12.  Bills  may  originate  in  either  house,  but  may  be  altered,  amended  or  rejected  by  the 
other ; and  on  the  final  passage  of  all  bills,  the  vote  shall  be  by  yeas  and  nays,  upon  each 
bill  separately,  and  shall  be  entered  upon  the  journal ; and  no  bill  shall  become  a law 
without  the  concurrence  of  a majority  of  the  members  elected  to  each  house. 

g 13.  Every  bill  shall  be  read  at  large  on  three  different  days,  in  each  house;  and  the 
bill  and  all  amendments  thereto  shall  be  printed  before  the  vote  is  taken  on  its  final  passage; 
and  every  bill,  having  passed  both  houses,  shall  be  signed  by  the  speakers  thereof.  No  act 
hereafter  passed  shall  embrace  more  than  one  subject,  and  that  shall  be  expressed  in  the  title. 
But  if  any  subject  shall  be  embraced  in  an  act  which  shall  not  be  expressed  in  the  title,  such 
act  shall  be  void  only  as  to  so  much  thereof  as  shall  not  be  so  expressed  ; and  no  law  shall 
be  revived  or  amended  by  reference  to  its  title  only,  but  the  law  revived,  or  the  section 
amended,  shall  be  inserted  at  length  in  the  new  act.  And  no  act  of  the  general  assembly 
shall  take  effect  until  the  first  day  of  July  next  after  its  passage,  unless,  in  ca'-e  of  emergency, 
(which  emergency  shall  be  expressed  in  the  preamble  or  body  of  the  act),  the  general 
assembly  shall,  by  a vote  of  two-thirds  of  all  the  members  elected  to  each  house,  otherwise 
direct. 

PRIVILEGES  AND  DISABILITIES. 

$ 14.  Senators  and  representatives  shall,  in  all  cases,  except  treason,  felony  or  breach  of 
the  peace,  be  privileged  lrom  arrest  during  the  session  of  the  general  assembly,  and  in  going 
to  and  returning  from  the  same  ; and  for  any  speech  or  debate  in  either  house,  they  shall 
not  be  questioned  in  any  other  place. 

| 15.  No  person  elected  to  the  general  assembly  shall  receive  any  civil  appointment 
within  this  State  from  the  governor,  the  governor  and  senate,  or  from  the  general  assembly, 
during  the  term  for  which  he  shall  have  been  elected;  and  all  such  appointments,  and  all 
votes  given  for  any  such  members  for  any  such  office  or  appointment,  shall  be  void;  nor 
shall  any  member  of  the  general  assembly  be  interested,  either  directly  or  indirectly,  in  any 
contract  with  the  state,  or  any  county  thereof,  authorized  by  any  law  passed  during  the  term 
for  which  he  shall  have  been  elected,  or  within  one  year  after  the  expiration  thereof. 

PUBLIC  MONEYS  AND  APPROPRIATIONS. 

\ 16.  The  general  assembly  shall  make  no  appropriation  of  money  cut  of  the  treasury  in 
any  private  law.  Bills  making  appropriations  for  the  pay  of  members  and  officers  of  the 
general  assembly,  and  for  the  salaries  of  the  officers  of  the  government,  shall  contain  no 
provisions  on  any  other  subject. 

\ 17.  No  money  shall  be  drawn  from  the  treasury  except  in  pursuance  of  an  appropriation 
made  by  law,  and  on  the  presentation  of  a warrant  issued  by  the  auditor  thereon;  and  no 
money  shall  be  diverted  from  any  appropriation  made  for  any  purpose,  or  taken  from  any 
fund  whatever,  either  by  joint  or  separate  resolution.  The  auditor  shall,  within  60  days 


after  the  adjournment  of  each  session  of  the  general  assembly,  prepare  and  publish  a full 
statement  of  all  money  expended  at  such  session,  specifying  the  amount  of  each  ittm  and 
to  whom  and  for  what  paid. 

? 18.  Each  general  assembly  shall  provide  for  all  the  appropriations  necessary  for  the 
ordinary  and  contingent  expenses  of  the  government  until  the  expiration  of  the  first  fiscal 
quarter  after  the  adjournment  of  the  next  regular  session,  the  aggregate  amount  of  which 
shall  not  be  increased  without  a vote  of  two-thirds  of  the  members  elected  to  each  house, 
nor  exceed  the  amount  of  revenue  authorized  by  law  to  be  raised  in  such  time;  and  all 
appropriations,  general  or  special,  requiring  money  to  be  paid  out  of  the  State  Treasury, 
from  funds  belonging  to  the  State,  shall  end  with  such  fiscal  quarters  Provided , the  State 
may,  to  meet  casual  deficits  or  failures  in  revenue,  contract  debts,  never  to  exceed  in 
the  aggregate  $250, 000  ; and  moneys  thus  borrowed  shall  be  applied  to  the  purpose  for 
which  they  were  obtained,  or  to  pay  the  debt  thus  created,  and  to  no  other  purpose  ; and 
no  other  debt,  except  for  the  purpose  of  repelling  invasion,  suppressing  insuriection,  or 
defending  the  State  in  war,  (for  payment  of  which  the  faith  of  the  State  shall  be  pledged), 
shall  be  contracted,  unless  the  law  authorizing  the  same  shall,  at  a general  election,  have 
been  submitted  to  the  people,  and  have  received  a majority  of  the  voles  cast  for  members 
of  the  general  assembly  at  such  election.  The  general  assembly  shall  provide  for  the 
publication  of  said  law  for  three  months,  at  least,  before  the  vote  of  the  people  shall  be 
taken  upon  the  same;  and  provision  shall  be  made,  at  the  time,  for  the  payment  of  the 
interest  annually,  as  it  shall  accrue,  by  a tax  levied  for  the  purpose,  or  from  other  sources 
of  revenue;  which  law,  providing  for  the  payment  of  such  interest  by  such  tax,  shall  be 
irrepealable  until  such  debt  be  paid:  And  provided,  further,  that  the  law  levying  the  tax 
shall  be  submitted  to  the  people  with  the  law  authorizing  the  debt  to  be  contracted. 

3 19.  The  general  assembly  shall  never  grant  or  authorize  extra  compensation,  fee  or 
allowance  to  any  public  officer,  agent,  servant  or  contractor,  after  service  has  been  rendered 
or  a contract  made,  nor  authorize  the  payment  of  any  claim,  or  part  thereof,  hereafter 
created  against  the  State  under  any  agreement  or  contract  made  without  express  authority  of 
law  ; and  all  such  unauthorized  agreements  or  contracts  shall  be.null  and  void  : Provided, 
the  general  assembly  may  make  appropriations  for  expenditures  incurred  in  suppressing 
insurrection  or  repelling  invasion. 

$ 20.  The  State  shall  never  pay,  assume  or  become  responsible  for  the  debts  or  liabilities 
of,  or  in  any  manner  give,  loan  or  extend  its  credit  to,  or  in  aid  of  any  public  or  other 
corporation,  association  or  individual. 

PAY  OF  MEMBERS. 

(1  21.  The  members  of  the  general  assembly  shall  receive  for  their  services  the  sum  of  $$ 
per  day,  during  the  first  session  held  under  this  constitution,  and  10  cents  for  each  mile 
necessarily  traveled  in  going  to  and  returning  from  the  seat  of  government,  to  be  computed 
by  the  auditor  of  public  accounts;  and  thereafter  such  compensation  as  shall  be  prescribed 
by  law,  and  no  other  allowance  or  emolument,  directly  or  indirectly,  for  any  purpose 
whatever  ; except  the  sum  of  $50  per  session  to  each  member,  which  shall  be  in  full  foi 
postage,  stationery,  newspapers,  and  all  other  incidental  expenses  and  perquisites;  but  no 
change  shall  be  made  in  the  compensation  of  members  of  the  general  assembly  during  the 
term  for  which  they  may  have  been  elected.  The  pay  and  mileage  allowed  to  each  membev 
of  the  general  assembly  shall  be  certified  by  the  speaker  of  their  respective  houses,  and 
entered  on  the  journals  and  published  at  the  close  of  each  session. 

SPECIAL  LEGISLATION  PROHIBITED. 

$ 22.  The  general  assembly  shall  not  pass  local  or  special  laws  in  any  of  the  following 
enumerated  cases,  that  is  to  say  : for — 

Granting  divorces; 

Changing  the  names  of  persons  or  places; 

Laying  out,  opening,  altering,  and  working  roads  or  highways  ; 

Vacating  roads,  town  plats,  streets,  alleys  and  public  grounds ; 

Locating  or  changing  county  seats ; 

Regulating  county  and  township  affairs; 

Regulating  the  practice  in  courts  of  ju-t:ce; 

Regulating  the  jurisdiction  and  duties  of  justices  of  the  peace,  police  magistrates,  and 
constables ; 

Providing  for  changes  of  venue  in  civil  and  criminal  cases ; 

Incorporating  cities,  towns,  or  villages,  or  changing  or  amending  the  charter  of  any  town, 
city  or  village ; 

Providing  for  the  election  of  members  of  the  board  of  supervisors  in  townships, 
incorporated  towns  or  cities  ; 

Summoning  and  impaneling  grand  or  petit  juries; 

Providing  for  the  management  of  common  schools; 

Regulating  the  rate  of  interest  on  money; 

The  opening  and  conducting  of  any  election,  or  designating  the  place  of  voting; 

The  sale  or  mortgage  of  real  estate  belonging  to  minors  or  others  under  disability ; 

The  protection  of  game  or  fish  ; 

Chartering  or  licensing  ferries  or  toll  bridges; 

Remitting  fines,  penalties  or  forfeitures; 

Creating,  increasing,  or  decreasing  fees,  percentage  or  allowances  of  public  officers,  during 
the  term  for  which  said  officers  are  elected  or  appointed  ; 

Changing  the  law  of  descent; 

Granting  to  any  corporation,  association  or  individual  the  right  to  lay  down  railroad 
tracks,  or  amending  existing  charters  for  such  purpose  ; 

Granting  to  any  corporation,  association  or  individual  any  special  or  exclusive  privilege, 
immunity  or  franchise  whatever. 

In  all  other  cases  where  a general  law  can  be  made  applicable,  no  special  law  shall  be 
enacted. 

\ 23.  The  general  assembly  shall  have  no  power  to  release  or  extinguish,  in  whole  or  in 
part,  the  indebtedness,  liability,  or  obligation  of  any  corporation  or  individual  to  this  State 
or  to  any  municipal  corporation  therein. 

IMPEACHMENT. 

\ 24.  The  house  of  representatives  shall  have  the  sole  power  of  impeachment ; but  a 
majority  of  all  the  members  elected  must  concur  therein.  All  impeachments  shall  be  tried 
by  the  senate ; and  when  sitting  for  that  purpose,  the  senators  shall  be  upon  oath,  or  affirma- 
tion, to  do  justice  according  to  law  and  evidence.  When  the  governor  of  the  State  is  tried, 
the  chief  justice  shall  preside.  No  person  shall  be  convicted  without  the  concurrence  of 
two-thirds  of  the  senators  elected.  But  judgment,  in  such  cases,  shall  not  extend  further 
than  removal  from  office,  and  disqualification  to  hold  any  office  of  honor  profit  or  trust 
uuder  the  government  of  this  State.  The  party,  whether  convicted  or  acquitted,  shall, 
nevertheless,  be  liable  to  prosecution,  trial,  judgment  and  punishment  according  to  law. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

I 25.  The  general  assembly  shall  provide,  by  law,  that  the  fuel,  stationery  and  printing- 
paper  furnished  for  the  use  of  the  State  ; the  copying,  printing,  binding  and  distributing  the 
laws  and  journals,  and  all  other  printing  ordered  by  the  general  assembly,  shall  be  let  by 
contract  to  the  lowest  responsible  bidder;  but  the  general  assembly  shall  fix  a maximum 


price ; and  no  member  thercof,  or  other  officer  of  the  State,  shall  be  interested,  directly  or 
indirectly,  in  such  contract.  But  all  such  contracts  shall  be  subject  to  the  approval  of  the 
governor,  and  if  be  disapproves  the  same  there  shall  be  a re-lelting  of  the  contract,  in  such 
manner  as  shall  be  prescribed  by  law. 

jl  7.6.  The  State  of  Illinois  shall  never  be  made  defendant  in  any  court  or  law  of  equity. 

I 27.  The  general  assembly  shall  have  no  power  to  authorize  lotteries  or  gift  enterprises, 
for  any  purpose,  and  shall  pass  laws  to  prohibit  the  sale  of  lottery  or  gift  enterprise  tickets 
in  this  State. 

$ 28.  No  law  shall  be  passed  which  shall  operate  to  extend  the  term  of  any  public 
officer  after  his  election  or  appointment. 

g 29.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  general  assembly  to  pass  such  laws  as  may  be  necessary 
for  the  protection  of  operative  miners,  by  providing  for  ventilation,  when  the  same  may  be 
required,  and  the  construction  of  escapement-shafts,  or  such  other  appliances  as  may  secure 
safety  in  all  coal  mines,  and  to  provide  for  the  enforcement  of  said  laws  by  such  penalties 
and  punishments  as  may  be  deemed  proper. 

\ 30.  The  general  assembly  may  provide  for  establishing  and  opening  roads  and  cart- 
ways, connected  with  a public  road,  for  private  and  public  use. 

(S  31.  The  general  assembly  may  pass  laws  permitting  the  owners  and  occupants  of  lands 
to  construct  diains  and  ditches,  for  agricultural  and  sanitary  purposes,  across  the  lands  of 
others. 

j)  32.  The  general  assembly  shall  pass  liberal  and  homestead  and  exemption  laws. 

jl  33.  The  general  assembly  shall  not  appropriate  out  of  the  State  treasury,  or  expend  on 
account  of  the  new  capitol  grounds,  and  construction,  completion  and  furnishing  of  the 
State  house,  a sum  exceeding,  in  the  aggregrate,  $3, 500,000,  inclusive  of  all  appropriations 
heretofore  made,  without  first  submitting  the  proposition  for  an  additional  expenditure  to 
the  legal  voters  of  the  State,  at  a general  election;  nor  unless  a majority  of  all  the  votes 
at  such  election  shall  be  for  the  proposed  additional  expenditure. 

ARTICLE  V. 


EXECUTIVE  DEPARTMENT. 


1.  Officers  of  this  Department. 

2.  Of  the  State  Treasurer. 

3.  Time  of  Electing  State  Officers. 

4.  Returns — Tie — Contested  Election. 

5.  Eligibility  for  Office. 

6.  Governor — Power  and  Duty. 

7.  His  Message  and  Statement. 

8.  Convening  the  General  Assembly. 

9.  Proroguing  the  General  Assembly. 

10.  Nominations  by  the  Governor. 

11.  Vacancies  may  be  filled. 

12.  Removals  by  the  Governor. 

13.  Reprieves — Commuta  ions — Pardons. 


13  14.  Governor  as  Commander-in-Chief. 
$ 15.  Impeachment  for  Misdemeanor. 

3 16.  Veto  of  the  Governor. 

^17.  Lieutenant-Governor  as  Governor. 
3 18.  As  President  of  the  Senate. 

19.  Vacancy  in  Governor's  Office. 

20.  Vacancy  in  other  State  Offices. 

21.  Reports  of  State  Officers. 

22.  Great  Seal  of  State. 

23.  Fees  and  Salaries. 

24.  Definition  of  “ Office.'* 

25.  Oath  of  Civil  Officers. 


EXECUTIVE  DEPARTMENT. 


(S  I.  The  executive  department  shall  consist  of  a Governor,  Lieutenant-Governor,  Sec- 
retary of  State,  Auditor  of  Public  Accounts,  Treasurer,  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruc- 
tion, and  Attorney-General,  who  shall,  each,  with  the  exception  of  the  Treasurer,  hold  his 
office  for  the  term  of  four  years  from  the  second  Monday  of  January  next  after  his  election, 
and  until  his  successor  is  elected  and  qualified.  They  shall,  except  the  Lieutenant  Gov- 
ernor, reside  at  the  seat  of  government  during  their  term  of  office,  and  keep  the  public 
records,  books  and  papers  there,  and  shall  perform  such  duties  as  may  be  prescribed  by  law. 

\ 2.  The  Treasurer  shall  hold  his  office  for  the  term  of  two  years,  and  until  his  suc- 

cessor is  elected  and  qualified ; and  shall  be  ineligible  to  said  office  for  two  years  next  after 
the  end  of  the  term  for  which  he  was  elected.  He  may  be  required  by  the  Governor  to 
give  reasonable  additional  security,  and  in  default  of  so  doing  his  office  shall  be  deemed 
vacant. 

ELECTION. 


whose  offices  are  established  by  this  constitution,  or  which  may  be  created  by  law,  and  wh : ,e 
appointment  or  election  is  not  otherwise  provided  for;  and  no  such  officer  shall  be  appointed 
or  elected  by  the  general  assembly. 

\ II.  In  case  of  a vacancy,  during  the  recess  of  the  senate,  in  any  office  which  is  not 
elective,  the  governor  shall  make  a temporary  appointment  until  the  next  meeting  of  the 
senate,  when  he  shall  nominate  some  person  to  fill  such  office;  and  any  person  so  nominated, 
who  is  confirmed  by  the  senate  (a  majority  of  all  the  senators  elected  concurring  by  yeas  and 
nays),  shall  hold  his  office  during  the  remainder  of  the  time,  and  until  his  successor  shall 
be  appointed  and  qualified.  No  person,  after  being  rejected  by  the  senate,  shall  be  again 
nominated  for  the  same  office  at  the  same  session,  unless  at  the  request  of  the  senate,  or  be 
appointed  to  the  same  office  duiing  the  recess  of  the  general  assembly. 

g 12.  The  governor  shall  have  power  to  remove  any  officer  whom  he  may  appoint,  in 
case  of  incompetency,  neglect  of  duty,  or  malfeasance  in  office  ; and  he  may  declare  his 
office  vacant,  and  fill  the  same  as  is  herein  provided  in  other  cases  of  vacancy. 

$ 13.  The  governor  shall  have  power  to  grant  reprieves,  commutations  and  pardons,  after 
conviction,  for  all  offences,  subject  to  such  regulations  as  may  be  provided  by  law  relative  to 
he  manner  of  applying  therefor. 

§ 14.  The  governor  shall  be  commander-in-chief  of  the  military  and  naval  forces  of  the 
State  (except  when  they  shall  be  called  into  the  service  of  the  United  States) ; and  may  c„ll 
out  the  same  to  execute  the  laws,  suppress  insurrection,  and  repel  invasion. 

$ 15.  The  governor,  and  all  civil  officers  of  this  State,  shall  be  liable  to  impeachment 
for  any  misdemeanor  in  office. 

VETO. 

$ 16.  Every  bill  passed  by  the  general  assembly  shall,  before  it  becomes  a law,  be  pre- 
sented to  the  governor.  If  he  approve,  he  shall  sign  it,  and  thereupon  it  shall  become  a law  ; 
but  if  he  do  not  approve,  he  shall  return  it,  with  his  objections,  to  the  house  in  which  it 
shall  have  originated,  which  house  shall  enter  the  objections  at  large  upon  its  journal,  and 
proceed  to  reconsider  the  bill.  If,  then,  two-thirds  of  the  members  elected  agree  to  pass 
the  same,  it  shall  be  sent,  together  wilh  the  objections,  to  the  other  house,  by  which  it  shall 
likewise  be  reconsidered;  and  if  approved  by  two-thirds  of  the  members  elected  to  that 
house,  it  shall  become  a law,  notwithstanding  the  objections  of  the  governor.  But  in  all 
such  cases,  the  vote  of  each  house  shall  be  determined  by  yeas  and  nays,  to  be  entered  on 
the  journal.  Any  bill  which  shall  not  be  returned  by  the  governor  within  ten  days  (Sundays 
excepted)  after  it  shall  have  been  presented  to  him,  shall  become  a law  in  like  manner  as  if 
he  had  signed  it,  unless  the  general  assembly  shall,  by  their  adjournment,  prevent  its  return; 
in  which  case  it  shall  be  filed,  with  his  objections,  in  the  office  of  the  secretary  of  state, 
within  ten  days  after  such  adjournment,  or  become  a law. 

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR. 

| 17.  In  case  of  death,  conviction  on  impeachment,  failure  to  qualify,  resignation, 
absence  from  the  State,  or  other  disability  of  the  governor,  the  powers,  duties,  the  emolu- 
ments of  the  office  for  the  residue  of  the  term,  or  until  the  disability  shall  be  removed,  shall 
devolve  upon  the  lieutenant-governor. 

(S  18.  The  lieutenant-governor  shall  be  president  of  the  senate,  and  shall  vote  only  when 
the  senate  is  equally  divided.  The  senate  shall  ctioose  a president, //at  tempore,  to  preside 
in  case  of  the  absence  or  impeachment  of  the  lieutenant-governor,  or  when  he  shall  hold  the 
office  of  governor. 

$ 19.  If  there  be  no  lieutenant-governor,  or  if  the  lieutenant-governor  shall,  for  any  of 
the  causes  specified  in  ji  17  of  this  article,  become  incapable  of  performing  the  duties  of 
the  office,  the  president  of  the  senate  shall  act  as  governor  until  the  vacancy  is  filled  or  the 
disability  removed  ; and  if  the  president  of  the  senate,  for  any  of  the  above  named  causes, 
shall  become  incapable  of  performing  the  duties  of  governor,  the  same  shall  devolve  upon 
the  speaker  of  the  house  of  representatives. 

OTHER  STATE  OFFICERS. 


§ 3.  An  election  for  Governor,  Lieutenant-Governor,  Secretary  of  State,  Auditor  of 

Public  Accounts  and  Attorney-General,  shall  be  held  On  the  Tuesday  next  after  the  first 
Monday  in  November,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1872,  and  every  four  years  thereafter;  for 
Superintendent  of  Public  instruction,  on  the  Tuesday  next  after  the  first  Monday  of  Novem- 
ber, in  the  year  1870,  and  every  four  years  thereafter;  and  for  Treasurer  on  the  day  last 
above  mentioned,  and  every  two  years  thereafter,  at  such  places  and  in  such  manner  as  may 
be  prescribed  by  law. 

§ 4.  The  returns  of  every  election  for  the  above  named  officers  shall  be  sealed  up  and 

transmitted,  by  the  returning  officers,  to  the  Secretary  of  State,  directed  to  “The  Speaker 
of  the  House  of  Representatives,”  who  shall,  immediately  after  the  organization  of  the 
house,  and  before  proceeding  to  other  business,  open  and  publish  the  same  in  the  presence 
of  a majority  of  each  house  of  the  general  assembly,  who  shall,  for  that  purpose,  assemble 
in  the  hall  of  the  house  of  representatives.  The  person  having  the  highest  number  of  votes 
for  either  of  the  said  offices  shall  be  declared  duly  elected;  but  if  two  or  more  have  an 
equal  and  the  highest  number  of  votes,  the  general  assembly  shall,  by  joint  ballot,  choose 
one  of  such  persons  for  said  office.  Contested  elections  for  all  of  said  offices  shall  be  de- 
termined by  both  houses  of  the  general  assembly,  by  joint  ballot,  in  such  manner  as  may 
be  prescribed  by  law. 

ELIGIBILITY. 

jj  5.  No  person  shall  be  eligible  to  the  office  of  governor,  or  lieutenant-governor,  who 
shall  not  have  attained  the  age  of  30  years,  and  been,  for  five  years  next  preceding  his 
(.lection,  a citizen  of  the  United  States  and  of  this  State.  Neither  the  governor,  lieutenant- 
governor,  auditor  of  public  accounts,  secretary  of  State,  superintendent  of  public  instruction 
nor  attorney  general  shall  be  eligible  to  any  other  office  during  the  period  for  which  he 
shall  have  been  elected. 

GOVERNOR. 

5 6.  The  supreme  executive  power  shall  be  vested  in  the  governor,  who  shall  take  care 

that  the  laws  be  faithfully  executed. 

\ 7.  The  governor  shall,  at  the  commencement  of  each  session,  and  at  the  close  of  his 

term  of  office,  give  to  the  general  assembly  information,  by  message,  of  the  condition  of  the 
State,  and  shall  recommend  such  measures  as  he  shall  deem  expedient.  He  shall  account 
to  the  general  assembly,  and  accompany  his  message  with  a statement  of  all  moneys  re- 
ceived and  paid  out  by  him  from  any  funds  subject  to  his  order,  with  vouchers,  and,  at  the 
c immencement  of  each  regidar  session,  present  estimates  of  the  amount  of  money  required 
to  be  raised  by  taxation  for  all  purposes. 

\ 8.  The  governor  may,  on  extraordinary  occasions,  convene  the  general  assembly,  by 
proclamation,  stating  therein  the  purpose  for  which  they  are  convened ; and  the  general 
assembly  shall  enter  upon  no  business  except  that  for  which  they  were  called  together. 

\ 9.  In  case  of  a disagreement  between  the  two  houses  with  respect  to  the  time  of  adjourn- 
ment, the  governor  may,  on  the  same  being  certified  to  him,  by  the  house  first  moving  the 
adjournment,  adjourn  the  general  assembly  to  such  time  as  he  thinks  proper,  not  beyond  the 
first  day  of  the  next  regular  session. 

\ 10.  The  governor  shall  nominate,  and  by  and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  senate, 
(a  majority  of  all  the  senators  selected  concurring,  by  yeas  and  nays,)  appoint  all  officers 


l 20.  If  the  office  of  auditor  of  public  accounts,  treasurer,  secretary  of  State,  attorney 
general,  or  superintendent  of  public  instruction  shall  be  vacated  by  death,  resignation  or 
otherwise,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  governor  to  fill  the  same  by  appointment,  and  the 
appointee  shall  hold  his  office  until  his  successor  shall  be  elected  and  qualified  in  such 
manner  as  may  be  provided  by  law.  An  account  shall  be  kept  by  the  officers  of  the  execu- 
tive department,  and  of  all  the  public  institutions  of  the  State,  of  all  moneys  received  or 
disbursed  by  them,  severally,  from  all  sources,  and  for  every  service  performed,  and  a semi- 
annual report  thereof  be  made  to  the  governor,  under  oath  ; and  any  officer  who  makes  a 
false  report  shall  be  guilty  of  perjury,  and  punished  accordingly. 

§ 21.  The  officers  of  the  executive  department,  and  of  all  the  public  institutions  of  the 
Stale,  shall,  at  least  ten  days  preceding  each  regular  session  of  the  general  assembly,  severally 
report  to  the  governor,  who  shall  transmit  such  reports  to  the  general  assembly,  together 
with  the  reports  of  the  judges  of  the  supreme  court  of  the  defects  in  the  constitution  and 
laws;  and  the  governor  may  at  any  time  require  information,  in  writing,  under  oath,  from 
the  officers  of  the  executive  department,  and  all  officers  and  managers  of  state  institutions, 
upon  any  subject  relating  to  the  condition,  management  and  expenses  of  their  respective 
offices. 

THE  SEAL  OF  STATE. 

$ 22.  There  shall  be  a seal  of  the  State,  which  shall  be  called  the  ‘‘  Great  seal  of  the  State 
of  Illinois,”  which  shall  be  kept  by  the  secretary  of  State,  and  used  by  him,  officially,  as 
directed  by  law. 

FEES  AND  SALARIES. 

\ 23.  The  officers  named  in  this  article  shall  receive  for  their  services  a salary,  to  be  estab- 
lished by  law,  which  shall  not  be  increased  or  diminished  during  their  official  terms,  and 
they  shall  not,  after  the  expiration  of  the  terms  of  those  in  office  at  the  adoption  of  this  con- 
stitution, receive  to  their  own  use  any  fees,  costs,  perquisites  of  office,  or  other  compensa- 
tion. And  all  fees  that  may  hereafter  be  payable  by  law  for  any  service  performed  by  any 
officer  provided  for  in  this  article  of  the  constitution,  shall  be  paid  in  advance  into  the  State 
treasury. 

DEFINITION  AND  OATH  OF  OFFICE. 

jl  24.  An  office  is  a public  position  created  by  the  constitution  or  law,  continuing  during 
the  pleasure  of  the  appointing  power,  or  for  a fixed  time,  with  a successor  elected  or 
appointed.  An  employment  is  an  agency,  for  a temporary  purpose,  which  ceases  when  that 
purpose  is  accomplished. 

ji  25.  All  civil  officers,  except  members  of  the  general  assembly  and  such  inferior  officers 
as  may  be  by  law  exempted,  shall,  before  they  enter  on  the  duties  of  their  respective  offices, 
take  and  subscribe  the  following  oath  or  affirmation  : 

I do  solemnly  swear  (or  affirm,  as  the  case  maybe)  that  I will  support  the  constitution  of  the  Un'ted  States, 
and  the  Constitution  of  the  State  of  Illinois,  and  that  I will  faithfully  discharge  the  duties  of  the  olfice  of 
according  to  the  best  of  my  ability. 

And  no  other  oath,  declaration  or  test  shall  be  required  as  a qualification. 


CIRCUIT  COURTS. 


ARTICLE  VI. 


JUDICIAL  DEPARTMENT. 


1.  Judicial  Powers  of  Courts. 

2.  Seven  Supreme  Judges — Four  Decide. 

3.  Qualifications  of  a Supreme  Judge. 

4.  Terms  of  the  Supreme  Court. 

5.  Three  Grand  Divisions — Seven  Districts. 

6.  Election  of  Supreme  Judges. 

7.  Salaries  of  the  Supreme  Judges. 

8.  Appeals  and  Writs  of  Error. 

9.  Appointment  of  Reporter. 

10.  ClerKs  of  the  Supreme  Court. 
it.  Appellate  Courts  Authorized. 

12.  Jurisdiction  of  Circuit  Courts. 

13.  Formation  of  Judicial  Circuits. 

14.  Time  of  holding  Circuit  Courts. 

15.  Circuits  containing  Four  Judges. 

16.  Salaries  of  the  Circuit  Judges. 

17.  Qualification  of  Judges  or  Commissioners. 


118.  County  Judges — County  Clerks. 

19.  Appeals  from  County  Courts. 

20.  Probate  Courts  Authorized. 

21.  Justices  of  the  Peace  and  Constables. 
22.  State's  Attorney  in  each  County. 

23.  Cook  County  Courts  of  Record. 

24.  Chief  Justice — Power  of  Judges. 

25.  Salaries  of  the  Judges. 

0 26.  Criminal  Court  of  Cook  County. 

£27.  Clerks  of  Cook  County  Court. 

\ 28.  Justices  in  Chicago. 

| 29.  Uniformity  in  the  Courts. 

\ 30.  Removal  of  any  Judge. 

| 31.  Judges  to  make  Written  Reports, 
g 32.  Terms  of  Office — Filling  Vacancies, 
g 3j.  Process — Prosecutions — Population. 


$ 1.  The  judicial  powers,  except  as  in  this  article  is  otherwise  provided,  shall  be  vested  in 
one  supreme  court,  circuit  courts,  county  courts,  justices  of  the  peace,  police  magistrates, 
and  in  such  courts  as  may  be  created  by  law  in  and  for  cities  and  incorporated  towns. 


SUPREME  COURT. 

$ 2.  The  supreme  court  shall  consist  of  seven  judges,  and  shall  have  original  jurisdic- 
tion in  cases  relating  to  the  revenue,  in  mandamus , and  habeas  corpus , and  appellate  juris- 
diction in  all  other  cases.  One  of  said  judges  shall  be  chief  justice ; four  shall  constitute  a 
quorum,  and  the  concurrence  of  four  shall  be  necessary  to  every  decision. 

$ 3.  No  person  shall  be  eligible  to  the  office  of  judge  of  the  supreme  court  unless  he 
shall  be  at  least  30  years  of  age,  and  a citizen  of  the  United  States,  nor  unless  he  shall  have 
resided  in  the  State  five  years  next  preceding  his  election,  and  be  a resident  of  the  district 
in  which  he  shall  be  elected. 

$ 4.  Terms  of  the  supreme  court  shall  continue  to  be  held  in  the  present  grand  divisions 
at  the  several  places  now  provided  for  holding  the  same ; and  until  otherwise  provided  by 
law,  one  or  more  terms  of  said  court  shall  be  held,  for  the  northern  division,  in  the  city  of 
Chicago,  each  year,  at  such  times  as  said  court  may  appoint,  whenever  said  city  or  the  county 
of  Cook  shall  provide  appropriate  rooms  therefor,  and  the  use  of  a suitable  library,  without 
expense  to  the  State.  The  judicial  divisions  may  be  altered,  increased  or  diminished  in 
number,  and  the  limes  and  places  of  holding  said  court  may  be  changed  by  law. 

$ 5.  The  present  grand  divisions  shall  be  preserved,  and  be  denominated  Southern,  Cen- 
tral and  Northern,  until  otherwise  provided  by  law.  The  State  shall  be  divided  into  seven 
districts  for  the  election  of  judges,  and  until  otherwise  provided  by  law,  they  shall  be  as 
follows : 

First  District. — The  counties  of  St.  Clair,  Clinton,  Washington,  Jefferson,  Wayne, 
Edwards,  Wabash,  White,  Hamilton,  Franklin,  Perry,  Randolph,  Monroe,  Jackson,  William- 
son, Saline,  Gallatin,  Hardin,  Pope,  Union,  Johnson,  Alexander,  Pulaski  and  Massac. 

Second  District. — The  counties  of  Madison,  Bond,  Marion,  Clay,  Rich’and,  Lawrence, 
Crawford,  Jasper,  Effingham,  Fayette,  Montgomery,  Macoupin,  Shelby,  Cumberland,  Clark, 
Greene,  Jersey,  Calhoun  and  Christian. 

Third  District. — The  counties  of  Sangamon,  Macon,  Logan,  De  Witte,  Piatt,  Douglas, 
Champaign,  Vermilion,  McLean,  Livingston,  Ford,  Iroquois,  Coles,  Edgar,  Moultrie,  and 
Tazewell. 

Fourth  District. — The  counties  of  Fulton,  McDonough,  Hancock,  Schuyler,  Brown, 
Adams,  Pike,  Mason,  Menard,  Morgan,  Cass  and  Scott. 

Fifth  District. — The  counties  of  Knox,  Warren,  Henderson,  Mercer,  Henry,  Stark, 
Peoria,  Marshall,  Putnam,  Bureau,  Lasalle,  Grundy  and  Woodford. 

Sixth  District. — The  counties  of  Whiteside,  Carroll,  Jo  Daviess,  Stephenson,  Winnebago, 
Boone,  McHenry,  Kane,  Kendall,  De  Kalb,  Lee,  Ogle  and  Rock  Island. 

Seventh  District. — The  counties  of  Lake,  Cook,  Will,  Kankakee  and  Du  Page. 

The  boundaries  of  the  districts  may  be  changed  at  the  session  of  the  general  assembly 
next  preceding  the  election  for  judges  herein,  and  at  no  other  time  ; but  whenever  such 
alterations  shall  be  made,  the  same  shall  be  upon  the  rule  of  equality  of  population, as  nearly 
as  county  boundaries  will  allow,  and  the  districts  will  be  composed  of  contiguous  counties, 
in  as  nearly  compact  form  as  circumstances  will  permit.  The  alteration  of  the  districts 
shall  not  affect  the  tenure  of  office  of  any  judge. 

$ 6.  At  the  time  of  voting  on  the  adoption  of  this  constitution,  one  judge  of  the  supreme 
court  shall  be  elected  by  the  electors  thereof,  in  each  of  said  districts  numbered  two,  three, 
aix,  and  seven,  who  shall  hold  his  office  for  the  term  of  nine  years  from  the  first  Monday  of 
June,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1870.  The  term  of  office  of  judges  of  the  supreme  court, 
elected  after  the  adoption  of  this  constitution,  shall  be  nine  years  ; and  on  the  first  Monday 
of  June  of  the  year  in  which  the  term  of  any  of  the  judges  in  office  at  the  adoption  of  this 
constitution,  or  of  the  judges  then  elected,  shall  expire,  and  every  nine  years  thereafter, 
there  shall  be  an  election  for  the  successor  or  successors  of  such  judges,  in  the  respective 
districts  wherein  the  term  of  such  judges  shall  expire.  The  chief  justice  shall  continue  to 
act  as  such  until  the  expiration  of  the  term  for  which  he  was  elected,  after  which  the  judges 
shall  choose  one  of  their  number  chief  ju  tice. 

$ 7.  From  and  after  the  adoption  of  this  constitution,  the  judges  of  the  supreme  court 
shall  each  receive  a salary  of  84,000  per  annum,  payable  quarterly,  until  otherwise  provided 
by  law.  And  affer  said  salaries  shall  be  fixed  by  law,  the.  salaries  of  the  judges  in  office 
shall  not  be  increased  or  diminished  during  the  terms  for  which  said  judges  have  been 
elected. 

$ 8.  Appeals  and  writs  of  error  may  be  taken  to  the  supreme  court,  held  in  the  grand 
division  in  which  the  case  is  decided,  or,  by  consent  of  the  parties,  to  any  other  grand 
division. 

$ 9.  The  supreme  court  shall  appoint  one  reporter  of  its  decisions,  who  shall  hold  his 
office  for  six  years,  subject  to  removal  by  the  court. 

$ IO.  At  the  time  of  the  election  for  representatives  in  the  general  assembly,  happening 
next  preceding  the  expiration  of  the  terms  of  office  of  the  present  clerks  of  said  cou  t,  one 
clerk  of  said  court  for  each  division  shall  be  elected,  whose  term  of  office  shall  be  six  years 
from  said  election,  but  who  shall  not  enter  upon  the  duties  of  his  office  until  the  expiration 
of  the  term  of  his  predecessor,  and  every  six  years  thereafter,  one  clerk  of  said  court  for 
each  division  shall  be  elected. 


APPELLATE  COURTS. 

$ 11.  After  the  year  of  our  Lord  1874,  inferior  appellate  couits,  of  uniform  organization 
and  jurisdiction,  may  be  created  in  districts  formed  for  that  purpose,  to  which  such  appeals 
and  writs  of  error  as  the  general  assembly  may  provide,  may  be  prosecuted  from  circuit  and 
other  courts,  and  from  which  appeals  and  writs  of  error  shall  lie  to  the  supreme  court,  in 
all  criminal  cases,  and  cases  in  which  a franchise,  or  freehold,  or  the  validity  of  a statute  is 
involved,  and  in  such  other  cases  as  may  be  provided  by  law.  Such  appellate  courts  shall 
be  held  by  such  number  of  judges  of  the  circuit  courts,  and  at  such  times  and  places,  and 
in  such  manner,  as  may  be  provided  by  law;  but  no  judge  shall  sit  in  review  upon  cases 
decided  by  him;  nor  shall  said  judges  receive  any  additional  compensation  for  such  services. 


$ 12.  The  circuit  courts  shall  have  original  jurisdiction  of  all  causes  in  law  and  equity, 
and  such  appellate  jurisdiction  as  is  or  may  be  provided  by  law,  and  shall  hold  two  or  more 
terms  each  year  in  every  county.  The  terms  of  office  of  judges  of  circuit  courts  shall  be 
six  years. 

3 13.  The  State,  exclusive  of  the  county  of  Cook  and  other  counties  having  a popula- 
tion of  100,000,  shall  be  divided  into  judicial  circuits,  prior  to  the  expiration  of  the  terms 
of  office  of  the  present  judges  of  the  circuit  courts.  Such  circuits  sh  ill  be  formed  of  con- 
tiguous counties,  in  as  nearly  compact  form  and  as  nearly  equal  as  circumstances  will  permit, 
having  due  regard  to  business,  territory  and  population,  and  shall  not  exceed  in  number  one 
circuit  for  every  100,000  of  population  in  the  State.  One  judge  shall  be  elected  for  each  of 
said  circuits  by  the  electors  thereof.  New  circuits  may  be  formed  and  the  boundaries  of 
circuits  changed  by  the  general  assembly,  at  its  session  next  preceding  the  election  for  circuit 
judges,  but  at  no  other  time : Provided,  that  the  circuits  may  be  equalized  or  changed  at  the 
first  session  of  the  general  assembly,  after  the  adoption  of  this  constitution.  The  creation 
alteration  or  change  of  any  circuit  shall  not  affect  the  tenure  of  office  of  any  judge.  When- 
ever the  business  of  the  circuit  court  of  any  one,  or  of  two  or  more  contiguous  counties, 
containing  a population  exceeding  50,000,  shall  occupy  nine  months  of  the  year,  the  general 
assembly  may  make  of  such  county,  or  counties,  a separate  circuit.  Whenever  additional 
circuits  are  created,  the  foregoing  limitations  shall  be  observed. 

$ 14.  The  general  assembly  shall  provide  for  the  times  of  holding  courts  in  each  county  • 
which  shall  not  be  changed,  except  by  the  general  assembly  next  preceding  the  general 
election  for  judges  of  said  courts;  but  additional  terms  may  be  provided  for  in  any  county. 
The  election  for  judges  of  the  circuit  courts  shall  be  held  on  the  first  Monday  of  June,  in  the 
year  of  our  Lord  1873,  and  every  six  years  thereafter. 

$ 15.  The  general  assembly  may  divide  the  State  into  judicial  circuits  of  greater  popu- 
lation and  territory,  in  lieu  of  the  circuits  provided  for  in  section  13  of  this  article,  and 
provide  for  the  election  therein,  severally,  by  the  electors  thereof,  by  general  ticket,  of  not 
exceeding  four  judges,  who  shall  hold  the  circuit  courts  in  the  circuit  for  which  they  shall 
be  elected,  in  such  manner  as  may  be  provided  by  law. 

$ 16  From  and  after  the  adoption  of  this  constitution,  judges  of  the  circuit  courts  shall 
receive  a salary  of  83,000  per  annum,  payable  quarterly,  until  otherwise  provided  by  law. 
And  after  their  salaries  shall  be  fixed  by  law,  they  shall  not  be  increased  or  diminished 
during  the  terms  for  which  said  judges  shall  be,  respectively,  elected;  and  from  aud  after 
the  adoption  of  this  constitution,  no  judge  of  the  supreme  or  circuit  court  shall  receive  any 
other  compensation,  perquisite  or  benefit,  in  any  form  whatsoever,  nor  perform  any  othci 
than  judicial  duties  to  which  may  belong  any  emoluments. 

$ 17.  No  person  shall  be  eligible  to  the  office  of  judge  of  the  circuit  or  any  inferior 
court,  or  to  membership  in  the  “board  of  county  commissioners,”  unless  he  shall  be  at  least 
25  years  of  age,  and  a citizen  of  the  United  States,  nor  unless  he  shall  have  resided  in  this 
State  five  years  next  preceding  his  election,  and  be  a resident  of  the  circuit,  county,  city, 
cities,  or  incorporated  town  in  which  he  shall  be  elected. 

COUNTY  COURTS. 

$ 18.  There  shall  be  elected  in  and  for  each  county,  one  county  judge  and  one  clerk  of 
the  county  court,  whose  terms  of  office  shall  be  four  years.  But  the  general  assembly  may 
create  districts  of  two  or  more  contiguous  counties,  in  each  of  which  shall  be  elected  one 
judge,  who  shall  take  the  place  of,  and  exercise  the  powers  and  jurisdiction  of  county  judges 
in  such  districts.  County  courts  shall  be  courts  of  record,  and  shall  have  original  jurisdic- 
tion in  all  matters  of  probate;  settlement  of  estates  of  deceased  persons;  appointment  of 
guardians  and  conservators,  and  settlements  of  their  accounts;  in  all  matters  relating  to 
apprentices  ; and  in  proceedings  for  the  collection  of  taxes  and  assessments,  and  such  other 
jurisdiction  as  may  be  provided  for  by  general  law. 

$ 19.  Appeals  and  writs  of  error  shall  be  allowed  from  final  determinations  of  county 
courts,  as  may  be  provided  by  law. 

PROBATE  COURTS. 

$ 20.  The  general  assembly  may  provide  for  the  establishment  of  a probate  court  in  each 
county  having  a population  of  over  50,000,  and  for  the  election  of  a judge  thereof,  whose 
term  of  office  shall  be  the  same  as  that  of  the  county  judge,  and  who  shall  be  elected  at  the 
same  time  and  in  the  same  manner.  Said  courts,  when  established,  shall  have  original 
jurisdiction  of  all  probate  matters,  the  settlement  of  estates  of  deceased  persons,  the  appoint- 
ment of  guardians  and  conservators,  and  settlement  of  their  accounts  ; in  all  matters  relating 
to  apprentices,  and  in  cases  of  the  sales  of  real  estate  of  deceased  persons  for  the  payment 
of  debts. 


JUSTICES  OF  THE  PEACE  AND  CONSTABLES. 

$21.  Justices  of  the  peace,  police  magistrates,  and  constables  shall  be  elected  in  and  for 
such  districts  as  are,  or  may  be,  provided  by  law,  and  the  jurisdiction  of  such  justices  of  the 
peace  and  police  magistrates  shall  be  uniform. 

state’s  attorneys. 

$ 22.  At  the  election  for  members  of  the  general  assembly  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1872. 
and  every  four  years  thereafter,  there  shall  be  elected  a State’s  attorney  in  and  for  each 
county,  in  lieu  of  the  State’s  attorneys  now  provided  by  law,  whose  term  of  office  shall  be 
four  years. 


COURTS  OF  COOK  COUNTY. 

$ 23.  The  county  of  Cook  shall  be  one  judicial  circuit.  The  circuit  court  of  Cook 
county  shall  consist  of  five  judges,  until  their  number  shall  be  increased,  as  herein  provided. 
The  present  judge  of  the  recorder’s  court  of  the  city  of  Chicago,  and  the  present  judge  of 
the  circuit  court  of  Cook  county,  shall  be  two  of  said  judges,  and  shall  remain  in  office  for 
the  terms  for  which  they  were  respectively  elected,  and  until  their  successors  shall  be  elected 
and  qualified.  The  superior  court  of  Chicago  shall  be  continued,  and  called  the  superior 
court  of  Cook  county.  The  general  assembly  may  increase  the  number  of  said  judges  by 
adding  one  to  either  of  said  courts  for  every  additional  50,000  inhabitans  in  said  county, 
over  and  above  a papulation  of  400,000.  The  terms  of  office  of  the  judges  of  said  courts 
hereafter  elected,  shall  be  six  years. 

$ 24.  The  judge  having  the  shortest  unexpired  term  shall  be  chief  justice  of  the  court 
of  which  he  is  judge.  In  case  there  are  two  or  mare  whose  terms  expire  at  the  same  time, 
it  may  be  determined  by  lot  which  shall  be  chief  justice.  Any  judge  of  either  of  said 
courts  shall  have  all  the  powers  of  a circuit  judge,  and  may  hold  the  court  of  which  he  is  a 
member.  Each  of  them  may  hold  a different  branch  thereof  at  the  same  time. 

$ 25.  The  judges  of  the  superior  and  circuit  courts,  and  the  Slate’s  attorney,  in  said 
bounty,  shall  receive  the  same  salaries,  payable  'out  of  the  State  treasury,  as  is  or  may  be 
paid  from  said  treasury  to  the  circuit  judges  and  State’s  attorneys  of  the  State,  and  such 
further  compensation,  to  be  paid  by  the  county  of  Cook,  as  is  or  may  be  provided  by  law ; 
such  compensation  shall  not  be  changed  during  their  continuance  in  offiee. 

$ 26.  The  recorder’s  court  of  the  c.ty  of  Chicago  shall  be  continued,  and  shall  be  called 
the  ‘‘criminal  court  of  Cook  county.”  It  shall  have  the  jurisdiction  of  a circuit  court,  in 
I a;l  cases  of  criminal  and  quasi  criminal  nature,  arising  in  the  county  of  Cook,  or  that  may 


lie  brought  before  said  court  pursuant  to  law ; and  all  recognizances  and  appeals  taken  in 
said  county,  in  criminal  and  quasi  criminal  cases  shall  be  returnable  and  taken  to  said  court. 
It  shall  have  no  jurisdiction  in  civil  cases,  except  in  those  on  behalf  of  the  people,  and 
incident  to  such  criminal  or  quasi  criminal  matters,  and  to  dispose  of  unfinished  business. 
The  terms  of  said  criminal  court  of  Cook  county  shall  be  held  by  one  or  more  of  the  judges 
of  the  circuit  or  superior  court  of  Cook  county,  as  nearly  as  may  be  in  alternation,  as  may 
be  determined  by  said  judges,  or  provided  by  law.  Said  judges  shall  be  ex-offoio  judges  of 
said  court. 

§ 27.  The  present  clerk  of  the  recorder's  court  of  the  city  of  Chicago,  shall  be  the  clerk 
of  the  criminal  court  of  Cook  county,  during  the  term  for  which  he  was  elected.  The 
present  clerks  of  the  superior  court  of  Chicago,  and  the  present  clerk  of  the  circuit  court  of 
Cook  county,  shall  continue  in  office  during  the  terms  for  which  they  were  respectively 
elected;  and  thereafter  there  shall  be  but  one  clerk  of  the  superior  court,  to  be  elected  by 
the  cpialified  electors  of  said  county,  who  shall  hold  his  office  for  the  term  of  four  years,  and 
until  his  successor  is  elected  and  qualified. 

§ 28.  All  justices  of  the  peace  in  the  city  of  Chicago  shall  be  appointed  by  the  governor, 
by  and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  senate,  (but  only  upon  the  recommendation  of  a 
majority  of  the  judges  of  the  circuit,  superior  and  county  courts,)  and  for  such  districts  as 
are  now  or  shall  hereafter  be  provided  by  law.  They  shall  hold  their  offices  for  four  years, 
and  until  their  successors  have  been  commissioned  and  qualified,  but  they  may  be  removed 
by  summary  proceedings  in  the  circuit  or  superior  court,  for  extortion  or  other  malfeasance. 
Existing  justices  of  the  peace  and  police  magistrates  may  hold  their  offices  until  the 
expiration  of  their  respective  terms. 


GENERAL  PROVISIONS. 

(1  29.  All  judicial  officers  shall  be  commissioned  by  the  governor.  All  laws  relating  to 
cour  s shall  be  general,  and  of  uniform  operation  ; and  the  organization,  jurisdiction,  powers, 
proceedings  and  practice  of  all  courts,  of  the  same  class  or  grade,  so  far  as  regulated  by  law, 
and  the  force  and  effect  of  the  process,  judgments  and  decrees  of  such  courts,  severally 
shall  be  uniform. 

ji  30.  The  general  assembly  may,  for  cause  entered  on  the  journals,  upon  due  notice  and 
opportunity  of  defense,  remove  from  office  any  judge,  upon  concurrence  of  three-fourths  of 
all  the  members  elected,  of  each  house.  All  other  officers  in  this  article  mentioned,  shall 
be  removed  from  office  on  prosecution  and  final  conviction,  for  misdemeanor  in  office. 

g 31.  All  judges  of  courts  of  record,  inferior  to  the  supreme  court,  shall,  on  or  before 
the  first  day  ol  June,  of  each  year,  report  in  writing  to  the  judges  of  the  supreme  court, 
such  defects  and  omissions  in  the  laws  as  their  experience  may  suggest;  and  the  judges  of 
the  supreme  court  shall,  on  or  before  the  first  day  of  January  of  each  year,  report  in  writing 
to  the  governor  such  defects  and  omissions  in  the  constitution  and  laws  as  they  may  find  to 
exist,  together  with  appropriate  forms  of  bills  to  cure  such  defects  and  omissions  in  the 
laws.  And  the  judges  of  the  several  circuit  courts  shall  report  to  the  next  general  assembly 
the  number  of  days  they  have  held  court  in  the  several  counties  composing  their  respective 
circuits,  the  preceding  two  years. 

$ 32.  All  officers  provided  for  in  this  article  shall  hold  their  offices  until  their  successors 
shall  be  qualified,  and  they  shall,  respectively,  reside  in  the  division,  circuit,  county  or  dis- 
trict for  which  they  may  be  elected  or  appointed.  The  terms  of  office  of  all  such  officers, 
where  not  otherwise  prescribed  in  this  article,  shall  be  four  years.  All  officers,  where  not 
otherwise  provided  for  in  this  article,  shall  perform  such  duties  and  receive  such  compensa- 
tion as  is  or  may  be  provided  by  law.  Vacancies  in  such  elective  offices  shall  be  filled  by 
election;  but  where  the  unexpired  term  does  not  exceed  one  year,  the  vacancy  shall  be  filled 
by  appointment,  as  follows:  Of  judges,  by  the  governor;  of  clerks  of  courts,  by  the  court 

to  which  the  office  appertains,  or  by  the  judge  or  judges  thereof;  and  of  all  such  other 
officers,  by  the  board  of  supervisors  or  board  of  county  commissioners  in  the  county  where 
the  vacancy  occurs. 

j!  33.  All  process  shall  run  : In  the  name  of  the  People  of  the  State  of  Illinois  : and  all 
pro-ecutions  shall  be  carried  on  : In  the  name  and  by  the  authority  of  the  People  of  the  State 
of  Illinois ; and  conclude:  Against  the  peace  and  dignity  of  the  same.  “Population,” 
wherever  used  in  this  article,  shall  be  determined  by  the  next  preceding  census  of  this  State, 
or  of  the  United  States. 

ARTICLE  VII. 


SUFFRAGE. 


2 1.  Who  are  Entitled  to  Vote. 

3 2.  All  Voting  to  be  by  Ballot. 

| 3.  Privileges  of  Electors. 

\ 4.  Absence  on  Public  Business. 


3 5.  Soldier  not  Deemed  a Resident. 
$ 6.  Qualifications  lor  Office. 

\ 7.  Persons  Convicted  of  Crime. 


§ 1.  Every  person  having  resided  in  this  State  one  year,  in  the  county  90  days,  and  in 
the  election  district  30  days  next  preceding  any  election  therein,  who  was  an  elector  in  this 
State  on  the  first  day  of  April,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1848,  or  obtained  a certificate  of 
naturalization  before  any  court  of  record  in  this  State  prior  to  the  first  day  of  January,  in 
the  year  of  our  Lord  1870,  or  who  shall  be  a male  citizen  of  the  United  States,  above  the 
age  of  21  years,  shall  be  entitled  to  vote  at  such  election. 

3 2.  All  votes  shall  be  by  ballot. 

| 3.  Electors  shall,  in  all  cases  except  treason,  felony,  or  breach  of  the  peace,  be  privi- 
leged from  arrest  during  their  attendance  at  elections,  and  in  going  to  and  returning  from 
the  same.  And  no  elector  shall  be  obliged  to  do  military  duty  on  the  days  of  election, 
except  in  time  of  war  or  public  danger. 

$ 4.  No  elector  shall  be  deemed  to  have  lost  his  residence  in  this  State  by  reason  of  his 
absence  on  business  of  the  United  States,  or  of  this  State,  or  in  the  military  or  naval  service 
of  the  United  States. 

§ 5.  No  soldier,  seaman  or  marine  in  the  army  or  navy  of  the  United  States  shall  be 
deemed  a resident  of  this  State  in  consequence  of  being  stationed  therein. 

$ 6.  No  person  shall  be  elected  or  appointed  to  any  office  in  this  State,  civil  or  military, 
who  is  not  a citizen  of  the  L’nited  States,  and  who  shall  not  have  resided  in  this  State  one 
year  next  preceding  the  election  or  appointment. 

$ 7.  The  general  assembly  shall  pass  laws  excluding  from  the  right  of  suffrage  persons 
convicted  of  infamous  crimes. 


ARTICLE  VIII. 


EDUCATION. 

2 1 ■ Free  Schools  Established.  | 2 4.  School  Officers  not  Interested. 

f 2.  Gifts  or  Grants  in  aid  of  Schools.  $ 5.  County  Superintendent  of  Schools. 

i 3.  Public  Schools  not  to  be  Sectarian. 

\ I.  The  general  assembly  shall  provide  a thorough  and  efficient  system  of  free  schools, 
whereby  all  children  of  this  State  may  receive  a good  common  school  education. 

$ 2.  All  lands,  moneys,  or  other  properties,  donated,  granted  or  received  for  school,  col- 
lege, seminary  or  university  purposes,  and  the  proceeds  thereof,  shall  be  faithfully  applied 
to  the  objects  for  which  such  gifts  or  grants  were  made. 

# 3.  Neither  the  general  assembly  nor  any  county,  city,  town,  township,  school  district, 
or  other  public  corporation,  shall  ever  make  any  appropriation  or  pay  from  any  public  fund 
whatever,  anything  in  aid  of  any  church  or  sectarian  purpose,  or  to  help  support  or  sustain 
any  school,  academy,  seminary,  college,  university,  or  other  literary  or  scientific  institution, 


controlled  by  any  church  or  sectarian  denomination  whatever;  nor  shall  any  grant  or  dona- 
tion of  land,  money,  or  other  personal  property  ever  be  made  by  the  State  or  any  such 
public  corporation,  to  any  church,  or  for  any  sectarian  purpose. 

\ 4.  No  teacher,  State,  county,  township,  or  district  school  officer  shall  be  interested  in 
the  sale,  proceeds  or  profits  of  any  book,  apparatus  or  furniture,  used  or  to  be  used,  in  any 
school  in  this  State,  with  which  such  officer  or  teacher  may  be  connected,  under  such 
penalties  as  may  be  provided  by  the  general  assembly. 

^ 5.  There  may  be  a county  superintendent  of  schools  in  each  county,  whose  qualifica- 
tions, powers,  duties,  compensation  and  time  and  manner  of  election,  and  term  of  of  office 
shall  be  prescribed  by  law. 

ARTICLE  IX. 


REVENUE. 


3 1.  Principles  of  Taxation  Stated 
\ 2.  Other  and  further  Taxation. 

^ 3.  Property  Exempt  from  Taxation. 

3 4.  Sale  of  Real  Property  for  Taxes. 

| 5.  Right  of  Redemption  therefrom. 

| 6.  Release  from  Taxation  Forbidden. 


f 7.  Taxes  paid  into  State  Treasury. 

$ 8.  Limitation  on  County  Taxes. 

£ 9.  Local  Municipal  Improvements. 

10.  Taxation  of  Municipal  Corporations. 

^ 11.  Defaulter  not  to  be  Eligib'c. 

£ 12.  Limitation  on  Municipal  Indebtedness. 


$ 1.  The  general  assembly  shall  provide  such  revenue  as  may  be  needful  by  levying  a tax, 
by  valuation,  so  that  every  person  and  corporation  shall  pay  a tax  in  proportion  to  the  value 
of  his,  her  or  its  property — such  value  to  be  ascertained  by  some  person  or  persons,  to  be 
elected  or  appointed  in  such  manner  as  the  general  assembly  shall  direct,  and  not  otherwise ; 
but  the  general  assembly  shall  have  power  to  tax  peddlers,  auctioneers,  brokers,  hawkers, 
merchants,  commission  merchants,  showmen,  jugglers,  inn-keepers,  grocery  keepers,  liquor 
dealers,  toll  bridges,  ferries,  insurance,  telegraph  and  express  interests  or  business,  venders 
of  patents,  and  persons  or  corporations  owning  or  using  franchises  and  privileges,  in  such 
manner  as  it  shall  from  time  to  time  direct  by  general  law,  uniform  as  to  the  class  upon 
which  it  operates. 

§ 2.  The  specification  of  the  objects  and  subjects  of  taxation  shall  not  deprive  the  general 
assembly  of  the  power  to  require  other  subjects  or  objects  to  be  taxed  in  such  a manner  as 
may  be  consistent  wi'h  the  principles  of  taxation  fixed  in  this  constitution. 

$ 3.  The  properties  of  the  State,  counties  and  other  municipal  corporations,  both  real 
and  personal,  and  such  other  property  as  may  be  used  exclusively  for  agricultural  and  horti- 
cultural societies,  for  school,  religious,  cemetery  and  charitable  purposes,  may  be  exempted 
from  taxation  ; but  such  exemption  shall  be  only  by  general  law.  In  the  assessment  of  real 
estate  encumbered  by  public  easement,  any  depreciation  occasioned  by  such  easement  may 
be  deducted  in  the  valuation  of  such  property. 

$ 4.  The  general  assembly  shall  provide,  in  all  cases  where  it  may  be  necessary  to  sell 
real  estate  for  the  non-payment  of  taxes  or  special  assessments  for  State,  county,  municipal 
or  other  purposes,  that  a return  of  such  unpaid  taxes  or  assessments  shall  be  to  some  general 
officer  of  the  county  having  authority  to  receive  State  and  county  taxes;  and  there  shall  be 
no  sale  of  said  property  for  any  of  said  taxes  or  assessments  but  by  said  officer,  upon  the 
order  or  judgment  of  some  court  of  record. 

$ 5.  The  right  of  redemption  from  all  sales  of  real  estate  for  the  non-payment  of  taxes 
or  special  assessments  of  any  character  whatever,  shall  exist  in  favor  of  owners  and  persons 
interested  in  such  real  estate,  for  a period  of  not  less  than  two  years  from  such  sales  thereof. 
And  the  general  assembly  shall  provide  by  law  for  reasonable  notice  to  be  given  to  the 
owners  or  parties  interested,  by  publication  or  otherwise,  of  the  fact  of  the  sale  of  the  prop- 
erty for  such  taxes  or  assessments,  and  when  the  time  of  redemption  shall  expire:  Provided , 
that  occupants  shall  in  all  cases  be  served  with  personal  notice  before  the  time  of  redemp- 
tion expires. 

$ 6.  The  general  assembly  shall  have  no  power  to  release  or  discharge  any  county,  city, 
township,  town  or  district  whatever,  or  the  inhabitants  thereof  or  the  property  therein,  from 
their  or  its  proportionate  share  of  taxes  to  be  levied  for  State  purposes,  nor  shall  commuta- 
tion for  such  taxes  be  authorized  in  any  form  whatsoever. 

$ 7.  All  taxes  levied  for  State  purposes  shall  be  paid  into  the  State  treasury. 

$ 8.  County  authorities  shall  never  assess  taxes  the  aggregate  of  which  shall  exceed  75 
cents  per  #100  valuation,  except  for  the  payment  of  indebtedness  existing  at  the  adoption 
of  this  constitution,  unless  authorized  by  a vote  of  the  people  of  the  county, 

$ 9.  The  general  assembly  may  vest  the  corporate  authorities  of  cities,  towns,  villages, 
with  power  to  make  local  improvements  by  special  assessment  or  by  special  taxation  of  con- 
tiguous property  or  otherwise.  For  all  other  corporate  purposes,  all  municipal  corporations 
may  be  vested  with  authority  to  assess  and  collect  taxes;  but  such  taxes  shall  be  uniform  in 
respect  to  persons  and  property,  with  the  jurisdiction  of  the  body  imposing  the  same. 

§ Io.  The  general  assembly  shall  not  impose  taxes  upon  municipal  corporations,  or  the  in- 
habitants or  property  thereof,  for  corporate  purposes,  but  shall  require  that  all  the  taxable 
property  within  the  limits  of  municipal  corporations  shall  be  taxed  for  the  payment  of  debts 
contracted  under  authority  of  law,  such  taxes  to  be  uniform  in  respect  to  persons  and  prop- 
erty, within  the  jurisdiction  of  the  body  imposing  the  same.  Private  property  shall  not  be 
liable  to  be  taken  or  sold  for  the  payment  of  the  corporate  debts  of  a municipal  corporation. 

$11.  No  person  who  is  in  default,  as  a collector  or  custodian  of  money  or  property  belong- 
ing to  a municipal  corporation,  shall  be  eligible  to  any  office  in  or  under  such  corporation. 
The  fees,  salary  or  compensation  of  no  municipal  officer  who  is  elected  or  appointed  for  a 
definite  term  of  office,  shall  be  increased  or  diminished  during  such  term. 

§ 12.  No  county,  city,  township,  school  district,  or  other  municipal  corporation,  shall  be 
allowed  to  become  indebted  in  any  manner  or  for  any  purpose,  to  an  amount,  including  ex- 
isting indebtedness,  in  the  aggregate  exceeding  five  per  centum  on  the  value  of  the  taxable 
property  therein,  to  be  ascertained  by  the  la-t  assessment  for  State  and  county  taxes,  previous 
to  the  incurring  of  such  indebtedness.  Any  county,  city,  school  district,  or  other  municipal 
corporation,  incurring  any  indebtedness  as  aforesaid,  shall  before,  or  at  the  time  of  doing 
so,  provide  for  the  collection  of  a direct  annual  tax  sufficient  to  pay  the  interest  on  such 
debt  as  it  falls  due,  and  also  to  pay  and  discharge  the  principal  thereof  within  twenty  years 
from  the  time  of  contracting  the  same.  This  section  shall  not  be  construed  to  prevent  any 
county,  city,  township,  school  district,  or  other  municipal  corporation  from  issuing  theii 
bonds  in  compliance  with  any  vote  of  the  people  which  may  have  been  had  prior  to  tin 
adoption  of  this  constitution  in  pursuance  of  any  law  providing  therefor. 


ARTICLE  X. 

COUNTIES. 


11.  Formation  of  New  Counties. 

2.  Division  of  any  County. 

3.  Territory  stricken  from  a County. 

4.  Removal  of  a County  Seat. 

5.  Method  of  County  Government. 

6.  Board  of  Coonty  Commissioners. 

7.  County  affairs  in  Cook  County. 

$ I.  No  new  county  shall  be  formed  or  established  by  the  general  assembly,  which  will 
reduce  the  county  or  counties,  or  either  of  them,  from  which  it  shall  be  taken,  to  less  con- 
tents than  400  square  miles;  nor  shall  any  county  be  formed  of  less  contents ; nor  shall  any 
line  thereof  pass  within  less  than  ten  miles  of  any  county  seat  of  the  county,  or  counties 
proposed  to  be  divided. 


2 8.  County  Officers — Terms  of  Office. 
2 9.  Salaries  and  Fees  in  Ccok  County. 
2 10.  Salat  ies  fixed  by  County  Board 
2 11.  Township  Officers — Special  Laws. 
2 12.  All  Future  Fees  Uniform. 

13.  Sworn  Reports  of  all  Fees. 


§ 2.  No  county  shall  be  divided,  or  have  any  part  stricken  therefrom,  without  submitting 
the  question  to  a vote  of  the  people  of  the  county,  nor  unless  a majority  of  all  the  legal 
voters  of  the  county,  voting  on  the  question,  shall  vote  for  the  same. 

? 3.  There  shall  he  no  territory  stricken  from  any  county,  unless  a majority  of  the  voters 
living  in  such  territory  shall  petition  for  such  division;  and  no  territory  shall  be  added  to 
any  county  without  the  consent  of  the  majority  of  the  voters  of  the  county  to  which  it  is 
proposed  to  be  added.  But  the  portion  so  stricken  off  and  added  to  another  county,  or 
formed  in  whole  or  in  part  into  a new  county,  shall  be  holden  for,  and  obliged  to  pay  its 
proportion  of  indebtedness  of  the  county  from  which  it  has  been  taken. 

COUNTY  SEATS. 

$ 4.  No  county  seat  shall  be  removed  until  the  point  to  which  it  is  proposed  to  be  removed 
shall  be  fixed  in  pursuance  uf  law,  and  three-fifths  of  the  voters  of  the  county,  to  be  ascer- 
tained in  such  manner  as  shall  be  provided  by  general  law,  shall  have  voted  in  favor  of  its 
removal  to  such  point ; and  no  person  shall  vote  on  such  question  who  has  not  resided  in  the 
county  six  months,  and  in  the  election  precinct  ninety  days  next  preceding  such  election. 
The  question  of  the  removal  of  a county  seat  shall  not  be  oftener  submitted  than  once  in 
ten  years,  to  a vote  of  the  people.  But  when  an  attempt  is  made  to  remove  the  county  seat 
to  a point  nearer  to  the  centre  of  a county,  then  a majority  vote  only  shall  be  necessary. 


? 1 • No  corporation  shall  be  created  by  special  laws,  or  its  charter  extended,  changed  or 
amended,  except  those  for  charitable,  educational,  penal  or  reformatory  purposes  which  are 
to  be  and  remain  under  the  patronage  and  control  of  the  State,  but  the  general  assembly 
shall  provide,  by  general  law,  for  the  organization  of  all  corporations  hereafter  to  be  created. 

$ 2.  All  existing  charters  or  grants  of  special  or  exclusive  privileges,  under  which  organi- 
zation shall  not  have  taken  place,  or  which  shall  not  have  been  in  operation  within  tea  days 
from  the  time  this  constitution  takes  effect,  shall  thereafter  have  no  validity  or  effect  wh  it- 
ever. 

§ 3-  The  general  assembly  shall  provide,  by  law,  that  in  all  elections  for  directors  or 
managers  of  incorporated  companies,  every  stockholder  shall  have  the  right  to  vote,  in  person 
or  by  proxy,  for  the  number  of  shares  of  stock  owned  by  him,  for  as  many  persons  as  there  are 
directors  or  managers  to  be  elected,  or  to  cumulate  said  shares,  and  give  one  candidate  as 
many  votes  as  the  number  of  directors  multiplied  by  the  number  of  his  shares  of  stock,  shall 
equal,  or  to  distribute  them  on  the  same  principle  among  as  many  candidates  as  he  shall 
think  fit;  and  such  directors  or  managers  shall  not  be  elected  in  any  other  manner. 

? 4.  No  laws  shall  be  passed  by  the  general  assembly,  granting  the  right  to  construct  and 
operate  a street  railroad  within  any  city,  town,  or  incorporated  village,  without  requiring  the 
consent  of  the  local  authorities  having  the  control  of  the  street  or  highway  proposed  to  be 
occupied  by  such  street  railroad. 


COUNTY  GOVERNMENT. 

§ 5-  The  general  assembly  shall  provide,  by  general  law,  for  township  organization,  under 
which  any  county  may  organize  whenever  a majority  ol  the  legal  voters  of  such  county, 
voting  at  any  general  election,  shall  so  determine,  and  whenever  any  county  shall  adopt 
township  organization,  so  much  of  this  constitution  as  provides  for  the  management  of  the 
fiscal  concerns  of  the  said  county  by  the  board  of  county  commissioners,  maybe  dispensed 
with,  and  the  affairs  of  said  county  maybe  transacted  in  such  manner  as  the  general  assem- 
bly may  provide.  And  in  any  county  that  shall  have  adopted  a township  organization,  the 
question  of  continuing  the  same  may  be  submitted  to  a vote  of  the  electors  of  such  county, 
at  a general  election,  in  the  manner  that  now  is  or  may  be  provided  by  la^v  ; and  if  a ma- 
jority of  all  the  votes  cast  upon  that  question  shall  be  against  township  organization,  then 
such  organization  shall  cease  in  said  county;  and  all  laws  in  force  in  relation  to  counties  not 
having  township  organization,  shall  immediately  take  effect  and  be  in  force  in  such  county. 
No  two  townships  shall  have  the  same  name,  and  the  day  of  holding  the  annual  township 
meeting  shall  be  uniform  throughout  the  State. 

(j  6.  At  the  first  election  of  county  judges  under  this  constitution,  there  shall  be  elected 
in  each  of  the  counties  in  this  State,  not  under  township  organization,  three  officers,  who 
shall  be  styled  ‘ The  board  of  county  commissioners,”  who  shall  hold  sessions  for  the  trans- 
action of  county  business  as  shall  be  provided  by  law.  One  of  said  commissioners  shall 
hold  his  office  for  one  year,  one  for  two  years,  and  one  for  three  years,  to  be  determined  by 
lot ; and  every  year  thereafter  one  such  officer  shall  be  elected  in  each  of  said  counties  for 
the  term  of  three  years. 

$ 7.  The  county  affairs  of  Cook  county  shall  be  managed  by  a board  of  commissioners  of 
fifteen  persons,  ten  of  whom  shall  be  elected  from  the  city  ot  Chicago,  and  five  from  towns 
outside  of  said  city,  in  such  manner  as  may  be  provided  by  law. 

COUNTY  OFFICERS  AND  THEIR  COMPENSATION. 

{!  8.  In  each  county  there  shall  be  elected  the  following  county  officers:  County  judge, 

sheriff,  county  clerk,  clerk  of  the  circuit  court,  (who  may  be  ex-officio  recorder  of  deeds,  ex- 
cept in  counties  having  60,000  and  more  inhabitants,  in  which  counties  a recorder  of  deeds 
shall  be  elected  at  the  general  election  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1872,)  treasurer,  surveyor, 
and  coroner,  each  of  whom  shall  enter  upon  the  duties  of  his  office,  respectively,  on  the  first 
Monday  of  December  after  their  election;  and  they  shall  hold  their  respective  offices  for 
the  term  of  four  years,  except  the  treasurer,  sheriff  and  coroner,  who  shall  hold  their  office 
for  two  years,  and  until  their  successors  shall  be  elected  and  qualified. 

$ 9.  The  clerks  of  all  the  courts  of  record,  the  treasurer,  sheriff,  coroner  and  recorder  of 
deeds  of  Cook  county,  shall  receive  as  their  only  compensation  for  their  services,  salaries  to 
be  fixed  by  law,  which  shall  in  no  case  be  as  much  as  the  lawful  compensation  of  a judge  of 
the  circuit  court  of  said  county,  and  shall  be  paid,  respectively,  only  out  of  the  fees  of  the 
office  actually  collected.  All  fees,  perquisites  and  emoluments  (above  the  amount  of  said 
salaries)  shall  be  paid  into  the  county  treasury.  The  number  of  the  deputies  and  assistants 
of  such  officers  shall  be  determined  by  rule  of  the  circuit  court,  to  be  entered  of  record,  and 
their  compensation  shall  be  determined  by  the  couniy  board. 

(i  10.  The  county  board,  except  as  provided  in  ^ 9 of  this  article,  shall  fix  the  compensa- 
tion of  all  county  officers,  with  the  amount  of  their  necessary  clerk  hire,  stationery,  futl  and 
other  expenses,  and  in  all  cases  where  fees  are  provided  for,  said  compensation  shall  be  paid 
only  out  of,  and  shall  in  no  instance  exceed,  the  fees  actually  collected ; they  shall  not  allow 
either  of  them  more  per  annum  than  $1,300,  in  counties  not  exceeding  20,000  inhabitants ; 
$2,000  in  counties  containing  20,000  and  not  exceeding  30,000  inhabitants ; $2,500  in  coun- 
ties containing  30,000  and  not  exceeding  50,000  inhabitants;  $3,000  in  counties  containing 
50,000  and  not  exceeding  70,000  inhabitants;  $3,500  in  counties  containing  70,000  and  not 
exceeding  100,000  inhabitants  ; and  $4  000  in  counties  containing  over  100,000  and  not  ex- 
ceeding 250,000  inhabitants ; and  not  more  than  $1,000  additional  compensation  for  each  ad- 
ditional 100,000  inhabitants : Provided \ that  the  compensation  of  no  officer  shall  be  increased 
or  diminished  during  his  term  of  office.  All  fees  or  allowances  by  them  received,  in  excess 
of  their  said  compensation,  shall  be  paid  into  the  county  treasury. 

(1  11.  The  fees  of  township  officers,  and  of  each  class  of  county  officers,  shall  be  uniform 
in  the  class  of  counties  to  which  they  respectively  belong.  The  compensation  herein  pro- 
vided for  shall  apply  only  to  officers  hereafter  elected,  but  all  fees  established  by  special  laws 
shall  cease  at  the  adoption  of  this  constitution,  and  such  officers  shall  receive  only  such  fees 
as  are  provided  by  general  law. 

(!  12.  All  laws  fixing  the  fees  of  State,  county  and  township  officers,  shall  terminate  with 
the  terms,  respectively,  of  those  who  may  be  in  office  at  the  meeting  of  the  first  general 
assembly  after  the  adoption  of  this  constitution ; and  the  general  assembly  shall,  by  general 
law,  uniform  in  its  operation,  provide  for  and  regulate  the  fees  of  said  officers  and  their  suc- 
cessors, so  as  to  reduce  the  same  to  a reasonable  compensation  for  services  actually  rendered. 
But  the  general  assembly  may,  by  general  law,  classify  the  counties  by  population  into  not 
more  than  three  classes,  and  regulate  the  fees  according  to  class.  This  article  shall  not  be 
construed  as  depriving  the  general  assembly  of  the  power  to  reduce  the  fees  of  existing 
officers. 

j!  13.  Every  person  who  is  elected  or  appointed  to  any  office  in  this  State,  who  shall  be 
paid  in  whole  or  in  part  by  fees,  shall  be  required  by  law  to  make  a semi-annual  report,  under 
oath  to  some  officer  to  be  designated  by  law,  of  all  his  fees  and  emoluments. 


RANKS. 

? 5.  No  State  bank  shall  hereafter  be  created,  nor  shall  the  State  own  or  be  liable  for  any 
stock  in  any  corporation  or  joint  stock  company  or  association  for  banking  purposes,  i.ow 
created,  or  to  be  hereafter  created.  No  act  of  the  general  assembly  authorizing  or  creating 
corporations  or  asssociations,  with  banking  powers,  whether  of  issue,  deposit  or  discount,  nor 
amendments  thereto,  shall  go  into  effect  or  in  any  manner  be  in  force  unless  the  same  shall 
be  submitted  to  a vote  of  the  people  at  the  general  election  next  succeeding  the  passage  of 
the  same,  and  be  approved  by  a majority  of  all  the  votes  cast  at  such  election  for  or  against 
such  law. 

$ 6.  Every  stockholder  in  a banking  corporation  or  institution  shall  be  individually  respon- 
sible and  liable  to  its  creditors  over  and  above  the  amount  of  stock  by  him  or  her  held,  to 
an  amount  equal  to  his  or  her  respective  shares  so  held,  for  all  its  liabilities  accruing  while 
he  or  she  remains  such  a stockholder. 

(1  7.  The  suspension  of  specie  paymw'ts  by  banking  institutions,  or  their  circulation, 
created  by  the  laws  of  this  State,  shall  never  be  permitted  or  sanctioned.  Every  banking 
association  now,  or  which  may  hereafter  be,  organized  under  the  the  laws  of  this  State,  shall 
make  and  publish  a full  and  accurate  quarterly  statement  of  its  affairs,  (which  shall  be  cer- 
tified to,  under  oath,  by  one  or  more  of  its  officers,)  as  may  be  provided  by  law. 

§ 8.  If  a general  banking  law  shall  be  enacted,  it  shall  provide  for  the  registry  and  counter- 
signing, by  an  officer  of  state,  of  all  bills  or  paper  credit,  designed  to  circulate  as  money, 
and  require  security,  to  the  full  amount  thereof,  to  be  deposited  with  the  State  treasurer,  in 
United  States  or  Illinois  State  stocks,  to  be  rated  at  ten  per  cent,  below  their  par  value; 
and  in  case  of  a depreciation  of  said  stocks  to  the  amount  of  ten  per  cent,  below  par,  the 
bank  or  banks  owning  said  stocks  shall  be  required  to  make  up  said  deficiency,  by  deposit- 
ing additional  stocks.  And  said  law  shall  also  provide  for  the  recording  of  the  names  of 
all  stockholders  in  such  corporations,  the  amount  of  stock  held  by  each,  the  time  of  any 
transfer  thereof,  and  to  whom  such  transfer  is  made. 

RAILROADS. 

$ 9.  Every  railroad  corporation  organized  or  doing  business  in  this  State,  under  the  laws 
or  authority  thereof,  shall  have  and  maintain  a public  office  or  place  in  this  State  for  the 
transaction  of  its  business,  where  transfers  of  stock  shall  be  made,  and  in  which  shall  be 
kept  for  public  inspection,  books,  in  which  shall  be  recorded  the  amount  of  capital  stock  sub- 
scribed, and  by  whom  ; the  names  of  the  owners  of  stock  and  amount  by  them  respectively, 
the  amount  of  stock  paid  in  and  by  whom,  the  transfers  of  said  stock  ; the  amount  of  its  assets 
and  liabilities,  and  the  names  and  place  of  residence  of  its  officers.  The  directors  of  every 
railroad  corporation  shall,  annually,  make  a report,  under  oath,  to  the  auditor  of  public  ac- 
counts, or  some  officer  to  be  designated  by  law,  of  all  their  acts  and  doings,  which  report  shall 
include  such  matters  relating  to  railroads  as  may  be  prescribed  by  law.  And  the  general 
assembly  shall  pass  laws  enforcing  by  suitable  penalties  the  provisions  of  this  section. 

g 10.  The  rolling  slock,  and  all  other  movable  property  belonging  to  any  railroad  company 
or  corporation  in  this  State,  shall  be  considered  personal  property,  and  shall  be  liable  to  ex- 
ecution and  sale  in  the  same  manner  as  the  personal  property  of  individuals,  and  the  gen- 
eral assembly  shall  pass  no  law  exempting  any  such  property  from  execution  and  sale. 

g 11.  No  railroad  corporation  shall  consolidate  its  stock,  property  or  franchises  with  any 
other  railroad  corporation  owning  a parallel  or  competing  line ; and  in  no  case  shall  any 
consolidation  take  place  except  upon  public  notice  given,  of  at  least  sixty  days,  to  all  stock- 
holders, in  such  manner  as  may  be  provided  by  law.  A majority  of  the  directors  of  any 
railroad  corporation,  now  incorporated  or  hereafter  to  be  incorporated  by  the  laws  of  the 
State,  shall  be  citizens  and  residents  of  this  State. 

(!  12.  Railways  heretofore  constructed,  or  that  may  hereafter  be  constructed  in  this  State, 
are  hereby  declared  public  highways,  and  shall  be  free  to  all  persons  lor  the  transportal  ion  of 
their  persons  and  property  thereon,  under  such  regulations  as  may  be  prescribed  by  law. 
And  the  general  assembly  shall,  from  time  to  time,  pass  laws  establishing  reasonable  maxi- 
mum rates  of  charges  for  the  transportation  of  passengers  and  freight  on  the  different  rail- 
roads in  this  State. 

§ 13.  No  railroad  corporation  shall  issue  any  stock  or  bonds,  except  for  money,  labor  or 
property,  actually  received,  and  applied  to  the  purposes  for  which  such  corporation  was 
created ; and  all  stock  dividends,  and  other  fictitious  increase  of  the  capital  stock  or  indebt- 
edness of  any  such  corporation,  shall  be  void.  The  capital  stock  of  no  railroad  corporation 
shall  be  increased  for  any  purpose,  except  upon  giving  sixty  days’  public  notice,  in  such  man- 
ner as  may  be  provided  by  law. 

§ 14.  The  exercise  of  the  power,  and  the  right  of  eminent  domain  shall  never  be  so  con- 
strued or  abridged  as  to  prevent  the  taking,  by  the  general  assembly,  of  the  property  and 
franchises  of  incorporated  companies  already  organized,  and  subjecting  them  to  the  public 
necessity  the  same  as  of  individuals.  The  right  of  trial  by  jury  shall  be  held  inviolate  in 
all  trials  of  claims  for  compensation,  when,  in  the  exercise  of  the  said  right  of  eminent  do- 
main, any  incorporated ’company  shall  be  interested  either  for  or  against  the  exercise  of  said 
right. 

I 15.  The  general  assembly  shall  pass  laws  to  correct  abuses  and  prevent  unjust  discrimin- 
ation and  extortion  in  the  rates  of  freight  and  passenger  tariffs  on  different  railroads  in 
this  State,  and  enforce  such  laws,  by  adequate  penalties,  to  the  extent,  if  necessary  for  that 
purpose,  of  forfeiture  of  their  property  and  franchises. 


ARTICLE  XI. 

CORPORATIONS. 


ARTICLE  XII. 

MILITIA. 


^ i.  Established  only  by  General  Laws. 

2.  Existing  Charters — How  Forfeited. 

£ 3.  Election  of  Directors  or  Manag  rs. 

^ 4.  Construction  of  Street  Railroads. 

4 5.  State  Rank  For  >iddcn — General  Law. 
4 6.  Liability  of  Bank  stockholder. 

6 7.  S spensio  i of  Specie  Paymcn:. 
g 8.  Ot  a General  Backing  Law. 


^ 9.  Railroad  Office — Books  and  Records. 

^ 10.  Personal  Property  of  Kailroads. 

^ 11.  Consolidations  Forbidden. 

£ 12.  Railroa' s detmed  Highways — Rates  F.’xcd. 
4 13.  Stocks,  Bon  s and  D vidends. 

4f  14.  Power  over  exis'ing  Companies, 

4 15.  Freight  and  P-ss..ngi.r  Tariff  reg  lated. 


3 1.  Persons  composing  the  Militia.  I 3 4.  Privilege  from  Arrest. 

\ 2.  Organization— Equipment — Discipline.  3 5.  Records,  Banners  and  Relics. 

\ 3.  Commissions  of  Officers.  • \ 5*  Exempt  on  from  militia  duty. 

g I.  The  militia  of  the  State  of  Illinois  shall  consist  of  all  able-bodied  male  persons,  resi- 
dent in  the  State,  between  the  ages  of  eighteen  and  forty-five,  except  such  persons  as  now 
are,  or  hereafter  may  be,  exempted  by  the  laws  of  the  United  States,  or  of  this  State. 


g 2.  The  general  assembly,  in  providing  for  the  organization,  equipment  and  discipline  of 
the  militia,  shall  conform  as  nearly  as  practicable  to  the  regulations  for  the  government  of 
the  armies  of  the  United  States. 

\ 3.  All  militia  officers  shall  be  commissioned  by  the  governor,  and  may  hold  their  com- 
missions for  such  times  as  the  general  assembly  may  provide. 

g 4.  The  militia  shall,  in  all  cases,  except  treason,  felony  or  breach  of  the  peace,  be  privi- 
leged from  arrest  during  their  attendance  at  musters  and  elections,  and  in  going  to  and  re- 
turning from  the  same. 

5.  The  military  records,  banners  and  relics  of  the  State,  shall  be  preserved  as  an  endur- 
ing memorial  of  the  patriotism  and  valor  of  Illinois,  and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  general 
assembly  to  provide  by  law  for  the  safe  keeping  of  the  same. 

6.  No  person  having  conscientious  scruples  against  bearing  arms,  shall  be  compelled  to 
do  militia  duty  in  time  of  peace  : Provided,  such  person  shall  pay  an  equivalent  for  such  ex- 
emption. 

ARTICLE  XIII. 


WAREHOUSES. 


1.  What  deemed  Public  Warehouses. 

2.  Sworn  weekly  statements  required. 

3.  Examination  of  property  stored. 

4.  Carriers  to  deliver  full  Weight. 


5.  Delivery  of  Grain  by  Railroads. 

6 6.  Power  and  Duty  of  the  Legislature, 
g 7.  Grain  Inspection — Protection  of  Dealers. 


§ 1.  All  elevators  or  storehouses  where  grain  or  other  property  is  stored  for  a compensation, 
whether  the  property  stored  be  kept  separate  or  not,  are  declared  to  be  public  warehouses. 

(S  2.  The  owner,  lessee  or  manager  of  each  and  every  public  warehouse  situated  in  any 
town  or  city  of  not  less  than  100,000  inhabitants,  shall  make  weekly  statements  under  oath, 
before  some  officer  to  be  designated  by  law,  and  keep  the  same  posted  in  some  conspicuous 
place  in  the  office  of  such  warehouse,  and  shall  also  file  a copy  for  public  examination  in 
such  place  as  shall  be  designated  by  law,  which  statement  shall  correctly  set  forth  the  amount 
and  grade  of  each  and  every  kind  of  grain  in  such  warehouse,  together  with  such  other 
property  as  may  be  stored  therein,  and  what  warehouse  receipts  have  been  issued,  and  are, 
at  the  time  of  making  such  statement,  outstanding  therefor  ; and  shall,  on  the  copy  posted  in 
the  warehouse,  note  daily  such  changes  as  may  be  made  in  the  quantity  and  grade  of  grain 
in  such  warehouse ; and  the  different  grades  of  grain  shipped  in  separate  lots,  shall  not  be 
mixed  with  inferior  or  superior  grades,  without  the  consent  of  the  owner  or  consignee  there- 
of. 

§ 3.  The  owners  of  property  stored  in  any  warehouse,  or  holder  of  a receipt  for  the  same, 
shall  always  be  at  liberty  to  examine  such  property  stored,  and  all  the  books  and  records  of 
the  warehouse  in  regard  to  such  property. 

$ 4.  All  railroad  companies  and  other  common  carriers  on  railroads  shall  weigh  or  measure 
grain  at  points  where  it  is  shipped,  and  receipt  for  the  full  amount,  and  shall  be  responsible 
for  the  delivery  of  such  amount  to  the  owner  or  consignee  thereof,  at  the  place  of  destina- 
tion. 

$ 5.  All  railroad  companies  receiving  and  transporting  grain  in  bulk  or  otherwise,  shall 
deliver  the  same  to  any  consignee  thereof,  or  any  elevator  or  public  warehouse  to  which  it 
may  be  consigned,  provided  such  consignee,  or  the  elevator  or  public  warehouse  can  be 
reached  by  any  track  owned,  leased  or  used,  or  which  can  be  used,  by  such  railroad  com- 
panies ; and  all  railroad  companies  shall  permit  connections  to  be  made  with  their  track,  so 
that  any  such  consignee;  and  any  public  warehouse,  coal  bank  or  coal  yard,  may  be  reached 
by  the  cars  on  said  railroad. 

$ 6.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  general  assembly  to  pass  all  necessary  laws  to  prevent  the 
issue  of  false  and  fraudulent  warehouse  receipts,  and  to  give  full  effect  to  this  article  of  the 
constitution,  which  shall  be  liberally  construed  so  as  to  protect  producers  and  shippers. 
And  the  enumeration  of  the  remedies  herein  named  shall  not  be  construed  to  deny  to  the 
general  assembly  the  power  to  prescribe  by  law  such  other  and  further  remedies  as  may  be 
found  expedient,  or  to  deprive  any  person  of  existing  common  law  remedies. 

$ 7.  The  general  assembly  shall  pass  laws  for  the  inspection  of  grain,  for  the  protection  of 
producers,  shippers  and  receivers  of  grain  and  produce. 


ARTICLE  XIV. 

AMENDMENTS  TO  THE  CONSTITUTION. 

2 1.  By  a Constitutional  Convention.  | \ 2.  Proposed  by  the  Legislature. 

$ I.  Whenever  two-thirds  of  the  members  of  each  house  of  the  general  assembly  shall,  by 
a vote  entered  upon  the  journals  thereof,  concur  that  a convention  is  necessary  to  revise, 
alter  or  amend  the  constitution,  the  question  shall  be  submitted  to  the  electors  at  the  next 
general  election.  If  a majority  voting  at  the  election  vote  for  a convention,  the  general 
assembly  shall,  at  the  next  session,  provide  for  a convention,  to  consist  of  double  the  num- 
ber of  the  members  of  the  senate,  to  be  elected  in  the  same  manner,  at  the  same  places,  and 
in  the  same  districts.  The  general  assembly  shall,  in  the  act  calling  the  convention,  desig- 
nate the  day,  hour  and  place  of  its  meeting,  fix  the  pay  of  its  members  and  officers,  and 
provide  for  the  payment  of  the  same,  together  with  expenses  necessarily  incurred  by  the  con- 
vention in  the  performance  of  its  duties.  Before  proceeding,  the  members  shall  take  an  oath 
to  support  the  constitution  of  the  United  States,  and  of  the  State  of  Illinois,  and  to  faith- 
fully discharge  their  duties  as  members  of  the  convention.  The  qualification  of  members 
shall  be  the  same  as  that  of  members  of  the  senate,  and  vacancies  occurring  shall  be  filled 
in  the  manner  provided  for  filling  vacancies  in  the  general  assembly.  Said  convention  shall 
meet  within  three  months  after  such  election,  and  prepare  such  revisions,  alterations  or 
amendments  of  the  constitution  as  shall  be  deemed  necessary,  which  shall  be  submitted  to 
the  electors  for  their  ratification  or  rejection,  at  an  election  appointed  by  the  convention  for 
that  purpose,  not  less  than  or  more  than  six  months  after  the  adjournment  thereof ; and  un- 
less so  submitted  and  approved  by  a majority  of  the  electors  voting  at  the  election,  no  such 
revisions,  alterations  or  amendments  shall  take  effect. 

2.  Amendments  to  this  constitution  may  be  proposed  in  either  house  of  the  general  as- 
sembly, and  if  the  same  shall  be  voted  for  by  two-thirds  of  all  the  members  elected  to  each 
of  the  two  houses,  such  proposed  amendments,  together  with  the  yeas  and  nays  of  each 
house  thereon,  shall  be  entered  in  full  on  their  respective  journals,  and  said  amendments 
shall  be  submitted  to  the  electors  of  this  State  for  adoption  or  rejection,  at  the  next  election 
of  members  of  the  general  assembly,  in  such  manner  as  may  be  prescribed  by  law.  The 
proposed  amendments  shall  be  published  in  full  at  least  three  months  preceeding  the  election, 
and  if  a majority  of  electors  voting  at  said  election  shall  vote  for  the  proposed  amendments, 
they  shall  become  a part  of  this  constitution.  But  the  general  assembly  shall  have  no  power 
to  propose  amendments  to  more  than  one  article  of  this  constitution  at  the  same  session,  nor  to 
the  same  article  oftner  than  once  in  four  years. 


SEPARATE  SECTIONS. 

IIBnois  Central  Railroad.  I Municipal  Subscription  to  Corporations. 

Illinois  and  Michigan  Canal. 

No  contract,  obligation  or  liability  whatever,  of  the  Illinois  Central  Railroad  Company, 
to  pay  any  money  into  the  State  treasury,  nor  any  lien  of  the  State  upon,  or  right  to  tax  pro- 
perty of  said  company,  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  the  charter  of  said  company,  ap- 
proved Feb.  10,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1851,  shall  ever  be  released,  suspended,  modified, 
altered,  remitted,  or  in  any  manner  diminished  or  impaired  by  legislative  or  other  authority  ; 
and  all  moneys  derived  from  said  company,  after  the  payment  of  the  State  debt,  shall  be  ap- 
propriated and  set  apart  for  the  payment  of  the  ordinary  expenses  of  the  State  government, 
and  for  no  other  purposes  whatever. 

MUNICIPAL  SUBSCRIPTIONS  TO  RAILROADS  OR  PRIVATE  CORPORATIONS. 

No  county,  city,  town,  township  or  other  municipality,  shall  ever  become  subscriber  to  the 
capital  stock  of  any  railroad  or  private  corporation,  or  make  donation  to,  or  loan  its  credit 
in  aid  of  such  corporation  : Provided,  however,  that  the  adoption  of  this  article  shall  not 

be  construed  as  affecting  the  right  of  any  such  municipality  to  make  such  subscriptions  where 
the  same  have  been  authorized,  under  existing  laws,  by  a vote  of  the  people  of  such  munici- 
palities prior  to  such  adoption. 

CANAL. 

The  Illinois  and  Michigan  Canal  shall  never  be  sold  or  leased  until  the  specific  proposi- 
tion for  the  sale  or  lease  thereof  shall  have  first  been  submitted  to  a vote  of  the  people  of 
the  State,  at  a general  election,  and  have  been  approved  by  a majority  of  all  the  votes 
polled  at  such  election.  The  general  assembly  shall  never  loan  the  credit  of  the  State,  or 
make  appropriations  from  the  treasury  thereol,  in  aid  of  railroads  or  canals : Provided, 

that  any  surplus  earnings  of  any  canal  may  be  appropriated  for  its  enlargement  or  extension, 

SCHEDULE. 

i 1.  Laws  in  force  remain  valid.  ; ^ 4.  Present  county  Courts  continued. 

| 2.  Fines,  Penalties,  and  Forfeitures.  fy  5.  All  existing  Courts  continued. 

| 3.  Recognizances,  Bonds,  Obligations.  J $ 6.  Persons  now  in  Office  continued. 

That  no  inconvenience  may  arise  from  the  alterations  and  amendments  made  in  the  constitution  of  this 
State,  and  to  carry  the  same  into  complete  effect,  it  is  hereby  ordained  and  declared  : 

$ I.  That  all  laws  in  force  at  the  adoption  of  this  constitution,  not  inconsistent  therewith, 
and  all  rights,  actions,  prosecutions,  claims,  and  contracts  of  th:s  State,  individuals,  or  bodies 
corporate,  shall  continue  to  be  as  valid  as  if  this  constitution  had  not  been  adopted. 

g 2.  That  all  fines,  taxes,  penalties  and  forfeitures,  due  and  owing  to  the  State  of  Illinois 
under  the  present  constitution  and  laws,  shall  insure  to  the  use  of  the  people  of  the  State  of 
Illinois,  under  this  constitution. 

3.  Recognizances,  bonds,  obligations,  and  all  other  instruments  entered  into  or  executed 
before  the  adoption  of  this  constitution,  to  the  people  of  the  State  of  Illinois,  to  any  State 
or  county  officer  or  public  body,  shall  remain  binding  and  valid;  and  rights  and  liabilities 
upon  the  same  shall  continue,  and  all  crimes  and  misdemeanors  shall  be  tried  and  punished 
as  though  no  change  had  been  made  in  the  constitution  of  this  State. 

g 4.  County  courts  for  the  transaction  of  county  business  in  counties  not  having  adopted 
township  organization,  shall  continue  in  existence  and  exercise  their  present  jurisdiction 
until  the  board  of  county  commissioners  provided  in  this  constitution  is  organized  in  pur- 
suance of  an  act  of  the  general  assembly  ; and  the  county  courts  in  all  other  counties  shall 
have  the  same  power  and  jurisdiction  they  now  possess  until  otherwise  provided  by  general 
law. 

$ 5.  All  existing  courts  which  are  not  in  this  constitution  specially  enumerated,  shall  con- 
tinue in  existence  and  exercise  their  present  jurisdiction  until  otherwise  provided  by  law. 

$ 6.  All  persons  now  filling  any  office  or  appointment  shall  continue  in  the  exercise  of  the 
duties  thereof  according  to  their  respective  commissions  or  appointments,  unless  by  this 
constitution  it  is  otherwise  directed. 

************** 

\ 18.  All  laws  of  the  State  of  Illinois,  and  all  official  writings,  and  the  executive,  legisla- 
tive and  judicial  proceedings,  shall  be  conducted,  preserved  and  published  in  no  other  than 
the  English  language. 

g 19.  The  general  assembly  shall  pass  all  laws  necessary  to  carry  into  effect  the  provisions 
of  this  constitution. 

$ 20.  The  circuit  clerks  of  the  different  counties  having  a population  over  sixty  thousand, 
shall  continue  to  be  recorders  (ex-officio)  for  their  respective  counties,  under  this  constitu- 
tion, until  the  expiration  of  their  respective  terms. 

\ 21.  The  judges  of  all  courts  of  record  in  Cook  County  shall,  in  lieu  of  any  salary  pro- 
vided for  in  this  constitution,  receive  the  compensation  now  provided  by  law  until  the  ad- 
journment of  the  first  session  of  general  assembly  after  the  adoption  of  this  constitution. 

g 22.  The  present  judge  of  the  circuit  court  of  Cook  county  shall  continue  to  hold  the 
circuit  court  of  Lake  county  until  otherwise  provided  by  law. 

I 23.  When  this  constitution  shall  be  adopted,  and  take  effect  as  the  supreme  law  of  the 
State  of  Illinois,  the  two-mill  tax  provided  to  be  annually  assessed  and  collected  upon  each 
dollar’s  worth  of  taxable  property,  in  addition  to  all  other  taxes,  as  set  forth  in  article  fifteen 
of  the  now  existing  constitution,  shall  cease  to  be  assessed  after  the  year  of  our  Lord  one 
thousand  eight  hundred  and  seventy. 

§ 24.  Nothing  contained  in  this  constitution  shall  be  so  construed  as  to  deprive  the  genera 
assembly  of  the  power  to  authorize  the  city  of  Quincy  to  create  any  indebtedness  for  rail- 
road or  municipal  purposes,  for  which  the  people  of  said  city  shall  have  voted,  and  to  which 
they  shall  have  given,  by  such  vote,  their  assent,  prior  to  the  thirteenth  day  of  December,  in 
the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  sixty-nine  : Provided,  that  no  such 

indebtedness,  so  created,  shall  in  any  part  thereof  be  paid  by  the  State,  or  from  any  State 
revenue,  tax  or  fund,  but  the  same  shall  be  paid,  if  at  all,  by  the  said  city  of  Quincy  alone, 
and  by  taxes  to  be  levied  upon  the  taxable  property  thereof:  And  provided,  further , that 

the  general  assembly  shall  have  no  power  in  the  premises  that  it  could  not  exercise  under 
the  present  constitution  of  this  State. 

§ 25.  In  case  this  constitution  and  the  articles  and  sections  submitted  separately  be  adopt- 
ed, the  existing  constitution  shall  cease  in  all  its  provisions  ; and  in  case  this  constitution 
be  adopted,  and  any  one  or  more  of  its  articles  or  sections  submitted  separately  be  defeated  , 
the  provisions  of  the  existing  constitution  (if  any)  on  the  same  subject  shall  remain  in 
force. 

(1  26.  The  provisions  of  this  constitution  required  to  be  executed  prior  to  the  adoption  or 
rejection  thereof  shall  take  effect  and  be  in  force  immediately. 

Done  in  convention  at  the  capital,  in  the  city  of  Springfield,  on  the  thirteenth  day  of 
May,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  seventy,  and  of  the  inde- 
pendence of  the  United  States  of  America  the  ninety-fourth. 

In  witness  whereof,  we  have  hereunto  subscribed  our  names  : 

CHARLES  HITCHCOCK,  President. 


William  J.  Allen, 

Robert  A.  King, 

John  Abbott, 

Jas.  McCoy, 

James  C.  Allen, 

Charles  E.  McDowell, 

Elliott  Anthony, 

William  C.  Goodhue, 

Wm.  R.  Archer, 

Joseph  Medill, 

Henry  I.  Atkins, 

Clifton  If.  Moore, 

James  G.  Bayne, 

Jonathan  Merriam, 

R.  M.  Benjamin, 

Joseph  Parker, 

II.  P.  H.  Brownwell, 

Samuel  C.  Parks, 

O.  H.  Browning, 

Peleg  S.  Perley, 

Wm.  G.  Bowman, 

J.  S.  Poage, 

Silas  L.  Bryon, 

Edward  Y.  Rice, 

H.  P.  Buxton, 

James  P.  Robinson, 

Daniel  Cameron, 

Lewis  W.  Ross, 

William  Cary, 

William  P.  Pierce, 

Lawrence  S.  Church, 

N.  J.  Pillsbury, 

Hiram  H.  Cody, 

Jno.  Scholfield, 

W.  F.  Coolbaugh, 

James  M.  Sharp, 

Alfred  M.  Craig, 

Henry  Sherrell, 

Robert  J.  Cross, 

Wm.  H.  Snyder, 

Samuel  P.  Cummings, 

O.  C.  Skinner, 

John  Dement, 

Westel  W.  Sedgwick, 

G.  S.  Eldridge, 

Charles  F.  Springer, 

James  W.  English, 

John  L.  Tincher, 

David  Ellis, 

C.  Truesdale, 

Ferris  Forman, 

Flenry  Tubbs, 

Jesse  C.  Fox, 

Miles  A.  Fuller, 

John  P.  Gamble, 
Addison  Goodell, 

John  C.  Haines, 

Elijah  M.  Haines, 

John  W.  Hankins, 

R.  P.  Hanna, 

Joseph  Hart, 

Abel  Harwood, 

Milton  Hay, 

Samuel  Snowden  Hayes, 
Jesse  S.  Hildrup, 

Attest  : — John  Q.  Harmon,  Secretary. 


Thomas  J.  Turner, 
Wm.  H.  Underwood, 
Wm.  L.  Vandeventer 
Henry  W.  Wells, 
George  E.  Wait, 
George  W.  Wall, 

R.  B.  Sutherland, 

D.  C.  Wagner, 
George  R.  Wendling, 
Chas.  Wheaton, 

L.  D.  Whiting, 

John  H.  Wilson, 
Orlando  H.  Wright. 


Daniel  Shepard,  First  Assistant  Secretary. 


A.  H.  Swain,  Second  Assistant  Secretary . 


UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA, 
STATE  OF  ILLINOIS. 


Office  of  Secretary. 


I,  George  H.  Harlow,  Secretary  of  the  State  of  Illinois,  do  hereby  certify  that  the  foregoing  is  a true 
copy  of  the  constitution  of  the  State  of  Illinois  adopted  in  convention  the  13th  day  of  May,  1870, 'ratified  by 
a vote  of  the  people  the  2th  day  of  July,  1870,  and  in  force  on  the  8th  (lay  of  Aug  1st,  1870,  and  now  on  file  in 
th  s office.  In  testimony  whereof  I hereto  set  my  hand  and  affix  the  Great  Seal  of  State,  at  the  city  of 
Springfield,  this  31st  day  of  March,  A.  D.  1873. 


GEO.  H.  HARLOW,  Secretary  of  State. 


DECLARATION  OF  INDEPENDENCE. 


When,  in  the  course  of  human  events,  it  becomes  necessary  for  one  people  to  dissolve  the 
political  bands  which  have  connected  them  with  another,  and  to  assume  among  the  powers 
of  the  earth,  the  separate  and  equal  station  to  which  the  laws  of  nature  and  of  nature’s  God 
entitle  them,  a decent  respect  to  the  opinions  of  mankind  requires  that  they  should  declare 
the  causes  which  impel  them  to  the  separation. 

We  hold  these  truths  to  be  self-evident,  that  all  men  are  created  equal ; that  they  are  en- 
dowed by  their  Creator  with  certain  unalienable  rights  ; that  among  these  are  life,  liberty  and 
the  pursuit  of  happiness.  That  to  secure  these  rights,  governments  are  instituted  among  men, 
deriving  their  just  powers  from  the  consent  of  the  governed ; that,  whenever  any  form  of 
government  becomes  destructive  of  these  ends,  it  is  the  right  of  the  people  to  alter  or  to  abol- 
ish it,  and  to  institute  a new  government,  laying  its  foundation  on  such  principles,  and 
organizing  its  powers  in  such  form,  as  to  them  shall  seem  most  likely  to  effect  their  safety  and 
happiness.  Prudence,  indeed,  will  dictate  that  governments  long  established  should  not  be 
changed  for  light  and  transient  causes;  and,  accordingly,  all  experience  hath  shown  that 
mankind  are  more  disposed  to  suffer,  while  evils  are  sufferable,  than  to  right  themselves  by 
abolishing  the  forms  to  which  they  are  accustomed.  But  when  a long  train  of  abuses  and 
usurpations,  pursuing  invariably  the  same  object,  evinces  a design  to  reduce  them  under  ab- 
solute despotism,  it  is  their  right,  it  is  their  duty  to  throw  off  such  government,  and  to  provide 
new  guards  for  their  future  security.  Such  has  been  the  patient  sufferance  of  these  colonies, 
and  such  is  now  the  necessity  which  constrains  them  to  alter  their  former  systems  of  govern- 
ment. The  history  of  the  present  King  of  Great  Britain  is  a history  of  repeated  injuries  and 
usurpations,  all  having  in  direct  object  the  establishment  of  an  absolute  tyranny  over  these 
States.  To  prove  this  let  facts  be  submitted  to  a candid  world: 

He  has  refused  his  assent  to  laws  the  most  wholesome  and  necessary  for  the  public 
good. 

He  has  forbidden  his  Governors  to  pass  laws  of  immediate  and  pressing  importance,  unless 
suspended  in  their  operation  till  his  assent  should  be  obtained ; and  when  so  suspended,  he 
has  utterly  neglected  to  attend  to  them. 

He  has  refused  to  pass  other  laws  for  the  accommodation  of  large  districts  of  people,  unless 
those  people  would  relinquish  the  right  of  representation  in  the  legislature  ; a right  inestima- 
ble to  them,  and  formidable  to  tyrants  only. 

He  has  called  together  legislative  bodies  at  places  unusual,  uncomfortable,  and  distant  from 
the  depository  of  their  public  records,  for  the  sole  purpose  of  fatiguing  them  into  compliance 
with  his  measures. 

He  has  dissolved  representative  houses  repeatedly  for  opposing,  with  manly  firmness,  his 
invasions  on  the  rights  of  the  people. 

He  has  refused,  for  a long  time  after  such  dissolution,  to  cause  others  to  be  elected ; 
whereby  the  legislative  powers,  incapable  of  annihilation,  have  returned  to  the  people  at 
large  for  their  exercise;  the  State  remaining,  in  the  meantime,  exposed  to  all  the  danger 
of  invasion  from  without,  and  convulsions  within. 

He  has  endeavored  to  prevent  the  population  of  these  States;  for  that  purpose,  obstructing 
the  laws  for  naturalization  of  foreigners;  refusing  to  pass  others  to  encourage  their  migration 
hither,  and  raising  the  conditions  of  new  appropriations  of  lands. 

He  has  obstructed  the  administration  of  justice,  by  refusing  his  assent  to  laws  for  estab- 
lishing, judiciary  powers. 

He  has  made  judges  dependent  on  his  will  alone,  for  the  tenure  of  their  offices,  and  the 
amount  and  payment  of  their  salaries. 

He  has  erected  a multitude  of  new  offices,  and  sent  hither  swarms  of  officers  to  harass  our 
people,  and  eat  out  their  substance. 

He  has  kept  among  us,  in  times  of  peace,  standing  armies,  without  the  consent  of  our 
legislature. 

He  has  affected  to  render  the  military  independent  of,  and  superior  to,  the  civil  power. 

He  has  combined,  with  others,  to  subject  us  to  a jurisdiction  foreign  to  our  constitution, 
and  unacknowledged  by  our  laws  ; giving  his  assent  to  their  acts  of  pretended  legislation. 


For  quartering  large  bodies  of  armed  troops  among  us. 

For  protecting  them,  by  a mock  trial,  from  punishment,  for  any  murders  which  they 
should  commit  on  the  inhabitants  of  these  States. 

For  cutting  off  our  trade  with  all  parts  of  the  world  : 

For  imposing  taxes  on  us  without  our  consent  : 

For  depriving  us,  in  many  cases,  of  the  benefits  of  trial  by  jury  : 

For  transporting  us  beyond  seas  to  be  tried  for  pretended  offences  : 

For  abolishing  the  free  system  of  English  laws  in  a neighboring  province,  establishing 
therein  an  arbitrary  government,  and  enlarging  its  boundaries,  so  as  to  render  it  at  once  an 
example  and  fit  instrument  for  introducing  the  same  absolute  rule  into  these  colonies  : 

For  taking  away  our  charters,  abolishing  our  most  valuable  laws,  and  altering  fundament- 
ally, the  powers  of  our  governments : 

For  suspending  our  own  legislatures,  and  declaring  themselves  invested  with  power  to 
legislate  for  us  in  all  cases  whatsoever. 

He  has  abdicated  government  here,  by  declaring  us  out  of  his  protection,  and  waging  war 
against  us. 

He  has  plundered  our  seas,  ravaged  our  coasts,  burnt  our  towns,  and  destroyed  the  lives 
of  our  people. 

He  is,  at  this  time,  transporting  large  armies  of  foreign  mercenaries  to  complete  the  work 
of  death,  desolation  and  tyranny,  already  begun,  with  circumstances  of  cruelty  and  perfidy 
scarcely  paralleled  in  the  most  barbarous  ages,  and  totally  unworthy  the  head  of  a civilized 
nation. 

He  has  constrained  our  fellow-citizens,  taken  captive  on  the  high  seas,  to  bear  arms 
against  their  country,  to  become  the  executioners  of  their  friends  and  brethren,  or  to  fall 
themselves  by  their  hands. 

He  has  excited  domestic  insurrections  amongst  us,  and  has  endeavored  to^bring  on  the 
inhabitants  of  our  frontiers,  the  merciless  Indian  savages,  whose  known  rule  of  warfare  is  an 
undistinguished  destruction  of  all  ages,  sexes,  and  conditions. 

In  every  stage  of  these  oppressions,  we  have  petitioned  for  redress,  in  the  most  humble 
terms ; our  repeated  petitions  have  been  answered  only  by  repeated  injury.  A prince, 
whose  character  is  thus  marked  by  every  act  which  may  define  a tyrant,  is  unfit  to  be  the 
ruler  of  a free  people. 

Nor  have  we  been  wanting  in  attention  to  our  British  brethren.  We  have  warned  them 
from  time  to  time,  of  attempts  made  by  their  legislature  to  extend  an  unwarrantable  jurisdic- 
tion over  us.  We  have  reminded  them  of  the  circumstances  of  our  emigration  and  settlement 
here.  We  have  appealed  to  their  native  justice  and  magnanimity,  and  we  have  conjured 
them,  by  the  ties  of  our  common  kindred,  to  disavow  these  usurpations,  which  would  inevit- 
ably interrupt  our  connections  and  correspondence.  They,  too,  have  been  deaf  to  the  voice 
of  justice  and  consanguinity.  We  must,  therefore,  acquiesce  in  the  necessity,  which  denounces 
our  separation,  and  hold  them,  as  we  hold  the  rest  of  mankind,  enemies  in  war,  in  peace, 
friends. 

We,  therefore,  the  representatives  of  the  UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA,  in  GEN- 
ERAL CONGRESS  assembled,  appealing  to  the  Supreme  Judge  of  the  World  for  the 
rectitude  of  our  intentions,  do,  in  the  name,  and  by  the  authority  of  the  good  people  of  these 
colonies,  solemnly  publish  and  declare,  That  these  United  Colonies  are,  and  of  right  ought 
to  be,  FREE  AND  INDEPENDENT  STATES;  that  they  are  absolved  from  all  allegiance 
to  the  British  crown,  and  that  all  political  connection  between  them  and  the  State  of  Great 
Britain,  is,  and  ought  to  be,  totally  dissolved ; and  that,  as  FREE  AND  INDEPENDENT 
STATES,  they  have  full  power  to  levy  war,  conclude  peace,  contract  alliances,  establish 
commerce,  and  to  do  all  other  acts  and  things  which  INDEPENDENT  STATES  may  of 
right  do.  And,  for  the  support  of  this  declaration,  and  a firm  reliance  on  the  protection  of 
DIVINE  PROVIDENCE,  we  mutually  pledge  to  each  other,  our  lives,  our  fortunes,  and 
our  sacred  honor. 

JOHN  HANCOCK. 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE 


UNITED  STATES. 


We,  the  people  of  the  United  States,  in  order  to  form  a more  perfect  Union,  establish  justice, 

insure  domestic  tranquility,  provide  for  the  common  defense,  promote  the  generrl  welfare, 

and  secure  the  blessings  of  liberty  to  ourselves  and  our  posterity,  do  ordain  and  establish 

this  Constitution  for  the  United  States  of  America. 

ARTICLE  I. 

Section  i.  All  legislative  powers  herein  granted  shall  be  vested  in  a Congress  of  the 
United  States,  which  shall  consist  of  a Senate  and  House  of  Representatives. 

Section  2.  The  House  of  Representatives  shall  be  composed  of  members  chosen  every 
second  year  by  the  people  of  the  several  States,  and  the  electors  in  each  State  shall  have  the 
qualifications  requisite  for  electors  of  the  most  numerous  branch  of  the  State  Legislature. 

No  person  shall  be  a Representative  who  shall  not  have  attained  to  the  age  of  twenty-five 
years,  and  been  seven  years  a citizen  of  the  United  States,  and  who  shall  not,  when  elected, 
be  an  inhabitant  of  that  State  in  which  he  shall  be  chosen. 

Representatives  and  direct  taxes  shall  be  apportioned  among  the  several  States  which  may 
be  included  within  this  Union,  according  to  their  respective  numbers,  which  shall  be  deter- 
mined by  adding  to  the  whole  number  of  free  persons,  including  those  bound  to  service  for 
a term  of  years,  and  excluding  Indians  not  taxed,  three-fifths  of  all  other  persons.  The 
actual  enumeration  shall  be  made  within  three  years  after  the  first  meeting  of  the  Congress 
of  the  United  btates,  and  within  every  subsequent  term  of  ten  years,  in  such  manner  as  they 
shall  by  law  direct.  The  number  of  Representatives  shall  not  exceed  one  for  every  thirty 
thousand,  but  each  State  shall  have  at  least  one  Representative;  and  until  such  enumeration 
shall  be  made,  the  State  of  New  Hamphsire  shall  be  entitled  to  choose  three,  Massachusetts 
eight,  Rhode  Island  and  Providmce  Plantations  one,  Connecticut  five,  New  York  six,  New 
Jersey  four,  Pennsylvania  eight,  Delaware  one,  Maryland  six,  Virginia,  ten,  North  Carolina 
five,  and  Georgia  three. 

When  vacancies  happen  in  the  representation  from  any  State,  the  Executive  authority 
thereof  shall  issue  writs  of  election  to  fill  such  vacancies. 

The  House  of  Representatives  shall  choose  their  Speaker  and  other  officers,  and  shall  have 
the  sole  power  of  impeachment. 

Section  3.  The  Senate  of  the  United  States  shall  be  composed  of  two  Senators  from  each 
State,  chosen  by  the  Legislature  thereof,  for  six  years ; and  each  Senator  shall  have  one 
vote. 

Immediately  after  they  shall  be  assembled  in  consequence  of  the  first  election,  they  shall 
be  divided  as  equally  as  may  be  into  three  classes.  The  seats  of  the  Senators  of  the  fir>t 
class  shall  be  vacated  at  the  expiration  of  the  second  year,  of  the  second  class  at  the  expira- 
tion of  the  fourth  year,  and  of  the  third  class  at  the  expiration  of  the  sixth  year,  so  that  one- 
third  may  be  chosen  every  second  year ; and  if  vacancies  happen  by  resignation,  or  otherwise, 
during  the  recess  of  the  Legislature  of  any  State,  the  Executive  thereof  may  make  temporary 
appointments  until  the  next  meeting  of  the  Legislature,  which  shall  then  fill  such  vacancies. 

No  person  shall  be  a Senator  who  shall  not  have  attained  to  the  age  of  thirty  years  and 
been  nine  years  a citizen  of  the  United  States,  and  who  shall  not,  when  elected,  be  an  inhab- 
itant of  that  State  for  which  he  shall  be  chosen. 

The  Vice  President  of  the  United  States  shall  be  President  of  the  Senate,  but  shall  have 
no  vote  unless  they  be  equally  divided. 

The  Senate  shall  choose  their  other  officers,  and  also  a President  pro  tempore,  in  the 
absence  of  the  Vice  President,  or  when  he  shall  exercise  the  office  of  President  of  the  United 
States. 

The  Senate  shall  have  the  sole  power  to  try  all  impeachments.  When  sitting  for  that 
purpose  they  shall  he  on  oath  or  affirmation.  When  the  President  of  the  United  States  is 
tried,  the  Chief  Justice  shall  preside.  And  no  person  shall  be  convicted  without  the  con- 
currence of  two-thirds  of  the  members  present. 

Judgment  in  cases  of  impeachment  shall  not  extend  further  than  to  removal  from  office, 
and  disqualification  to  hold  and  enjoy  any  office  of  honor,  trust  or  profit  under  the  United 
States  : but  the  party  convicted  shall  nevertheless  be  liable  and  subject  to  indictment,  trial, 
judgment  and  punishment  according  to  law. 

Section  4.  The  times,  places  and  manner  of  holding  elections  for  Senators  and  Represent- 
atives, shall  be  prescribed  in  each  State  by  the  Legislature  thereof;  but  the  Congress  may  at 
any  time  by  law,  make  or  alter  such  regulations,  except  as  to  the  places  of  choosing 
Senators.  Q 

The  Congress  shall  assemble  at  least  once  in  every  year,  and  such  meeting  shall  be  on 
the  first  Monday  in  December,  unless  they  shall  by  law  appoint  a different  day. 

Section  5.  Each  house  shall  be  the  judge  of  the  election,  returns  and  qualifications  of  its 
own  members,  and  a majority  of  each  shall  constitute  a quorum  to  do  business ; but  a smaller 
number  may  adjourn  from  day  to  day,  and  may  be  authorized  to  compel  the  attendance  of 
absent  members  in  such  manner,  and  under  such  penalties  as  each  house  may  provide. 

Each  house  may  determine  the  rules  of  its  proceedings,  punish  its  members  for  disorderly 
behaviour,  and,  with  the  concurrence  of  two-thirds,  expel  a member. 

Each  house  shall  keep  a journal  of  its  proceedings,  and  from  time  to  time  publish  the 
same,  excepting  such  parts  as  may  in  their  judgment  require  secrecy  ; and  the  yeas  and  nays 
of  the  members  of  either  house  on  any  question  shall,  at  the  desire  of  one-fifth  of  those 
present,  be  entered  on  the  journal. 

Neither  house,  during  the  session  of  Congress,  shall,  without  the  consent  of  the  other 
adjourn  lor  more  than  three  days,  nor  to  any  other  place  than  that  in  which  the  two  houses 
shall  be  sitting. 

Section  6.  The  Senators  and  Representatives  shall  receive  a compensation  for  their  ser- 
vices, to  be  ascertained  by  law,  and  paid  out  of  the  Treasury  of  the  United  States.  They 
shall  in  all  cases,  except  treason,  felony  and  breach  of  the  peace,  be  privileged  from  arrest 
during  their  attendance  at  the  session  of  their  respective  houses,  and  in  going  to  and  return- 
ing from  the  same ; and  for  any  speech  or  debate  in  either  house  they  shall  not  be  questioned 
in  any  other  place. 

No  Senator  or  Representative  shall,  during  the  lime  for  which  he  was  elected,  be  appointed 
to  any  civil  office  under  the  authority  of  the  United  States,  which  shall  have  been  created, 
or  the  emoluments  whereof  shall  have  been  increased  during  such  time;  and  no  person 


holding  any  office  under  the  United  States,  shall  be  a member  of  either  house  durin-  his 
continuance  in  office. 

Section  7.  All  bills  for  raising  revenue  shall  originate  in  the  House  of  Representatives ; 
but  the  Senate  may  propose  or  concur  with  amendments  as  on  other  bills. 

Every  bill  which  shall  have  passed  the  House  of  Representatives  and  the  Senate,  shall 
before  it  becomes  a law,  be  presented  to  the  President  of  the  United  States;  if  he  approve’ 
he  shall  sign  it,  but  if  not  he  shall  return  it  with  his  objections  to  that  house  in  which  it  shall 
have  originated,  who  shall  enter  the  objections  at  large  on  their  journal,  and  proceed  to 
reconsider  it.  If  after  such  reconsideration  two  thirds  of  that  House  shall  agree  to  pass  the 
bill,  it  shall  be  sent,  together  with  the  objections,  to  the  other  house,  by”which  it  shall 
likewise  be  reconsidered,  and  if  approved  by  two-thirds  of  that  House,  it  shall  become  a 
law.  But  in  all  such  cases  the  votes  of  both  houses  shall  be  determined  ’bv  yeas  and  nays, 
and  the  names  of  the  persons  voting  for  and  against  the  bill  shall  be  entered  on  the  journal 
of  each  house  respectively.  If  any  bill  shall  not  be  returned  by  the  President  wilhin  ten  days 
(Sundays  excepted),  after  it  shall  have  been  presented  to  him,  the  same  shall  be  a law,  in 
like  manner  as  if  he  had  signed  it,  unless  the  Congress  by  their  adjournment  prevent  its 
return,  in  which  case  it  shall  not  be  a law. 

Every  order,  resolution  or  vote  to  which  the  concurrence  of  the  Senate  and  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives may  be  necessary  (except  on  a question  of  adjournment),  shall  be  presented  tn 
the  President  of  the  United  States  ; and  before  the  same  shall  take  effect,  shad  be  approved 
by  him,  or  being  disapproved  by  him,  shall  be  repassed  by  two-thirds  of  the  Senate  and 
House  of  Representatives,  according  to  the  rules  and  limitations  prescribed  in  the  case  of  a 
bill. 

Section  8.  The  Congress  shall  have  power — 

To  lay  and  collect  taxes,  duties,  imposts  and  excises,  to  pay  the  debts  and  provide  for  the 
common  defense  and  general  welfare  of  the  United  States  ; but  all  duties,  imports  and  excises 
shall  be  uniform  throughout  the  United  States  ; 

To  borrow  money  on  the  credit  of  the  United  States ; 

To  regulate  commerce  with  foreign  nations,  and  among  the  several  States,  and  with  the 
Indian  tribes.  ; 

_ To  establish  a uniform  rule  of  naturalization,  and  uniform  laws  on  the  subject  of  bankrupt- 
cies throughout  the  United  States; 

To  coin  money,  regulate  the  value  thereof,  and  of  foreign  coin,  and  fix  the  standard  of 
weights  and  measures ; 

To  provide  for  the  punishment  of  counterfeiting  the  securities  and  current  coin  of  the 
United  States ; 

To  establish  post-offices  and  post-roads  ; 

To  promote  the  progress  of  science  and  useful  arts,  by  securing  for  limited  times  to  authors 
and  inventors  the  exclusive  right  to  their  respective  writings  and  discoveries- 
To  constitute  tribunals  inferior  to  the  Supreme  Court ; 

To  define  and  punish  piracies  and  felonies  committed  on  the  high  seas,  and  offences 
against  the  law  of  nations  ; 

To  declare  war,  grant  letters  of  marque  and  reprisal,  and  make  rules  concerning  captures 
on  land  and  water  ; 

To  raise  and  support  armies,  but  no  appropriation  of  money  to  that  use  shall  be  for  a 
longer  term  than  two  years; 

To  provide  and  maintain  a navy  ; 

To  make  rules  for  the  government  and  regulation  of  the  land  and  naval  forces ; 

To  provide  for  calling  forth  the  militia  to  execute  the  laws  of  the  Union,  suppress  insur- 
rections and  repel  invasions ; 

To  provide  for  organizing,  arming  and  disciplining  the  militia,  and  for  governing  such 
part  of  them  as  may  be  employed  in  the  service  of  the  United  States,  reserving  to  the  States, 
respectively  the  appointment  of  the  officers,  and  the  authority  of  training  the  milita  according 
to  the  discipline  prescribed  by  Congress. 

To  exercise  legislation  in  all  cases  whatsoever,  over  such  district  (not  exceeding  ten  miles 
square),  as  may  by  the  cession  of  particular  States  and  the  acceptance  of  Congress,  become 
the  seat  of  the  government  of  the  United  States,  and  to  exercise  like  authority  over  all  places 
purchased  by  the  consent  of  the  Legislature  of  the  State  in  which  the  same  shall  be,  for  the 
erection  of  forts,  magazines,  arsenals,  dock-yards  and  other  needful  buildings and’ 

To  make  all  laws  which  shall  be  necessary  and  proper  for  carrying  into  execution  the 
foregoing  powers,  and  all  other  powers  vested  by  this  Constitution  in  the  government  of  the 
United  States,  or  in  any  department  or  officer  thereof. 

Section  9.  The  migration  or  importation  of  such  persons  as  any  of  the  States  now  exist- 
ing shall  think  proper  to  admit,  shall  not  be  prohibited  by  the  Congress  prior  to  the  year 
one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  eight,  but  a tax  or  duty  may  be  imposed  on  such  importa- 
tion, not  exceeding  ten  dollars  for  each  persons. 

The  privileges  of  the  writ  of  habeas  corpus  shall  not  be  suspended,  unless  when  in  cases 
of  rebellion  or  invasion  the  public  safety  may  require  it. 

No  bill  of  attainder  or  ex  post  facto  law  shall  be  passed. 

No  capitation  or  other  direct  tax  shall  be  laid  unless  in  proportion  to  the  census,  or  enu- 
meration herein  before  directed  to  be  taken. 

No  tax  or  duty  shall  be  laid  on  articles  exported  from  any  State. 

No  preference  shall  be  given  by  any  regulation  of  commerce  or  revenue  to  the  ports  of  one 
State  over  those  of  another;  nor  shall  vessels  bound  to,  or  from  one  State,  be  obliged  to 
enter,  clear,  or  pay  duties  in  another. 

No  money  shall  be  drawn  from  the  Treasury-,  but  in  consequence  of  appropriations  made 
by  law ; and  a regular  statement  and  account  of  the  receipts  and  expenditures  of  all  public 
money  shall  be  published  from  time  to  time. 

No  title  of  nobility  shall  be  granted  by  the  United  States;  and  no  person  holding  any 
office  of  profit  or  trust  under  them,  shall  without  the  consent  of  the  Congress,  accept  of  any 
present,  emolument,  office,  or  title,  of  any  kind  whatever,  from  any  king,  prince,  or  foreign 
State. 

Section  10.  No  State  shall  enter  into  any  treaty,  alliance,  or  confederation;  grant  letters 
of  marque  or  reprisal ; coin  money  : emit  bills  of  credit ; make  anything  but  gold  and  silver 


coin  a tender  in  payment  of  debts;  pass  any'  bill  of  attainder, ex  post  facto  law,  or  law  im- 
pairing the  obligation  of  contracts,  or  grant  any  title  of  nobility. 

No  State  shall,  without  the  consent  of  the  Congress,  lay  any  imposts  or  duties  on  imports 
or  exports,  except  what  may  be  absolutely  necessary  for  executing  its  inspection  laws,  and  I 
the  net  produce  of  all  duties  and  imposts  laid  by  any  State  on  imports  or  exports,  shall  be 
for  the  use  of  the  Treasury  of  the  United  States;  and  all  such  laws  shall  be  subject  to  the 
revision  and  control  of  the  Congress. 

No  State  shall,  without  the  consent  of  Congress,  lay  any  duty  on  tonnage,  keep  troops 
or  ships  of  war  in  time  of  peace,  enter  into  any  agreement  or  compact  with  another  State, 
or  with  a foreign  power,  or  engage  in  war,  unless  actually  invaded,  or  in  such  imminent  j 
danger  as  will  not  admit  of  delay. 

ARTICLE  II. 


diction,  both  as  to  law  and  fact,  with  such  exceptions,  and  under  such  regulations  as  the 
Congress  shall  make.  6 

. Tiht  trial  °f  .allLcri“es,  except  in  cases  of  impeachment,  shall  be  by  jury ; and  such  trial 
shall  be  held  in  the  State  where  the  said  crimes  shall  have  been  committed;  but  when  not 
committed  within  any  State,  the  trial  shall  be  at  such  place  or  places  as  the  Confess  may 
by  law  have  directed.  ° 3 

Section  3.  Treason  against  the  United  States  shall  consist  only  in  levying  war  against 
them,  or  in  adhering  to  their  enemies,  giving  them  aid  and  comfort.  No  person  shall  be 
convicted  of  treason  unless  on  the  testimony  of  two  witnesses  to  the  same  overt  act  or  on 
confession  in  open  court.  ’ 

The  Congress  shall  have  power  to  declare  the  punishment  of  treason,  but  no  attainder  of 
treason  shall  work  corruption  of  blood,  or  forfeiture  except  during  the  life  of  the  person 
attainted.  33 


Section  i.  The  Executive  power  shall  be  vested  in  a President  of  the  United  States  of 
America.  He  shall  hol  t his  office  during  the  term  of  four  years,  and,  together  with  the 
Vice  President  chosen  for  the  same  term,  be  elected  as  follows ; 

Each  State  shall  appoint,  in  such  manner  as  the  Legislature  thereof  may  direct,  a number 
of  electors,  equal  to  the  whole  number  of  Senators  and  Representatives  to  which  the  State 
may  be  entitled  in  the  Congress ; but  no  Senator  or  Representative,  or  person  holding  an 
office  of  trust  or  profit  under  the  United  States,  shall  be  appointed  an  elector. 

[*The  electors  shall  meet  in  their  respective  States  and  vote  by  ballot  for  two  persons, 
of  whom  one  at  least  shall  not  be  an  inhabitant  of  the  same  State  with  themselves.  And  they 
shall  make  a list  of  all  persons  voted  for,  and  of  the  number  of  votes  for  each  ; which  list 
they  shall  sign  and  certify,  and  transmit,  sealed  to  the  seat  of  the  government  of  the  United 
States,  directed  to  the  President  of  the  Senate.  The  President  of  the  Senate  shall,  in  the 
presence  of  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives,  open  all  the  certificates,  and  the  votes 
shall  then  be  counted.  The  person  having  the  greatest  number  of  votes  shall  be  the  Presi- 
dent, if  such  number  be  a majority  of  the  whole  number  of  electors  appointed  ; and  if  there 
be  more  than  one  who  have  such  majority,  and  have  an  equal  number  of  votes,  then  the 
House  of  Representatives  shall  immediately  choose  by  ballot  one  of  them  for  President ; and 
if  no  person  have  a majority,  then  from  the  five  highest  on  the  list  the  said  House  shall  in 
like  manner  choose  the  President.  But  in  choosing  the  President,  the  vote  shall  be  taken 
by  States,  the  representation  from  each  State  having  one  vote;  a quorum  for  this  purpose, 
shall  consist  of  a member  or  members  from  two-thirds  of  the  States,  and  a majority  of  all  the 
States  shall  be  necessary  to  a choice.  In  every  case,  after  the  choice  of  the  President,  the 
person  having  the  greatest  number  of  votes  of  the  electors  shall  be  the  Vice  President.  But 
if  there  should  remain  two  or  more  who  have  equal  votes,  the  Senate  shall  choose  from  them 
by  ballot  the  Vice  President.] 

The  Congress  may  determine  the  time  of  choosing  the  electors,  and  the  day  on  which 
they  shall  give  their  votes ; which  day  shall  be  the  same  throughout  the  United  States. 

No  pesron  except  a natural  born  citizen,  or  a citizen  of  the  United  States  at  the  time  of 
the  adoption  of  this  Constitution,  shall  be  eligible  to  the  office  of  President ; neither  shall  any 
person  be  eligible  to  that  office  who  shall  not  have  attained  the  age  of  thirty-five  years,  and 
been  fourteen  years  a resident  within  the  United  States. 

In  case  of  the  removal  of  the  President  from  office,  or  of  his  death,  resignation  erinability 
to  discharge  the  powers  and  duties  of  the  said  office,  the  same  shall  devolve  on  the  Vice 
President,  and  the  Congress  may  by  law  provide  for  the  case  of  removal,  death,  resignation, 
or  inability,  both  of  the  President  and  Vice  President,  declaring  what  officer  shall  then  act 
as  President,  and  such  officer  shall  act  accordingly,  until  the  disability  be  removed,  or  a 
President  shall  be  elected. 

The  President  shall,  at  stated  times,  receive  for  his  services  a compensation  which  shall 
neither  be  increased  nor  diminished  during  the  period  for  which  he  shall  have  been  elected, 
and  he  shall  not  receive  within  that  period  any  other  emolument  from  the  United  States,  or 
any  of  them. 

Before  he  enter  on  the  execution  of  his  office  he  shall  take  the  following  oath  or  affirma- 
tion : 

“ I do  solemnly  swear  (or  affirm)  that  I will  faithfully  execute  the  office  of  President  of 
the  United  States,  and  will,  to  the  best  of  my  ability,  preserve,  protect,  and  defend  the  Con- 
stitution of  the  United  States.” 

Section  2.  The  President  shall  be  commander-in-chief  of  the  army  and  navy  of  the 
United  States,  and  of  the  militia  of  the  several  States,  when  called  into  the  actual  service  of 
the  United  States;  he  may  require  the  opinion,  in  writing,  of  the  principal  officer  in  each  of 
the  Executive  departments,  upon  any  subject  relating  to  the  duties  of  their  respective  offices, 
and  he  shall  have  power  to  grant  reprieves  and  pardons  for  offences  against  the  United 
States,  except  in  cases  of  impeachment. 

He  shall  have  power,  by  and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  Senate,  to  make  treaties, 
provided  two-thirds  of  the  Senators  present  concur;  and  he  shall  nominate,  and  by  and  with 
the  advice  of  the  Senate,  shall  appoint  ambassadors,  ohter  public  ministers  and  consuls, 
judges  of  the  Supreme  Court,  and  all  other  officers  of  the  United  States  whose  appoint- 
ments are  not  herein  otherwise  provided  for,  and  which  shall  be  established  by  law ; but 
the  Congress  may  by  law  vest  the  appointment  of  such  inferior  officers  as  they  think 
proper  in  the  President  alone,  in  the  courts  of  law,  or  in  the  heads  of  departments. 

The  President  shall  have  power  to  fill  up  all  vacancies  that  may  happen  during  the  recess 
of  the  Senate,  by  granting  commissions  which  shall  expire  at  the  end  of  their  next  sessions. 

Section  3.  He  shall  from  time  to  time  give  to  the  Congress  information  of  the  state  of  the 
Union,  and  recommend  to  their  consideration  such  measures  as  he  shall  judge  necessary  and 
expedient ; he  may,  on  extraordinary  occasions,  convene  both  Houses,  or  either  of  them, 
and  in  case  of  disagreement  between  them,  with  respect  to  the  time  of  adjournment,  he  may 
adjourn  them  to  such  time  as  he  shall  think  proper  ; he  shall  receive  ambassadors  and  other 
public  ministers;  he  shall  take  care  that  the  laws  be  faithfully  executed,  and  shall  commis- 
sion all  the  officers  of  the  United  States. 

Section  4.  The  President,  Vice  President  and  all  civil  officers  of  the  United  States,  shall 
be  removed  from  office  on  impeachment  for,  and  conviction  of,  treason,  bribery,  or  other 
high  crimes  and  misdemeanors. 

ARTICLE  III. 

Section  a.  The  judicial  power  of  the  United  States  shall  be  vested  in  one  Supreme  Court 
and  in  such  inferior  courts  as  the  Congress  may  from  time  to  time  o-dain  and  establish. 
The  judges,  both  of  the  Supreme  and  inferior  courts,  shall  hold  their  offices  during  good  be- 
haviour, and  shall,  at  stated  times,  receive  for  their  services  a compensation,  which  shall  not 
be  diminished  during  their  continuance  in  office. 

SECTION  2.  The  judicial  power  shall  extend  to  all  cases,  in  law  and  equity,  arising 
under  this  Constitution,  the  laws  of  the  United  States,  and  treaties  made,  or  which  shall  be 
made,  under  their  authority  ; — to  all  cases  affecting  ambassadors,  other  public  ministers,  and 
consuls; — to  all  cases  of  admiralty  and  maritime  jurisdiction; — to  controversies  to  which 
the  United  States  shall  be  a party; — to  controversies  between  two  or  more  States; — between 
a State  and  citizens  of  another  State  ; — between  citizens  of  different  States  ; — between  citi- 
zens of  the  same  State  claiming  lands  under  grants  of  different  States,  and  between  a State, 
or  the  citizens  thereof,  and  foreign  States,  citizens  or  subjects. 

In  all  cases  affecting  ambassadors,  other  public  ministers  and  consuls,  and  those  in  which 
a State  shall  be  a party,  the  Supreme  Court  shall  have  original  jurisdiction. 

In  all  the  other  cases  before  mentioned,  the  Supreme  Court  shall  have  appellate  juris- 


ARTICLE  IV. 

Section  i.  Full  faith  and  credit  shall  be  given  in  each  State  to  the  public  acts  records 
and  judicial  proceedings  of  every  other  State.  And  the  Congress  may  by  general  laws  pre- 
senbe  the  manner  in  which  such  acts,  records  and  proceedings  shall  be  proved  and  the  effect 
thereof. 

Section  2.  The  citizens  of  each  State  shall  be  entitled  to  all  privileges  and  immunities  of 
citizens  m the  several  States. 

A person  charged  in  any  State  with  treason,  felony  or  other  crime,  who  shall  flee  from 
justice,  and  be  found  in  another  State,  shall  on  demand  of  the  Executive  authority  of  the 
State  from  which  he  fled,  be  delivered  up,  to  be  removed  to  the  State  having  jurisdiction  of 
the  crime.  0 J 

No  person  held  to  service  or  labor  in  one  State,  under  the  laws  thereof,  escaping  into 
another,  shall,  in  consequence  of  any  law  or  regulation  therein,  be  discharged  from  such 
service  or  labor,  but  shall  be  delivered  up  on  the  claim  of  the  party  to  whom  such  service  or 
labor  may  be  due. 

Section  3.  New  States  may  be  admitted  by  the  Congress  into  this  Union  ; but  no  new 
State  shall  be  formed  or  erected  within  the  jurisdiction  of  any  other  State  : nor  any  State  be 
formed  by  the  junction  of  two  or  more  States,  or  parts  of  States,  without  the  consent  of  the 
Legislatures  of  the  States  concerned,  as  well  as  of  the  Congress. 

The  Congress  shall  have  power  to  dispose  of  and  make  all  needfnl  rules  and  regulations 
respecting  the  territory  or  other  property  belonging  to  the  United  States  ; and  nothing  in 
this  Constitution  shall  be  so  construed  as  to  prejudice  any  claims  of  the  United  States,  or  of 
any  particular  State. 

Section  4.  The  United  States  shall  guarantee  to  every  State  in  this  Union  a Republican 
form  of  government,  and  shall  protect  each  of  them  against  invasion,  and  on  application  of 
the  Legislature,  or  of  the  Executive  (when  the  Legislature  cannot  be  convened)  against  do- 
mestic violence. 

ARTICLE  V. 

The  Congress,  whenever  two-thirds  of  both  Houses  shall  deem  it  necessary,  shall  propose 
amendments  to  this  Constitution,  or,  on  the  application  of  the  Legislatures  of  two-thirds  of 
the  several  States,  shall  call  a convention  for  proposing  amendments,  which,  in  either  case, 
shall  be  valid  to  all  intents  and  purposes,  as  part  of  this  Constitution,  when  ratified  by  the 
Legislatures  of  three-fourths  of  the  several  States,  or  by  conventions  in  three-fourths  thereof 
as  the  one  or  the  other  mode  of  ratification  may  be  proposed  by  the  Congress.  Provided 
that  no  amendment  which  may  be  made  prior  to  the  year  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and 
eight  shall  in  any  manner  affect  the  first  and  fourth  clauses  in  the  ninth  section  of  the  first 
article;  and  that  no  State,  without  its  consent,  shall  be  deprived  of  its  equal  suffrage  in  the 
Senate.  , 

ARTICLE  VI. 

All  debts  contracted  and  engagements  entered  into,  before  the  adoption  of  this  Constitu- 
tion, shall  be  as  valid  against  the  United  States  under  this  Constitution,  as  under  the 
Confederation. 

This  Constitution,  and  the  laws  of  the  United  States  which  shall  be  made  in  pursuance 
thereof,  and  all  treaties  made  or  which  shall  be  made,  under  the  authority  of  the  United 
States,  shall  be  the  supreme  law  of  the  land;  and  the  judges  in  every  State  shall  be  bound 
thereby,  anything  in  the  Constitution  or  laws  of  any  State  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

The  Senators  and  Representatives  before  mentioned,  and  the  members  of  the  several 
State  Legislatures,  and  all  Executive  and  judicial  officers,  both  of  the  United  States  and  of 
the  several  States,  shall  be  bound  by  oath  or  affirmation,  to  support  this  Constitution  • but 
no  religious  test  shall  ever  be  required  as  a qualification  to  any  office  or  public  trust  under 
the  United  States. 

ARTICLE  VII. 

The  ratification  of  the  Conventions  of  nine  States  shall  be  sufficient  for  the  establishment 
of  this  Constitution  between  the  States  so  ratifying  the  same. 

Done  in  Convention  by  the  unanimous  consent  of  the  States  present,  the  seventeenth  day 

of  September,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  eighty-seven, 

and  of  the  Independence  of  the  United  States  of  America,  the  twelfth.  In  Witness 

Whereof,  We  have  hereunto  subscribed  our  names. 


New  Hampshire. 
John  Langdon, 
Nicholas  Gilman. 

Massachusetts. 
Nathaniel  Gorham, 
Rufus  King. 

Connecticut. 

Wm.  Saml.  Johnson, 
Roger  Sherman. 

New  York. 

Alexander  Hamilton. 

New  Jersey. 

Wil.  Livingston, 

Wm.  Patterson, 

David  Brearly, 

Jona.  Dayton. 


GEO.  WASHINGTON, 
President  and  Deputy  from  Virginia. 


Pennsylvania. 

B.  Franklin, 

Robt.  Morris. 

Tho.  Fitzsimons, 

James  Wilson, 

Thomas  Mifflin, 

Geo.  Clymer, 
ared  Ingersoll, 

Gouv.  Morris. 

Delaware. 

Geo.  Read, 

John  Dickinson, 

Jaco.  Broom, 

Gunning  Bedford,  Jr., 
Richard  Bassett. 

Virginia. 

John  Blair, 

James  Madison,  Jr. 


Maryland. 

James  M’ Henry, 

Danl.  Carroll, 

Dan.  of  St.  Thos.  Jenifer. 

North  Carolina. 

Wm.  Blount, 

Hu.  Williamson, 

Rich’d  Dobbs  Spaight. 

South  Carolina. 

J.  Rutledge, 

Charles  Pinckney, 

Ciias.  Cotesworth  Pinckney, 
Pierce  Butler. 

Georgia. 

William  Few, 

Abr.  Baldwin. 


♦This  clause  within  brackets  has  been  superceded  and  annulled  by  the  J2th  amendment. 


Attest : 


WILLIAM  JACKSON,  Secretary. 


AMENDMENTS  TO  THE  CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


Proposed  by 


Congress , and  ratified  by  the  Legislatures  of  the  several  Slates,  pursuant  to  the  fifth  article  of  the  original  Constitution. 


ARTICLE  I. 

Congress  shall  make  no  law  respecting  an  establishment  of  religion,  or  prohibiting  the  free 
exercise  thereof;  or  abridging  the  freedom  of  speech,  or  of  the  press  ; or  the  right  of  the 
people  peaceably  to  assemble,  and  to  petition  the  government  for  a redress  of  grievances. 

ARTICLE  II. 

A well  regulated  militia  being  necessary  to  the  security  of  a free  State,  the  right  of  the 
people  to  keep  and  bear  arms  shall  not  be  infringed. 

ARTICLE  III. 

No  soldier  shall  in  time  of  peace  be  quartered  in  any  house  without  the  consent  of  the 
owner,  nor  in  time  of  war,  but  in  a manner  to  be  prescribed  by  law. 

ARTICLE  IV. 

The  right  of  the  people  to  be  secure  in  their  persons,  houses,  pap_ers,  and  effects,  against 
unreasonable  searches  and  seizures,  shall  not  be  violated,  and  no  warrants  shall  issue  but 
upon  probable  cause,  supported  by  oath  or  affirmation,  and  particularly  describing  the  place 
to  be  searched,  and  the  persons  or  things  to  be  seized. 

ARTICLE  V. 

No  person  shall  be  held  to  answer  for  a capital  or  otherwise  infamous  crime,  unless  on  a 
presentment  or  indictment  by  a Grand  Jury,  except  in  cases  arising  in  the  land  or  naval  forces, 
or  in  the  militia  when  in  actual  service  in  time  of  war  or  public  danger ; nor  shall  any  per 
son  be  subject  for  the  same  offence  to  be  twice  put  in  jeopardy  of  life  or  limb;  nor  shall  be 
compelled  in  any  criminal  case  to  be  a witness  against  himself,  nor  be  deprived  of  life,  liberty, 
or  property,  without  due  process  of  law;  nor  shall  private  property  be  taken  for  public  use, 
without  just  compensation. 

ARTICLE  VI. 

In  all  criminal  prosecutions,  the  accused  shall  enjoy  the  right  to  a speedy  and  public  trial, 
by  an  impartial  jury  of  the  State  and  district  wherein  the  crime  shall  have  been  committed, 
which  district  shall  have  been  previously  ascertained  by  law,  and  to  be  informed  of  the 
nature  and  cause  of  the  accusation;  to  be  confronted  with  the  witnesses  against  him ; to 
have  compulsory  process  for  obtaining  witnesses  in  his  favor,  and  to  have  the  assistance  of 
counsel  for  his  defense. 

ARTICLE  VII. 

In  suits  at  common  law,  where  the  value  in  controversy  shall  exceed  twenty  dollars,  the 
right  of  trial  by  jury  shall  be  preserved,  and  no  fact  tried  by  a jury  shall  be  otherwise 
re-examined  in  any  court  of  the  United  States,  than  according  to  the  rules  of  the  common 
law. 

ARTICLE  VIII. 

Excessive  bail  shall  not  be  required,  nor  excessive  fines  imposed,  nor  cruel  and  unusual 
punishment  inflicted. 

ARTICLE  IX. 

The  enumeration  in  the  Constitution,  of  certain  rights,  shall  not  be  construed  to  deny  or 
disparage  others  retained  by  the  people. 

ARTICLE  X. 

S' 

The  powers  not  delegated  to  the  United  States  by  the  Constitution,  nor  prohibited  by  it  to 
the  States,  are  reserved  to  the  States  respectively,  or  to  the  people. 

ARTICLE  XI. 

The  judicial  power  of  the  United  States  shall  not  be  construed  to  extend  to  any  suit  in  law 
or  equity  commenced  or  prosecuted  against  one  of  the  United  States  by  citizens  of  another 
State,  or  by  citizens  or  subjects  of  any  foreign  State. 

ARTICLE  XII. 

The  electors  shall  meet  in  their  respective  States,  and  vote  by  ballot  for  President  and 
Vice  President,  one  of  whom  at  least  shall  not  be  an  inhabitant  of  the  same  State  with  them- 
selves; they  shall  name  in  their  ballots  the  person  to  be  voted  for  as  President,  and  in 


distinct  ballots  the  persons  voted  for  as  Vice  President,  and  they  shall  make  distinct  lists 
of  all  persons  voted  for  as  President,  and  of  all  persons  voted  for  as  Vice  President,  and  of 
the  number  of  votes  for  each,  which  list  they  shall  sign  and  certify,  and  transmit  sealed  to 
the  seat  of  government  of  the  United  States,  directed  to  the  President  of  the  Senate.  The 
President  of  the  Senate  shall,  in  presence  of  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives,  open 
all  the  certificates,  and  the  votes  shall  then  be  counted.  The  person  having  the  greatest 
number  of  votes  for  President,  shall  be  the  President,  if  such  number  be  a majority  of  the 
whole  number  of  electors  appointed;  and  if  no  person  have  such  majority,  then  from  the 
persons  having  the  highest  number  not  exceeding  three  on  the  list  of  those  voted  for  as 
President,  the  House  of  Representatives  shall  choose  immediately,  by  ballot,  the  President. 
But  in  choosing  the  President,  the  votes  shall  be  taken  by  States,  the  representation  from 
each  State  having  one  vote ; a quorum  for  this  purpose  shall  consist  of  a member  or  members 
from  two-thirds  of  the  States,  and  a majority  of  all  the  States  shall  be  necessary  to  a choice. 
And  if  the  House  of  Representatives  shall  not  choose  a President  whenever  the  right  of  choice 
shall  devolve  upon  them,  before  the  fourth  day  of  March  next  following,  then  the  Vice 
President  shall  act  as  President,  as  in  the  case  of  the  death  or  other  Constiiutional  disability 
of  the  President.  The  person  having  the  greatest  number  of  votes  as  Vice  President,  shall 
be  the  Vice  President,  if  such  number  be  a majority  of  the  whole  number  of  electors  appointed, 
and  if  no  person  have  a majority,  then  from  the  two  highest  numbers  on  the  list,  the  Senate 
shall  choose  the  Vice  President;  a quorum  for  the  purpose  shall  consist  of  two-thirds  of  the 
whole  number  of  Senators,  and  a majority  of  the  whole  number  shall  be  necessary  to  a 
choice.  But  no  person  Constitutionally  ineligible  to  the  office  of  President  shall  be  eligible 
to  that  of  Vice  President  of  the  United  States. 

ARTICLE  XIII. 

Section  i.  Neither  slavery  nor  involuntary  servitude,  except  as  a puuishment  for  crime, 
whereof  the  party  shall  have  been  duly  convicted,  shall  exist  within  the  United  States,  or 
any  place  subject  to  their  jurisdiction. 

Section  2.  Congress  shall  have  power  to  enforce  this  article  by  appropriate  legislation. 

ARTICLE  XIV. 

Section  i.  All  persons  born  or  naturalized  in  the  United  States  and  subject  to  the  ju- 
risdiction thereof,  are  citizens  of  the  United  States,  and  of  the  State  wherein  they  reside. 
No  State  shall  make  or  enforce  any  law  which  shall  abridge  the  privileges  or  immunities  of 
citizens  of  the  United  States  ; nor  shall  any  State  deprive  any  person  of  life,  liberty  or 
property  without  due  process  of  law,  nor  deny  to  any  person  within  its  jurisdiction  the  equal 
protection  of  the  laws. 

Section  2.  Representatives  shall  be  appointed  among  the  several  States  according  to 
their  respective  numbers,  counting  the  whole  number  of  persons  in  each  State,  excluding 
Indians  not  taxed  ; but  when  the  right  to  vote  at  any  election  for  the  choice  of  electors  for 
President  and  Vice  President  of  the  United  States,  Representatives  in  Congress,  the  executive 
and  judicial  officers  of  a State  or  the  members  of  the  Legislature  thereof,  is  denied  to  any  of 
the  male  inhabitants  of  such  State,  being  twenty-one  years  of  age  and  citizens  of  the  United 
States,  or  in  any  way  abridged  except  for  participation  in  rebellion  or  other  crimes,  the  basis 
of  representation  therein  shall  be  reduced  in  the  proportion  which  the  number  of  such  male 
citizens  shall  bear  to  the  whole  number  of  male  citizens  twenty-one  years  of  age  in  such 
State. 

Section  3.  No  person  shall  be  a Senator  or  Representative  in  Congress  or  elector  of 
President  and  Vice  President,  or  hold  any  office  civil  or  military,  under  the  United  States  or 
under  any  State  who,  having  previously  taken  an  oath  as  a Member  of  Congress,  or  as  an 
officer  of  the  United  States,  or  as  a member  of  any  State  Legislature,  or  as  an  executive  or 
judicial  officer  of  any  State,  to  support  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States,  shall  have 
engaged  in  insurrection  or  rebellion  against  the  same,  or  given  aid  or  comfort  to  the  enemies 
thereof.  But  Congress  may,  by  a vote  of  two-thirds  of  each  house,  remove  such  disability. 

Section  4.  The  validity  of  the  public  debt  of  the  United  States  authorized  by  law, 
including  debts  incurred  for  payment  of  pensions  and  bounties  for  sendees  in  suppressing 
insurrection  or  rebellion,  shall  not  be  questioned.  But  neither  the  United  States  nor  any 
State  shall  assume  or  pay  any  debt  or  obligation  incurred  in  the  aid  of  insurrection  or  rebel- 
lion against  the  United  States,  or  any  loss  or  emancipation  of  any  slave,  but  such  debts, 
obligations  and  claims  shall  be  held  illegal  and  void. 

Section  5.  The  Congress  shall  have  the  power  to  enforce,  by  appropriate  legislation,  the 
provisions  of  this  article. 

ARTICLE  XV. 

Section  i.  The  rights  of  citizens  of  the  United  States  to  vote  shall  not  be  denied  or 
abridged  by  the  United  States  on  account  of  race,  color,  or  previous  condition  of  servitude. 

Section  2.  Congress  shall  have  power  to  enforce  this  article  by  appropriate  legislation. 


